Testimonials

"The Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia was delighted to engage Marjorie Simmins to lead ‘Tell Me Your Story’, an eight-week workshop session in writing memoir. Almost immediately, the workshop was oversubscribed and participation, enthusiastic. We’ve rarely had such positive written feedback:

"Please give ten out of ten to our instructor: I was especially impressed with her preparation, approachability, and generosity of feedback."

"Marjorie was wonderful, supportive and knowledgeable. One of the strengths of this workshop was how well organized the instruction was and how well thought through, every assignment."

"I’ve never felt so encouraged. Marjorie is a gem. Please persuade her to offer a Memoir Part 2!"

-- Jane Buss, Executive Director, Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia

"Those in the freelance writing game quickly come to understand that to make a success of their careers they have to be many things. Resourceful to be sure. Adaptable to any challenge a client throws their way certainly. They must have an insatiable curiosity and the research skills to deal with that curiosity. And a track record of delivering on time and on budget. Those traits describe the sum and substance of Marjorie Simmins.

She brings a passion to whatever she does that is nothing short of infectious, along with a sense of purpose and determination that are second to none."

-- Colin Moorhouse, Freelance Speechwriter & Communications Instructor

"As a person, I have found Marjorie to be flexible, reliable, and easy to work with. She has an energetic, can-do attitude that has always made her a valuable member of any team. She's an experienced and entertaining communicator, both at the podium and on the page. She's published essays and articles in an impressive array of newspapers and magazines, and has won gold at the National Magazine Awards. She's adventurous and resourceful, and a hard worker.

Marjorie Simmins comes at life with a spirited, irrepressible curiosity and a fundamentally positive outlook. She's a pleasure to work with and to be around. I'm pleased to recommend her to you without qualification."

-- Andreas Schroeder, Rogers Communications Chair, Creative Nonfiction Program, UBC Creative Writing

"[The seminar] was packed with useful information and references, with some fun-filled activities to 'stir the mind'".

-- D. Stevens

"I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar. I came away inspired and with ideas to begin writing."

-- R. Rudderham, 2009

"Marjorie is a gem. Please have her offer a Memoir Writing Course II ."

--D. Gallupe, 2008

"Ten out of 10 for the instructor. I was especially impressed with [Marjorie's] preparation, approachability, generosity in both oral and written feedback, and her expertise in the area of 'group cohesion'."

--M. Comeau, 2008

"Great, thought-provoking assignments, great feedback from Marjorie, strongly supportive group dynamic. I really enjoyed this class, and would not hesitate to take others, or recommend."

-- A. Spurway, 2008

Marjorie's memoir course mentioned in the article Hope, love survive despair