"James Knight's Writer in Residence program has had a profound impact on our students, sparking a newfound passion for creative writing and storytelling. His engaging workshops and personalized feedback helped students find their unique voices, resulting in a noticeable improvement in their writing skills. The program also fostered a deeper appreciation for literature, inspiring many students to pursue their own writing projects beyond the classroom. We are incredibly grateful for the inspiration and guidance James provided during his time with us."

"Even if I make mistakes, James Knight politely makes me slowly understand my mistake and corrects me without hurting my feelings. James has also taught me to focus on my different skills of writing that I have not uncovered yet. Thanks to him, I learnt more about my knowledge."

"Working with James Knight was such an amazing experience for me. He taught me lots of writing tactics, story starters, writers’ tools and lots more. He said, “Writing doesn't have to be the best in the world, it's about trying your best.” So, I think that over the five weeks he was with us it was such a privilege."

"I like James Knight because he's really smart and also really good at writing stories. He gives good compliments about other people. He is also a kind person, and is really respectful.  I liked it when I read my story in front of the class."

"James Knight gave me personal feedback, which helped me a lot in my class writing. His feedback is really helping me to write better stories now."

"Your time with us was a very happy experience. We loved the things you said to us to make us improve our writing skills and our imagination. You made the most of us enjoy writing even if we did not like writing. You made us pluck our ideas and put them on the page."

"You gave the students of Delany an experience no one on this planet would've done; you gave them a voice, a sanctuary, a direction, and above all, a belief."

"The past eight weeks were an extraordinary learning experience that taught me the power of my words, my writing, and myself."

"Thank you so much for everything. I have learnt so much about writing and I believe I have become a more confident writer."

"James is such a dynamic and engaging presenter who had our students hanging off his every word. He shared valuable insights on how best to generate ideas that could be weaved into interesting plots. He also encouraged students to explore the power of words and had them experiment with language in practical activities that enhanced their storytelling overall. James had a positive and motivating presence that students warmed to. We look forward to having him back to inspire our next cohort of keen writers. Thank you, James!"  

"James Knight has an interesting past and he told us a lot about his travels across the world, and how that inspired him to write. This inspired me. He also interacted well with the audience, asking some students to come up and answer some questions."

"James was fantastic. Very approachable and made all the students feel comfortable and engaged."  

 

"The workshop was a lot of fun, and all students found James's insight highly engaging and inspiring. James encouraged students to think about the who, what, where and why of stories. He also shared the importance of connection with other people and resilience from his travels around the world including to Africa and India. It was a great afternoon for all involved!"

 

"Your passion for storytelling really energised our kids and it was so lovely to hear the buzz of excitement when you were with them. You got to know the kids and drew on their interests, which helped them learn, and it helped build their confidence."

 

"The author James Knight highlighted the creative aspect of writing which l feel is often neglected in the classroom. I forgot how exciting and intriguing writing could be when it didn’t feel like an assignment."

 

“It was brilliant. The girls loved it and they thought you were very cool---they are excited to send you their stories.”

 

“You had a wonderful way of connecting with the students. So insightful and inspiring.”

 

“He picked a random object in the room and got the Drama boys to build a story, with the object as the starting place, by asking each other questions. Somehow, they managed to get from an ordinary desk chair to a love story between a French ballerina and a man off the streets of Paris...Coming out of the session one of the students remarked: ‘It was really inspiring to hear how these little interactions with people had affected his life in such a major way.’”

 

“You taught us a skill that we will never forget. You taught us to read, express, feel, and communicate. If we didn’t know how to communicate who knows what we would do in this huge world? We will miss you from our heart and soul.”

 

"His presentation had a lasting effect on students that dug deep and transcended well beyond the curriculum."

 

"He (James) expanded our knowledge of how not to just think about the obvious but to go further in and explore the depths of our imagination. By the end of the workshop we learned how to embrace stories and see new angles of our planet. It allowed us to connect with ourselves, the community and our world."

 

“The session (online) today was everything. Your words are so beautiful, and your approach to the students was fantastic. The openness you show, and the humble way you explain the world and relationships between us made the students feel secure.”

 

"What a pleasure it was to have you face-to-face with our students. You made them think beyond their own lives and worlds. You are so right: storytelling connects us in such powerful ways."

 

"He turned the seminar room into a playground - a place where we could embrace our natural and inner-child instincts. James taught us in his special, flamboyant way how to be vulnerable when telling a story, and the many ways we could explore a single concept. To this day, James Knight remains the single most memorable guest to ever come in that room."

 

"Your workshop was fantastic. I am sure the students got heaps out of the session, as I have never seen students  so eager and involved."

 

"What makes James stand out is that he genuinely loves what he does and has a deep passion for hitting the heart and souls of young learners especially those that come from less advantaged backgrounds. He does this with kindness, patience, energy, adaptability and an open mind. James is a real pot of gold with so much to give. "

 

"I commend Mr Knight’s initiative to you as one that has great potential as a vehicle for communication, connection and creativity for young people. We need to give these sorts of opportunities back to young people so that they know what they have to say and write is meaningful, respected and above all, valued"

 

“James has attended our last three Literature Festivals and has proven to be a great success with both the boys and the staff. He is a very entertaining and engaging speaker who can hold an audience with his stories. James’ passion and enthusiasm for storytelling is evident in his workshops and presentations. He’s already on our list for the 2023 LitFest.”

 

“James came all the way from Australia to speak to us. It was a night I will never forget. His connection with humanity is a lesson for us all. Thank you, James. Thank you so much.”