Testimonials

Fiona’s Masterclass took me from a blank page to authoring The Eighth Wonder published by Penguin Random House, within three short years. Fiona’s course is one of a kind. Not only will she let you in on her secrets to creating an accountable writing discipline, but she will teach you how to drive compelling, page-turning commercial fiction and finally, you’ll gain first-hand experience pitching to a real, live publisher! Once you experience the magic of Fiona’s Masterclass, there is no turning back. So beware! Great things can happen.

Genre

Publisher

Penguin Random House

A few years ago, a colleague who read Tarot cards told me I was about to find a new love (even though I was happily married!). It wasn’t until the following year when I enrolled in a professional writing class that I realised the new love my colleague had predicted was actually creative writing.

Within a short time of discovering this new past time I had entered and won my first writing competition and had some short works published. But I just could not catapult the novel I had been working on into the arms of a publisher.

Attending the Fiction Masterclass introduced me to the astoundingly talented Fiona McIntosh, taught me precisely what had to change in my writing, and helped me to meet other passionate writers. And I have now also finally discovered the numbing bliss of opening an email announcing that a large publishing house wants my novel!

Genre

Commercial Women's Fiction

Publisher

HarperCollins Impulse

If you are serious about writing a novel, attend one of Fiona McIntosh’s masterclasses. You’ll gain invaluable insights into the world of publishing and fantastic tips from one of our most prolific authors.

Genre

Publisher

I started writing Dating the Alphabet as a sitcom, but after spending a year or two trying to get it up I realised my best chance was to actually write it as a book. Great idea but I really didn’t know how to do it, so after a few false starts and dwindling enthusiasm I went looking for the best teacher to help me get back on track.

Fiona’s Commercial Fiction Masterclass really stood out from other courses on offer, not only because Fiona was at the helm, but because of all the opportunities the course offered. A supportive and positive environment, feedback both in writing and from Fiona personally, plus a three minute pitch with a publisher. I knew these opportunities were invaluable and highly sought after, and here they were being offered in one course!

I’m so excited that Dating the Alphabet is being published as an ebook with HarperCollins later this month and I know if I hadn’t done Fiona’s Masterclass it would still be floundering and this would all still be just a pipe dream. The course will inspire, motivate and give you opportunities that you won’t get anywhere else, and the cherry on top is you get to know Fiona!”

Genre

Commercial Fiction

Publisher

HarperCollins

Before I attended the Commercial Fiction Masterclass, I’d done all the writing courses, read all the writing books and written manuscripts in every genre, and I wasn’t sure why I’d never been published.

In one week, Fiona transformed me from a flip-flopping procrastinating over-planner into a gun-slinging organised professional. She didn’t just give me tips on how to make my writing better, and some amazing contacts in the industry (although that was all in there), but she changed the way I write forever.

After five days I was ready to go after my publishing aspirations with gusto. Now I’m writing more and have more confidence in my writing than I’ve ever had before. And I had fun along the way and formed a great bond with and an amazing bunch of like-minded scribes. Fiona is such a passionate, supportive, generous and knowledgeable person. She knows how to nurture writers of any age and any genre, and most importantly she will be the boot up your bum that most writers need to transform them from dreamers into doers!

And I’ve just recently been signed! My first children’s book will be published with a major international publisher next year.

I honestly feel the Masterclass is one of the best things I’ve ever done for my writing, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It will blow your mind.”

Genre

Children's Fiction

Publisher

Scholastic Australia

I split my writing journey into BM and AM – Before Masterclass and After Masterclass – because those five days with Fiona were such a turning point for me. From the first day, Fiona advised I should utilise my unique working background and write in a different genre to the manuscript I was working on. However, I didn’t believe I could do the genre justice and plugged away on other manuscripts, with no success. A few years later, Fiona’s words again ringing in my ears after her inaugural National Masterclass Conference, I finally believed in myself enough to take her advice.

I recently got ‘the call’ from HarperCollins Australia, offering me a two-book contract. My debut psychological thriller will be published in 2022.

My advice to aspiring authors is to sign up to Masterclass and listen to Fiona’s advice – both will change your life!

Genre

Publisher

Soon to be published with HarperCollins Australia

Fiona McIntosh is a force of nature. Her Commercial Fiction Masterclass will sweep you up, inspire you and put your writing on the right track. And it doesn’t end when the Masterclass is over. Fiona’s support and generosity extends way beyond those five days. She continues to champion and encourage her alumni through the travails and triumphs of their writing lives. I will forever be grateful to Fiona for everything she’s done to ensure The Last of the Apple Blossom was given its best chance to shine through Harlequin Books ANZ.

Genre

Publisher

Harlequin Books ANZ

It’s been an amazing six years, more than I could have imagined, and it all started with you.

Genre

Publisher

Yes—we’d like to publish your book. The words came four paragraphs into the email when I’d almost given up hope … the seven best words I’ve ever read. And it probably wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t participated in Fiona McIntosh’s Popular Fiction Masterclass in April 2013. After five days with Fiona, and a room full of other inspiring writers, I came away knowing commercial fiction was what I write, and what I want to write … I feel the life I was made for has finally begun in earnest. My first book comes out at the beginning of 2015 – and aren’t they just the sweetest words!

Genre

Commercial Fiction

Publisher

Penguin

Attending Fiona’s mini-masterclass was a turning point for me. Whether you are planning your first sentence, or editing a completed book, every moment of this program is gold. Fiona’s insider knowledge and generosity of spirit creates an exciting, entertaining and safe learning space. I was feeling defeated when I walked in, and enthusiastic and confident when I walked away. A major new publisher for ANZ acquired my manuscript soon after.
My debut novel, String Theory will be published by Ultimo Press in 2022.

Genre

Publisher

Soon to be published with Ultimo Press

This course made me convert 'maybe one day' into 'okay do it'. It was a very helpful introduction to the realities of the publishing industry.

The camaraderie with fellow students is something I treasure. Fiona is such a warm, knowledgeable and thoughtful teacher.

Genre

Publisher

Without reservation or hesitation I can honestly say that Fiona McIntosh and Masterclass got me published. I’d gone back and forth in making a decision about whether to commit and attend, weighing up so many options and things in my life at the time, but now, as I sit in front of my computer with a book deal with Harper Collins and a career as a writer, I am so thankful I made the right choice.

As I sat in the picturesque setting of The Adelaide Botanic Gardens on the first day of Masterclass, I watched as one after the other, strangers similar to me, entered the room. The atmosphere was extraordinary. Common goals, excitement and so much to look forward to saw us launch into our writing with fierce determination. Fiona set tasks that made me think, took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to see things from perspectives I hadn’t considered. Sometimes it was hard and sometimes it was easy, but it was always fun.

An inspiring teacher and someone who will tell you like it is, Fiona immediately told me what was working in my writing and what wasn’t. She armed me with the tools I needed and went a step further in introducing me to the very publisher who would eventually contract my book.

I cannot thank Fiona and the Popular Fiction Masterclass enough for this amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity. (The snacks and coffee were also to die for!)”

Genre

Commercial Fiction

Publisher

HarperCollins

Having access to the knowledge that Fiona shares with humour and generosity was a fabulous opportunity. What I learned at the Masterclass made me look at my writing with fresh eyes, to rework and rethink. Made me realise I was a professional, put my fingers to the keyboard and my bum on my chair and just get on with it.

Besides Fiona’s expertise, the Masterclass provided the opportunity to engage with fellow writers who had a variety of experience across many genres. Fiona very quickly had us feeling like a family, working with each other in a comfortable environment that allowed us to test and share without fear of failure. It was amazing. We still keep in touch, supporting and encouraging each other.

Without a doubt the Masterclass is a valuable opportunity. Fiona delivers a total package – a writing course that not only gives you hands on experience and access to a wide range of writing strategies and tools but also empowers you to believe in yourself as a writer. If you’re committed to becoming the best writer of commercial fiction you can be – this is the class for you.”

Genre

Romance

Publisher

Harlequin