Frequently Asked Questions
How do we know if we’ll be a good fit? Do you offer free consultations?
If you are interested in working with me for a manuscript consultation, or considering joining a class or writing group I am happy to provide a free 20-minute phone conversation. Otherwise, we can email first and see if a call is needed. You can also learn a lot about me and what I believe about teaching creative writing by perusing my newsletter, testimonials and bio.
For writers interested in participating in my ongoing workshops, once you apply and you’re accepted I invite you to attend an introductory session, which is free. Fill out a contact form to get in touch.
Are your classes and writing groups tailored for beginner, advanced or intermediate writers?
My writing groups tend to be tailored for more advanced writers, or at least writers who have or wish to have a regular writing practice, even if it’s just daily or weekly journaling. These groups are ideal for writers who are ready to receive detailed feedback from an MFA educated instructor as well as their peers.
Writing the Body is appropriate for writers of any experience level.
Intro to Memoir is great for beginner writers, or more experienced writers of fiction and other genres who have never tried working in memoir.
I try my best to label the classes as beginner, intermediate or advanced in the class description. Feel free to get in touch if you would like clarification - I always want to match the writer with the appropriate class that will welcome them but also challenge them and give them room to grow.
Do you work with kids who are interested in writing?
No, I do not. At the moment all of my classes are geared toward adult (18+) writers of nonfiction and fiction.
When are you next teaching your writing the body class or intro to memoir?
You can subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Instagram for the latest information on when I am teaching these classes locally and online.
If you are an organization, arts council, book club or college that is interested in inviting me to teach these classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Do you offer scholarships?
I offer a limited number of scholarships or sliding scale packages each year to writers who identify as disabled and would otherwise not be able to afford my workshops or writing services. Contact me here if you’re interested in a scholarship or if you’re interested in contributing to scholarships.
How can I help disabled writers access your classes and services?
Our classes, our work and our lives are so enriched when we hear from a wide variety of diverse voices. I launched a scholarship fund for writers who identify as disabled when I began teaching my Writing the Body class. I was able to raise two full scholarships that went to disabled writers who applied to attend. Going forward, I would like to raise money for future Writing the Body scholarships, as well as scholarships to attend my other offerings.
To read more about why this fund is important, or to donate, click the button below.
Thank you in advance for amplifying and supporting disabled voices.
How can I further support your writing and teaching?
If you enjoyed taking a class with me, feel free to recommend my classes or writing groups to a writer friend!
You can also support my work by subscribing to my newsletter. By supporting me you are supporting the literary ecosystem at large.
Can you point me toward organizations that support and uplift the voices of disabled writers and artists?
Zoeglossia, a community for poets with disabilities
Disabled Writers: a resource to help editors connect with disabled writers and journalists, and journalists connect with disabled sources. Their goal is to promote paid opportunities for multiply marginalized members of the disability community, and to encourage editors and journalists to think of disabled people for stories that stretch beyond disability issues.
Awesome Disability: Launched in April 2017, Awesome Disability is an independent chapter of the Awesome Foundation, a global community that provides micro-grants with no strings attached.
The Disability Dispensary, lots of swag for disabled writers, designed by writer and activist Kelly Dawson
The Inevitable Foundation - In their words, “Empowering mid-level disabled writers with the job placement, professional development, funding, networking and mentorship they need to build thriving careers in the entertainment industry.”
Deaf Artist Residency Program at the Anderson Center: In their words - “Anderson Center at Tower View provides residencies of two to four weeks’ duration from May through October each year. Since 2014 the Anderson Center at Tower View has offered such month-long residencies in alternating years to small groups of Deaf artists, including poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers, whose native or adoptive language is American Sign Language (ASL). Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Anderson Center's Deaf Artist Residency is the only program in the country that is Deaf-centric. It was developed with the goal of contributing to the creation of a network of Deaf culture-creators in Minnesota and the United States.”
Stimpunks Creators Grant: arts grants for disabled and neurodivergent creatives
The Judy Neri Scholarship for Disabled Poets: (The Writer’s Center) In their words: “Judy was was a writer in Silver Spring, Maryland, and a passionate supporter of the DC area poetry community. In Judy’s memory, each year, The Writer’s Center will award scholarships of $250 to 4 recipients (which may be used toward 1 or more workshops at The Writer’s Center).”
NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship
VSA Playwright Discovery Program at The Kennedy Center (ages 14-19)
Do you know of any additional opportunities for writers who identify as disabled? Let me know!