Press Reviews

• John-Paul Flintoff, author of How To Change the World

  Few writers can share what they know like Elise Valmorbida, and even fewer teachers can write like her. But her greatest talent is her belief in other people's creative potential, and in the potential for creativity to bring happiness. Relevant to both seasoned writers and newbies alike.

• Bryony Lavery, award-winning playwright, author of Frozen

  Beautiful, clear, wide-reaching and hugely generous to readers.

• Oliver Kamm, author and columnist

  There are many guides to good writing but none as valuable as this. In The Happy Writing Book, Elise Valmorbida... explains with acute insight how to convey your thoughts and ideas to the distant reader, while wearing very lightly her expertise in literary criticism. The result is both a stylistic revelation and a pleasure to read.

• Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin, authors of The Novel Cure: An A-Z of Literary Remedies

  Insightful, inspiring and brimming with useful tips, it's the friendliest guide you'll find to being a writer. Elise Valmorbida shows that the writing process, like the reading process, has all sorts of desirable side effects.

• Daniela F. Sieff, anthropologist and author of Understanding and Healing Emotional Trauma

  Elise Valmorbida's teaching is life-affirming. She imparts information in a way that is accessible and vibrant. She takes the fear out of writing, and inspires students to discover their own voice. I was already writing when I did a course with Elise, yet I discovered new tones of voice that surprised and delighted me. The Happy Writing Book makes Elise's gifts as a teacher available to all.

• Warren Coleman, co-writer and co-director of Happy Feet

  Most provocative and insightful. A keen distillation of years' worth of experience, imagination and wisdom - and a delight to read - which will stay with me and keep provoking me.

• George Palmer, Director of Communications, Arvon

  Elise has been a wonderful writing tutor for Arvon for many years. We know we can rely on her to give our writers the right balance of thoughtful insight and supportive encouragement. This book encapsulates that teaching experience and wisdom. Sure to leave you a Happy Writer.