Individual Coaching

My coaching - on an individual basis, in person, by phone and online via Skype or e-mail - provides concrete critique on various aspects of fiction writing, (including story development, structure, plotting, character development and dialoque) and creative nonfiction (memoir, biography and personal essay). If you are interested, send me an e-mail and I will explain fees.

Here's what some of my students say about my classes and coaching:

“Marcia is an inspiration. She offers thoughtful and constructive critique and her classroom is a safe place to share and discuss work. She is also an invaluable resource in terms of publishing – she really can help steer you in the right direction toward getting your work published – if that’s your goal.  I highly recommend her as a teacher of writing because she can truly help take your work to a higher level.” – Eva F.

“Always gracious - positive feedback- a wealth of information about publishing, blogging, writing editorials, you name it - Marcia knows her subject inside and out. “ – Gail G.

“When writing books, the value of a second pair of editing eyes can be worth more than rubies. The pair I’ve been using are the patient, and appropriately critical, brown ones belonging to Marcia Meier. It’s a relief not using my frenzied scattergun to shoot in blind alleys that would be dead ends. ‘Is it better this way? Or better that?’ A writer is often inefficient when forced to choose from among her own pages. I find this is frequently true for myself. When Marcia has a creative suggestion, I find my reaction is now an inexorable, ‘Yes, that’s better.’ ” – Carole L.

“I like Marcia’s style of providing new information and then the readings of our contributions. I particularly appreciated her useful comments, the small group and the opinions of others.” – Erline G.

“I have been a published writer for several years, but Marcia's techniques helped me tackle some deeply personal stories that had been tugging at me for a very long time. I appreciate the comfortable environment she offers as well as her willingness to be honest with me.”  - Lisa S.

Upcoming Willow Rock Retreats

In 2010, I will begin offering weeklong guided writing retreats at a private estate in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA. If you are interested in finding out more about the retreats, send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you!