Gravity Principal Stan Abbott brings to his writing training a range of perspectives that set his approach apart from that of more conventional “experts”.
This approach is highly influenced by Stan’s long career in newspapers and magazines and by his early training work with young journalists at the Westminster Press Group. With more than a decade running his own company specialising in book and corporate magazine publishing and, more recently, nearly 20 years editing and publishing consumer magazines, he boasts an immense range of practical skills and knowledge to share with his students.
Stan found himself having to adapt his coaching model for delivery online during the COVID pandemic and, while online tuition will remain an important part of the overall offer, he welcomes a return to face-to-face teaching.
He is also working on previously delayed plans to develop writing courses in interesting locations, including the Canary Islands. Click here to see our Lanzarote partner.
Click here to see the syllabus of a Zoom-based course delivered under the auspices of the Yorebridge adult education centre, in Wensleydale.
What they say about Telling Tales, a writing course held on Zoom in 2021.
“I enjoyed Telling Tales very much indeed – I had no expectations of TT because I’ve never been on a creative writing course before, nor even met anyone who has.
I think it might have improved my writing – it certainly developed my interest in writing more.
Thank You Stan – you are an inspiration.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course, which exceeded my expectations. It became the highlight of my week during the dark days of Lockdown!
I feel my writing has improved: I now write in a more concise and less flowery style, which suits me well.
Stan is an extremely entertaining, encouraging and enthusiastic teacher who has an extensive knowledge of literature. I enjoyed reading the wide selection of examples he brought to the class and discovering writers I had never come across before.
He opened up new genres of writing that I would not normally have considered. He reached out to each individual in the group and tried to find unique ways to help them find their way creatively.
Stan has inspired me to carry on with writing. I am now having personal lessons with him.”
I enjoyed Telling Tales very much. The concentration on grammar was a surprise but it has improved your writing?
I now want to get the book off the shelf and finish it.
Thanks very much!
What they say about Stan’s in-person teaching
It was great fun attending Stan’s classes in Wensleydale a few years ago. He helped us with different styles and types of writing. It was easy to work with him – I never felt pressurised, only guided and encouraged.
Travel writing was my special interest – one week Stan said he’d bring along a friend who did a lot of travel writing. The friend lived in a nearby Dale.
The friend turned out to be Bill Bryson – what a memorable session for us, not just one but two writing tutors, sharing their skills, their ideas and above all giving us inspiration.