New!
Four short courses

Feeling stuck? These short courses are designed to efficiently resolve writing dilemmas and reveal the mysteries of revision and self-editing. The programs are individually tailored, and include editorial guidance on an excerpt of your novel-in-progress, story, or narrative nonfiction project. Each course can be completed in two to four sessions. Choose the one that best corresponds to the current stage of your writing project, or explore several. 
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There are two delivery options: one-on-one, via correspondence and conversation—or in-person, in a small group of fellow writers (limit of four). The one-on-one, correspondence version of these courses offers completely personalized guidance and discussion. The in-person course offers both shared discussion and individual editorial guidance. In-person sessions will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia unless otherwise arranged.
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The courses 

• First Draft. Getting started, establishing a writing practice, and discovering the story. Three sessions. 

• Revision. Revision fundamentals, character and scene development, and creative exploration. Three sessions. 

• Self-editing. Sentence structure, cadence, and flow; narrative conventions; and basic copyediting. Two sessions. 

• Craft Conundrums. Strategies to manage the subtle, complex, or elusive late-stage challenges of point of view, plot, structure, or other narrative elements. Two to four sessions. 

How it works

To reserve your place in a course, simply email with a range of preferred starting dates. We'll go from there. 

Before the first session, you'll have the option of sending an excerpt from your current writing project and/or questions about your manuscript or challenges in your writing practice. I’ll design the course and select readings in response to your queries, and prepare editorial guidance based on your manuscript excerpt. The goal is to eliminate barriers to progress in writing and revision, build confidence, and develop new craft skills. You should come away feeling that you’ve levelled up as a writer.

To reserve a start date, inquire about course fees, or for more information, please email Valerie.

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Workshops
Master classes in revision

These sessions are for writers who have completed a short fiction manuscript (story or chapter) that they’d like to revise in the company of other experienced writers. 

As a workshop member you’ll practice reading as a writer, refine your sense of what a story is, learn to thoughtfully give and receive creative feedback, and participate in intensive, focused discussions of your work. In workshop, you will discover how revision—normally a solitary experience—can be deeply communal.

Participants receive written feedback and an annotated copy of their manuscript from the workshop leader and each of their fellow writers.

​​If you'd like to be among the first to hear about our next workshop, please email us!

​If you have questions, please feel welcome to write. We'll write back!

​Classes
Interactive craft study ​

Participants move together through the drafting process—experimenting with technique, honing skills, and learning to see the sometimes hidden structure of the story. 

You’ll learn to animate character, shape plot, finesse dialogue, reimagine narrative, and calibrate voice with assurance.
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​​If you'd like to be among the first to hear about our next series of classes, please email us!

If you have questions, please feel welcome to write. We'll write back!

Seminars
​​Ideas about writing

These half-day sessions cover topics such as self-editing, how to balance imagination and discipline, and aspects of the writer-editor relationship. 
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We're always thinking up new ideas and would be happy to develop a session for your group or organization. Let's talk!