WRITING WORKSHOPS

Created The Virtual Journalist: arts journalism course: Old Town Hall, Hemel

“Meeting Norma broadened my horizons in so many ways. At the time I was 17 and pretty nervous walking into the Virtual Journalist course, but her warmth and enthusiasm put me at ease and I knew instantly I was in the right place. Being exposed to Norma’s one-to-one professional advice and kind support was invaluable.

By the end of the course I’d practiced interview techniques, reviewed a local play and gained a wonderful mentor. It was never just about leading a course for Norma, she gave her own time and attention to nurturing the hopes and dreams of a future fellow journalist. My first ever newspaper article was published around the same time – a huge milestone – and Norma spurred me on to study journalism at university and travel to China aged 19 to take up an internship at a newspaper in Shanghai.

The course was a great taster of the rewarding and often bonkers career path I chose in journalism. I feel lucky to have had this experience and will always value our chats and the time she gave me.” 

(Judy Cogan, Deputy Editor: Ink global; formerly Deputy Editor, Shortlist Dubai and Lifestyle Editor, Friday Magazine Dubai.)

• Devised creative writing course on Carnival and Migration leading to performance:

Older People’s Festival: Hackney Museum