1st lesson free
Mary's profile and their contact details have been verified by our experts
Mary
- Rate $35
- Response 1h
$35/hr
Contact
1st lesson free
- English
- Creative writing
A former certified educator and journalist with more than 30 years of experience provides creative writing and formal writing lessons
- English
- Creative writing
Lesson location
About Mary
Hello. I want to introduce myself! I am a seasoned educator, journalist, and digital storyteller with over 30 years of experience bridging the gap between information and community. With a Master's in Library and Information Science and a foundation in award-winning journalism, I spent my career mastering the art of the "deep dive"—whether researching complex social issues for Greenhaven Press or developing early literacy programs for the United Way.
Today, I blend my background in traditional media with modern digital expertise. As the voice behind my blog, I share insights on lifestyle and parenting while teaching creative writing and research skills to the next generation. A recipient of the Barbara Bush Grant for library improvement, I remain deeply committed to the idea that clear communication and curious research can change lives.
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About the lesson
- Primary
- High School
- NCEA Level 1
- +5
levels :
Primary
High School
NCEA Level 1
NCEA Level 2
NCEA Level 3
Adult education
Masters
Doctorate
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
Teaching Philosophy and Approach to Creative Writing
My Approach to Teaching Writing
In my writing classes, I emphasize modern techniques and perspectives in creative writing. My goal is to guide students through foundational practices that foster authenticity and engagement in their work. Some of the core techniques I teach include:
* "Write What You Know": This principle encourages writers to draw from their own lives—their memories, emotions, and areas of expertise—to create stories that feel genuine and relatable.
* Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply informing the reader that a character possesses a quality, such as bravery, I encourage students to depict the character performing a brave act. This approach is often associated with writers like Chekhov or Hemingway and reinforced by Stephen King.
*The Unit of Coherence: Following King's guidance, I teach that the paragraph—not the sentence—is the basic building block of writing. The paragraph is where the rhythm and "beat" of the narrative start to form
Workshop Structure
My workshops are intensive and center on technique. Each session incorporates targeted writing prompts and includes group critiques of students' work, fostering an environment of constructive feedback and continuous improvement.
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Rates
Rate
- $35
Pack prices
- 5h: $175
- 10h: $350
online
- $35/h
free lessons
The first lesson with Mary will allow you to get to know each other and discuss your needs for future lessons.
- 1hr
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