Fiction, Craft, and the Emotional Power of Story
I teach writers how to create stories that resonate—stories that feel lived in, emotionally grounded, and meaningful long after the final page.
My approach blends practical craft, real production experience, and a focus on fiction as an emotional experience—not just entertainment, but connection, identity, and sanctuary.
What I Teach
1. Writing Emotionally Resonant Fantasy
Most writing advice focuses on plot and structure. I focus on what makes readers stay.
Core topics:
- Building emotional stakes without relying on spectacle
- Writing “quiet tension” and slower-paced narratives
- Creating characters that feel real, not archetypal
- Using setting as emotional space (not just backdrop)
Best for: Intermediate writers, fantasy writers, book clubs, writing groups
2. Fiction as Sanctuary
(Based on your panel positioning—this is high leverage)
How stories create safety, reflection, and identity for both readers and writers.
Core topics:
- Why readers return to certain stories
- Writing for comfort, healing, and reflection
- The role of familiarity and structure in emotional storytelling
- Balancing conflict with reassurance
Best for: Libraries, literary festivals, community groups, panels
3. From Idea to Finished Story
(Your production experience is a differentiator—lean into it)
Practical systems for actually finishing work.
Core topics:
- Sustainable writing habits
- Managing multiple projects
- Moving from draft to completed piece
- Avoiding burnout while maintaining output
Best for: Beginner to intermediate writers
4. The Reality of Modern Publishing
Grounded, experience-based insight into both indie and traditional paths.
Core topics:
- Indie vs. traditional: tradeoffs that actually matter
- Building a catalog vs. building a single book
- Audience-first thinking for authors
- Long-term career strategy
Best for: Writers preparing to publish
Teaching Style
- Practical over theoretical — everything is actionable
- Discussion-driven — encourages participation and reflection
- Experience-based — grounded in real publishing and writing work
- Accessible — designed for writers at multiple levels
My goal is not just to inform, but to help writers leave with something they can immediately apply to their own work.
Formats
I offer flexible teaching formats depending on the event or organization:
- Workshops (60–120 minutes)
- Multi-session courses
- Guest lectures
- Panel discussions
- Writing group facilitation
Experience
- Founder of Vancouver Genre Writers (VGW)
- Workshop instructor and critique group leader
- Panelist at regional literary and genre events
- 45+ works of fiction published across genres and formats
Ideal Audiences
- Writing groups and communities
- Libraries and literary organizations
- Fantasy and genre conventions
- Emerging and intermediate writers
- Readers interested in the craft behind storytelling
Book Me for Teaching
If you’re looking for a workshop, course, or guest session, I’d be happy to collaborate.
Contact: