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San Francisco's innovative alternative to creative writing instruction
with Thea Sullivan, MFA, MAT
The Intuitive Voice is back in business!
Yes! Thea is once again accepting coaching and editing clients! Please read below to get a sense of things, and then call or email to see what might work best for you.
One-on-one Writing Support
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My one-on-one work with Thea has deepened my understanding of the creative process and allowed me to experience myself as a person who could write. Thea has given me a big piece of what was lost......my voice. Prior to our work my writing caused me such deep shame that it was hard for me to read what I had written. Her gift was to hold me with deep compassion as I witnessed my voice. She put me in the place where I can work to bring my voice forth louder, clearer and truer.
--B. C. |
Whether you're a brand-new or experienced writer, individual support is an unparalleled way to build your confidence, bring your writing to the next level, get helpful feedback on your work, and reach your writing goals. See below for a full description of one-on-one services.
Writing coaching
This on-going relationship provides you with the one-on-one support and accountability necessary to help you reach your writing goals. We use in-person meetings, phone calls, and/or online exchanges, depending on your preference and availability. On a predetermined schedule—usually every two weeks—you send me in-progress written work (at any stage of development) via email attachment along with a process letter (a "how's it going" kind of check-in). I respond via email, in person or by phone, giving you encouragement, feedback, and talking you through challenges that have come up along the way. This is a useful structure if you have a book idea or other on-going writing project and need help making it happen. Coaching keeps you on a realistic writing schedule, helps you get words on paper (whether developmental free-writing or drafts of a project), and supports you in reaching your writing goals.
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I knew I had a story to tell, but I didn't know where to start or, even more difficult, how to stay with it. Thea works with you where you are, whether you are well into the first chapter of your book or just have that nagging feeling you want to get something on the page. She offers direction, support, and deadlines if you need them. She is positive, thoughtful, and professional - she makes what can be a painful process, enjoyable. Thea is a teacher and an artist in her own right. I highly recommend her.
--Jennifer Greene
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Manuscript Consultation
While writing coaching focuses largely on the process of writing,
manuscript consultation hones in more tightly on the written work
itself. This service involves my reading and responding to your
work at basically any level of development, including fairly rough
or new writing. You tell me what kind of feedback you're looking
for and I read with that in mind, typically writing margin notes
and a longer narrative response which I either mail, email, or discuss
with you over the phone. I charge for the sum of time I spend overall,
sticking to a prearranged maximum. Manuscript consultation can be
offered as needed or on a predetermined schedule (where the client,
often with a longer work in progress, sends me installments regularly).
Ms. consultation can also be combined with writing coaching, so
that the focus is both on the product—what's being written—and
the process—how the writing experience itself is going.
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Two years ago, I came to Thea with a thin little manuscript for a novel that I'd been working on on and off over the last few years. It was difficult to find time for it, and I knew there were lots of weak points in the manuscript that could use a more objective and experienced eye. Thea isn't a novelist herself, but she knows her stuff. Today I have a product I truly believe is publishable. With Thea's help, I am editing my current draft and plan to start submitting it to agents early next year.
Nancy Shaffer |
Editing
This involves polishing and proofreading work that's nearly done. Typically, I'll edit a piece, then either write up my comments and mail them (if needed beyond the margin notes) and/or we'll meet in person or by phone to go over my suggestions. I charge for the time I spend doing the editing, and also for any time I spend either writing up my comments (if any) or meeting, sticking within the client's stated limit. Offered on an as-needed basis.
The coaching relationship can last anywhere from a few months to a year or two (I ask for a minimum of 3 hours and have worked with my longest client for 2 years). I have helped people start books, revise books, finish stories and poems, develop or resume a regular writing practice, re-enter their creative life after a long hiatus, prepare for graduate school, and get work ready to submit for publication. My clients come from all backgrounds and experience levels and run the gamut of writing genres from short and long fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to screenwriting, playwriting, songwriting, and writing for marketing purposes. Prospective clients may be required to fill out a questionnaire, send a writing sample, and provide a small retainer.
To find out more, call (415) 722-8492 or email: thea@theasullivan.com
Copyright
2002-2005, Thea Sullivan
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