Publications

“What You Don’t Know Now,” Black Fox Literary Magazine, issue 25 (summer 2023): 70-79. Young Adult Short Story. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize. READ ONLINE

“Essential Manners for Grocery Shopping on a Tuesday Morning,” Reflex Press, May 21, 2021. Flash Fiction. READ ONLINE
 

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Past Speaking Events

Making Emotions Concrete

Saturday, October 21, 2023
SCBWI North and East Bay’s Oktoberfest
San Ramon, CA

To make emotions real to readers, writers need to go beyond the stereotypical eye roll or shrug. Often the tools for making more effective choices already exist in a rough draft. Manuscripts are peppered with objects and character interests that can be used strategically to communicate a character’s emotions to the reader–and make the reader feel them too. Through exercises based on a current work-in-progress, writers will learn how to use metaphors and objects as concrete expressions of emotion and develop a range of options to incorporate into their work.

Teen Flash Fiction Workshop

Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10am-noon
Central Coast Writers’ Conference
San Luis Obispo, CA

In this workshop, you’ll learn to flex your writing muscles by learning how to write Flash Fiction (under 1000 words) and Microfiction (under 300 words). Writing very short fiction is fun and will strengthen your writing in any form or genre as you learn how to compress a story into its essence. We’ll work on creating strong characters and short plot arcs. You’ll learn how to hook your readers, reel them in, and deliver a twist–all in 1000 words or fewer! And because you’ll be writing short, you’ll have a completed piece by the end of the workshop. You’ll also learn about writing contests and other platforms where you can share your stories. Perhaps even more importantly, you’ll get to meet and collaborate with other writers like yourself. 

Speaking Topics

“Evoking Emotions on the Page—and in the Reader’s Heart.” Hope. Devastation. Longing. Jealousy. Rage. Joy. Our characters may feel any number of emotions and as writers we need to communicate those emotions to readers. Ultimately, though, we want our readers to go on an emotional journey of their own. Readers may feel outrage alongside the main character, or they may feel pity or empathy at a character’s explosive anger. Guiding a reader’s emotional journey can be tricky, but you have a secret superpower in this process: your own emotions. In this workshop, we’ll start with a brief look at how the body and brain work together in our experience of emotion. Then we’ll practice different techniques to communicate character emotions and evoke feelings in readers. We’ll also discuss how to leverage your own emotional experiences to create impactful scenes and stories. 90-minute workshop, including time for writing exercises.

“Leave Them Wanting More: connect with your audience through emotionally powerful readings,” co-presented with Erin Nuttall. Reading work aloud is a part of an author’s professional practice. We guide authors toward emotionally impactful readings through scene selection and preparation, document preparation, and how to practice and execute for both online and in-person events. 40-minute presentation, with possible 10-minute add-on for exercises.

“Technical Mastery and Artistry: Discovering the Secret Sauce.” An exploration of the ways that craft and emotion work together in creating art, with practical tools for deepening scenes and characters and time for writers to reflect on their relationship with craft and emotion. 40-minute presentation.

Teaching

I’m currently offering an 8-week course called “Writing Middle Grade for Picture Book Authors” through KidLit Craft. The course is designed to leverage the knowledge of experienced picture book authors and focus only on elements that differ from PB writing. Find out more HERE.

Experience: KidLit Bootcamp, a 2-day intensive introduction to writing for children, with Danielle Sunshine; six years teaching college writing and argumentation; three years teaching college literature courses.

Freelance editing and writing

I take on select editing projects, primarily writing for children, memoir, and projects for independent schools. If you are at a point where you can’t think of how to improve your story, but you know it’s not there yet, it might be time to hire a freelance editor. I love helping writers take their stories to the next level.

I hold a certificate in professional editing from UCBerkeley Extension and served as an editorial assistant at the literary journal English Literary Renaissance.

Contact me