Testimonials
Why Me?
Blue Pencil Session
One-on-One ZOOM Call
A Three-Month Program To Help You Revise Your Novel
So, you wrote a book!
First of all: congratulations! It’s no small thing!
But, truly, it’s through rewriting and revision that your story will start to sing.
Whether you’re on the first draft or the fifth, if you’re struggling to engage with this stage of the process, I can help.
Weekly e-mail check-ins combined with critique and one-on-one ZOOM conversations will keep you embedded in your work and on track.
My insights on elements of narrative arc, character, point-of-view, and other craft and writer-life issues will help you broaden your conceptualization of what you want to say – and how best to say it.
You will deepen your understanding of your characters, themes, structure, and all of the ways you’ve chosen to tell your story “while not knowing what you are doing,” as Jane Smiley so wisely says in 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel.
“You can’t pick the ideal point of view, the right protagonist, the ideal plot, or the perfect setting; you can only pick ones that offer some benefits and some deficits,” she writes. In this three-month program, we will bring a broader awareness to these creative choices so you can consciously expand and enrich your book.
Revision is my favourite part of the writing process. Let me help you deepen your relationship with your work, grow as a writer, improve your manuscript, and ultimately create a richer and better book!
Need less intensive help or want to try out my critique services? Read about my Blue Pencil Critique and Coaching service.
How Does It Work?
Once you register, I’ll ask you to send me a 1-2 page plot outline or synopsis (if you’ve never written one before, I can offer some tips) and an initial submission of 3,000 words.
We will meet on a ZOOM call to talk about your plot outline, your concerns and/or craft questions, and my notes on the first submission. Together, we’ll create an action plan so you’re clear on your next steps.
Every Monday after that, I will send you an e-mail check in so we stay connected. At the end of each month, you will submit a section of your manuscript up to 7,000 words, with a final submission of 3,000 words at the end (for a total of 20,000 words).
I’ll provide you with specific developmental/substantive notes on the submission which you can review before our ZOOM call. On our calls I’ll answer any questions, help you talk through any issues, or assist with issues of motivation, procrastination, and other related topics.
THE PRACTICALITIES
The program starts three times a year: in September, January, and April. I encourage registration at least a week in advance so we can determine our submission and ZOOM dates. I take only three clients per term.
The cost for the three-month program is $1395. You can pay in full or month-by-month at $360/month (with a commitment in place for the full term).
I only accept three clients each session, so if you want to get going on your novel, click the orange button to purchase and choose your start date! I’m excited to read your work and to help you get closer to fulfilling your writing goals!
photo by Anthony Schellenberg
Interested but need funding? Check out your provincial arts councils and the Canada Council for the Arts to see if you might be eligible for grant funding. You could also try a blue pencil critique session with me or take a class to start!
Here’s what some of my clients have said
Tara Borin
A.G.
Who Am I?
what makes me such an expert?
MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph.
Certificate in Teaching and Training Adult Learners from Georgian College.
Have taught writers throughout North America, including Mexico, and online.
In-depth coursework in creativity coaching through the Creativity Coaching Association, including Beginning and Advanced Creativity Coaching 16-week courses with Eric Maisel and the 8-week course Building the Coaching Relationship with Creative Clients.
Published in countless anthologies (including Best Canadian Fiction, selected by John Metcalf), newspapers, and magazines (National Geographic Traveler and the Globe and Mail among others), as well as most major Canadian literary journals: Prairie Fire, the Fiddlehead, Grain, The New Quarterly, and others.
Four books traditionally published, including two novels, with agency representation.
Nominated for the Giller Prize, the Journey Prize, and longlisted multiple times for the CBC Literary Awards in both poetry and fiction.
Winner of the Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction (for my second novel) and past recipient of multiple arts grants, including the Manitoba Arts Council’s Major Arts Award, a $30,000 grant for artists “whose works shows exceptional quality and accomplishment.”
Blue Pencil Critique & Coaching Session
Are you stuck? If you are stymied by structure, confused about character, bewildered by the balance of show and tell, I can help!
What you get:
- A read-through and in-depth critique of up to 20 pages of your work (double spaced, 12-point font)
- I’ll point out strengths, give you questions to consider, and make suggestions for ways to strengthen, focus, or further explore your story, poems, essay, or excerpt from your memoir or novel
- Notes and in-line editorial comments will be emailed
- Questions and discussion of solutions and your next steps over ZOOM
Cost: $200
One-on-One Coaching Call
Sometimes all you need is a single call to figure out where you’re going, talk through a sticky craft issue, set goals, re-orient your practice, or discuss a pesky block. I can also give industry and career advice about agents, publishers, grants, and figuring out what to do with that completed manuscript.
What you get:
- One 60-min call over phone or ZOOM
- We’ll explore where you’re at with your creative practice/project and where you want to be
- We’ll identify manageable goals to get you on your way!
- Once you purchase, I’ll be in touch to set up a time!
Cost: $80/call
Want to know more? I’d love to connect with you…
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