I work one-on-one with a small number of writers who take their creative lives seriously. That doesn’t mean they’re published, or even trying to be. Some have books underway. Others are returning to writing after a long break. Some have never thought about storytelling or prose styling and aren’t yet sure what they’re making, only that something’s trying to be made. Sometimes there’s no goal at all, just the desire to set up a balanced and fulfilling creative practice.
Creativity is a wholistic pursuit. Writing is as much about a well-nourished subconscious and inner life as it is about the actual work. Ideas and inspiration can come at all hours, even as you do other mundane or challenging things. Because of this, the specific work we do together can vary. Sometimes I read pages closely and we talk through them in detail. Other times we brainstorm ideas, examine and sharpen skills, or focus on characters, structure, tone, or how to move forward. In cases without a specific project, we might talk about books, art, discipline, and long-term challenges like creative purpose and doubt. Sometimes I advise non-writers who’ve never made time for their inner lives, who want to read more widely and think about literature in new ways. We read and examine books together. We reflect. We move slowly. The conversation depends on you.
If you’re a writer, I’m drawn to work that feels personal and urgent, and asks honest questions. I like strangeness. I shy away from work that’s trying to fit a moment or a market. I don’t need the work to be polished. I don’t need you to know what it is yet. We can figure that out together.
We meet over Zoom, or in person if we happen to be in the same place. Most people meet with me every few weeks. A mentorship usually lasts three months or longer, but that, too, depends on you.
If you want to have a creative conversation of any kind, send me a note. Tell me what you’re working on (or thinking about), and why you’re reaching out now. You don’t need to know precisely what you’re after, just start where you are.
A glimpse into my creative process