Clay - Literacy tutor - Lavaca
Clay - Literacy tutor - Lavaca

Clay

  • Rate $30
  • Response 1h
Clay - Literacy tutor - Lavaca

$30/hr

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  • Literacy
  • Creative writing

Story developer with independent publisher (over 20 authors and 70 novels) to teach creative writing and finding your voice.

  • Literacy
  • Creative writing

Lesson location

About Clay

George wrote his first short story in first grade (1978) about a boy who woke up to prepare for school. Everything was going wrong, only to have the kid wake up again to realize he was about to repeat the day. He's been telling stories ever since.

A vigorous reader since he picked up his first book, George completed two 100-book challenges during two summers and took pride in the fact that he's read every Texas Bluebonnet Award book nominee who was listed from 1980 to 1984. It was also at this time he discovered the kind of books that children weren't probably supposed to read, like the works of Ian Fleming, HG Wells, Issac Asimov, Edgar Allan Poe, Ray Bradbury, Robert E. Howard, Jules Verne, Alexander Dumas, Louis L'Amour, Arthur Conan Doyle, John le Carré, and Gothic Romances (Women With Great Hair Fleeing Dark Houses). He's also read an entire encyclopedia set about the stories of the Bible and all of the Time-Life Old West books before he was eight years old. (He still has the original set his parents owned with the index, and for a long time, it was a point of tension with his mother about whether or not he would give them back.)

Before junior high, he also discovered Dungeons & Dragons and the world of role-playing games. This led to ghostwriting and editing some RPGs during the d20 boom.

Being half-deaf, watching movies and TV shows was challenging before closed captioning became widely available. In college, he discovered foreign films, movies, and TV shows with English captioning built right in. This developed his appreciation for stories being accessible from around the world. He's a bit of a cinephile and will often guess the lines and "plot twists," much to the amusement and dismay (respectively) of his family.

What does this have to do with teaching you creative writing? To quote the founder of Roan & Weatherford, Casey Cowan, "George is the best story developer I've ever met. It just comes naturally to him." It wasn't just instincts but the accumulation of stories and insight across different mediums about what works and doesn't.

He has developed over 70 novels across various genres and reading levels and has begun working on a story-development guide to help teach others what to look for.

George is also a 20-year newspaper veteran and freelancer for an online high school sports website. He can accurately predict what penalty will be called during a football game.

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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 Method and Techniques:

As a creative writing tutor, my approach centers on fostering a supportive and stimulating environment where students can explore their creativity and hone their writing skills. I use interactive and practical methods, including guided writing exercises, constructive feedback sessions, and personalized assignments tailored to each student's interests and skill level. By focusing on the fundamentals of storytelling—such as character development, plot structure, and narrative voice—I help students build a solid foundation while encouraging them to experiment with different genres and styles.

Typical Lesson Plan:

A typical lesson begins with a brief discussion to understand the student's interests and goals. This is followed by a focused writing exercise designed to develop a specific skill, such as creating vivid descriptions or crafting compelling dialogue. We then review and discuss the exercise, offering feedback and suggestions for improvement. The lesson concludes with an assignment reinforcing the day’s learning and encouraging further practice. For instance, a lesson might involve analyzing a short story, identifying its key elements, and writing a similar piece using those techniques.

What Sets Me Apart as a Tutor:

What sets me apart is my extensive experience in writing and editing. I have workshopped with over 20 authors in various genres, helping them develop their manuscripts from initial concepts to polished works ready for publication. This background has given me a deep understanding of the creative process and writers' challenges. My ability to provide insightful, actionable feedback and commitment to nurturing each student’s unique voice and vision make me a valuable mentor for aspiring writers.

Who the Lessons Are For:

My lessons are designed for anyone, from middle school students to retired individuals, who want to learn the basics of creative writing or branch into other genres. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore your creativity or an experienced writer aiming to refine your craft, I tailor my instruction to meet your needs and help you achieve your writing goals.

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Rates

Rate

  • $30

Pack prices

  • 5h: $150
  • 10h: $300

online

  • $30/h

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levels

Primary

High School

NCEA Level 1

NCEA Level 2

NCEA Level 3

Adult education

Masters

Doctorate

All languages in which the lesson is available

English

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free lessons

The first lesson with Clay will allow you to get to know each other and discuss your needs for future lessons.

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