Writer's Workshop
About
I’m the only editor, tutor, and creative coach in Greater Austin who uses the Amherst Writer’s & Artists methods to nurture authors and polish their writing. Workshops are a specialty. I’ve been a panelist at the Writer’s League of Texas Third Thursday program, speaking on workshopping fundamentals. I’ve been a League member for more than 25 years as a volunteer, as conference faculty, as an editing resource, and as an author.
I’ve been editing authors for more than three decades: books, stories, and articles, in fiction, memoir, and nonfiction. I’ve published a novel, Viral Times. Manuscripts from my two forthcoming books, a historical novel and a memoir, have earned their way to Finalist shortlists in the Writer’s League of Texas contest.
Four novelists have been traditionally published after working in my manuscript groups; one earned her way to the New York Times Bestseller List. The Workshop’s writers have won or been named Finalists in the Writer’s League of Texas Manuscript Contest.
I volunteer at the Austin Bat Cave literacy program, tutoring in public schools. I served a three-year tour of duty in the US Army to pay for my college degree through the GI Bill. I’ve also cycled 30,000 miles over the last 15 years, starting with fundraising rides for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Dozens of miles a week on a bike are good practice for finishing something long like books.
The Writer's Workshop is a professional practice to serve authors with book editing, 1:1 and group coaching, and workshop groups for creativity and book development. I help spark creativity in writers and polish their work, leading peer response and Creation Groups that meet monthly, weekly, and online.
Building upon my certification in the Amherst Writers & Artists methods, as well as training with creativity coaching guru Eric Maisel, I help writers grow stories. I lead groups for enterprises such as Yelp's community managers, as well as writers building books and stories in Austin and around the world, using teleconference tools. My Write Skills series of videos offers 3-minute lessons on the fundamentals of writing and creativity.
My greatest joy is watching a student or author improve their craft and being a greater gusto to the practices of writing. When they finish a creation they can admire their dedication and devotion to sharing a part of themselves with the world.
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Students send their writing in advance -- just a sample if we're working on technique, more if polishing an essay -- for my review before we meet. Our first meeting sets goals and deadlines, including assignments to practice between tutoring
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I’m a certified Amherst Writers & Artists workshop leader and have trained other leaders. My book coaching is based on creative coach training with Dr. Eric Maisel, a psychologist and author of 14 books on creativity.
I volunteer at the Austin Bat Cave literacy program, tutoring in public schools.
I’m the only editor and creative coach in Greater Austin who's trained in the Amherst Writer’s & Artists methods to nurture authors and polish their writing. Workshops are a specialty. I’ve been a panelist at the Writer’s League of Texas Third Thursday program, speaking on workshopping fundamentals. I’ve been a League member for more than 25 years as a volunteer, as conference faculty, as an editing resource, and as a published author.
To help writers from inspiration to publication, I call on my University of Texas journalism degree; studies in prestigous festivals such as Iowa’s Summer Writing programs and workshops at the Tin House summer seminars; coaching and instruction from Writer’s League of Texas professionals such as novelist Karen Stolz; training from the American Copy Editing Society; plus seminars with plot master Donald Maass and writing guru Natalie Goldberg.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I tutor at $50 for a one-hour session.
How did you get started teaching?
I wrote for 35 years as a journalist, explaining in articles the details of business and tech. I have also trained as an actor. The writing and performance, including the improvisation that drives great teaching, blended well. I turned my writing from journalism to fiction 16 years ago and trained in programs that connected me with with authors and writers. I learned to teach 1:1 by leading workshops, coaching writers, and editing authors.
What types of students have you worked with?
ESL writers
Middle school writers
High school essay writers
High school creative writers
Post graduate professionals
Second career novelists and memoir writers
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A two-semester class with fourth graders at Sims Elementary in Austin was a part of my Austin Bat Cave enrichment tutoring. A team of Bat Cave teachers led smalll groups of promising writers in developing grammar and storytelling skills, culminating in a finished story published in the Bat Cave's annual anthology.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure your tutor has seen your writing before you hire them to extend your skills. Arrive at your first meeting with a clear goal to pursue. It helps establish a schedule and a deadline. Have them assess your writing in writing.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kind of a writer do I want to be?
What are the writing skills I need for my learning career?
How will I use the instruction and advice I get from my teacher?
Can my teacher be flexible enough to help me meet on a regular basis?