Welcome!

If you write memoir or other nonfiction and need a quality writing professional, you’ve come to the right place. I'm a writer, memoir teacher, book consultant, writing coach, and full-service editor with 30 years' experience helping and inspiring thousands of writers. My online memoir writing classes reach people around the world and my memoir classes in Sonoma County and the San Francisco Bay Area have enhanced lives year-round since 1996. I'm devoted to the joy of writing from the heart and to the beauty and power in language, whether the goal is personal or publishing. Some people call me a book midwife. Most people are just glad they called me.

WRITING MEMOIR

Every life story has the potential to be an extraordinary memoir. I know the power and value of the true story well told. That's why I'm committed to new and experienced writers uncovering the gems of their experience and bringing to life the people and events that have helped make them who they are. It's a transformative journey, and an insightful, experienced guide is an invaluable asset.

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CONSULTANT

Have an idea for a memoir and need help developing its theme and shape? At work on a nonfiction book that's reading too dry? Writing a potential best-seller and not sure what makes a winning book proposal? Maybe you want to know your best publishing route: traditional or indie (e-book). I consult on it all and guide writers to success.

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EDITOR

Writing takes dedication. It wants first drafts from an inspired place followed by review and rewriting. Professional editing comes next, drawing out a book's strengths, making sure the voice is vivid, the tone consistent, the scenes well drawn, and the theme clear and compelling. The polish completes it: I copy edit for grammar, punctuation, and good flow. Then it's time to get published.

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