Areopagus Online
About
Pursuing a career in professional writing and creative writing began with University level education. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in Writing and Communication Studies, I moved to LA to write screenplays professionally. I was made head writer for a film with James Franco as executive producer.
After finishing the script for James Franco, I went on to write several others that received great recognition. One script was given a quarterfinals spot in a major script competition and yet another made semifinals.
Teaching technical and creative writing finds its roots in my intense linguistic and poetic training in college. Studying the in-depth science of language is foundational in becoming a better writer or reader. Add years of training under local poet and legend Henry Hughes (still a close friend) as well as professional scrutiny from James Franco, my ability to diagnose, teach, and explain writing in a slough of genres is incomparable.
I've been a reoccurring paid judge for national poetry competitions and an award winning screen writer.
My career is the result of academic based training and I approach tutoring from the same perspective.
I love the relationships that are built for a lifetime. I love the rich connection writing/english/literature has to other subjects such as history, logic, or philosophy.
Telling stories for a living is a passion, and I've been able to achieve that passion.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to figure out their goals in terms of future academic plans and future career plans.
I also like to understand their personal interests and try to find strengths and weaknesses in both learning styles and the specific subject matter.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Associates of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Training under writer/poet Henry Hughes
Training under Actor/writer James Franco
Training under Writer/Author Meedo Taho
Training under linguistic expert/author Cornelia Paraskevas
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25/hour
How did you get started teaching?
For all writing jobs and opportunities I have had, I was made head writer and or editor. I naturally had to become a teacher given the formal training I've had while working with other writers in the professional world. Other writers may have great creative skill or a good reputation, however, I pursued writing via academia and specifically in the science of language and the terse art of poetry.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with other writers in my field.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure they are capable of explaining the basics of the English language. Everything else builds off this foundation. You also need someone who is a good people person and likes interpersonal interactions. Writing, grammar, linguistics, and english or literature are nuanced subjects. They require interest on the part of the teacher and a lot of time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think through your goals for learning.
Think through your weaknesses and strengths in the subject.
Think through how you would make your concerns known if you aren't understanding the material well. How can you let the tutor know what you need or want to know?