ABOUT ME
Two things I have never been accused of being are shy and concise. While many hate writing pages like this, I will take any excuse to tell a story. So, if you want the highlights, here they are. If you are along for the ride and want to see how these seemingly random credentials fit together, the obnoxiously long-winded version is below. Enjoy!
Education​
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BA Drama - University of Toronto at Scarborough
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Writing for Film & Television Certificate - Vancouver Film School
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MMus Voice Performance - Western University
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Acting - American Academy of Dramatic Arts (1 year)
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Publishing Certificate with a Specialist in Publishing for Children - Toronto Metropolitan University
Select Experience​
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Editorial Consultant for 5 different literary agencies (Currently with 5 Otter Literary)
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Writer of Graphic Story Study Guides for Opera Atelier's Education Program
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Board Member/Chair Position for Editors Toronto (3 years)
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Board Member/Chair Position for Toronto Romance Writers (2 years, current Conference Program Chair)
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A co-venture with writer, agent and editor Lindsay Leggett
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We are a writing education company devoted to helping writers gain skills and knowledge in writer's craft
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We offer a course and workbook that takes you through the process of writing a novel, from idea to outline to choosing your publishing path
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Best for new and emerging authors. This will give you the foundations you need to write more efficiently and avoid many of the pitfalls newer writers can fall into.
THE WRITER
Admittedly, I became a writer a bit reluctantly. My first dream for myself was to be a performer, ideally in musicals on Broadway. I spent about 25 years taking voice lessons, studying at university, and eventually went to acting school in NYC. But every time I set out to turn my dreams into a reality, it didn't happen. And while it's an industry that requires getting invited into the room, I think that was mostly my own doing.
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Throughout all of those years of trying to perform, in the background I was also writing. I started writing plays and when I graduated from my undergrad and didn't feel ready to jump into acting auditions, I went to Vancouver Film School to studying writing instead. I loved it so much. Looking back, I think this was the first place where I felt like I belonged instead of constantly feeling like an imposter who wasn't good enough. I became passionate about studying story structure, learned to not be too precious about my writing as we produced 100 new pages a week and threw out 90 of them, and learned how to edit and collaborate with other writers.
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When I graduated, I had folded writing somewhere into my life goals but hadn't yet said goodbye to the dream of performing. I put writing on the back burner through more school in Music, that program in New York, and eventually tried to get my foot in the door (and fulfilled another bucket list item) by working as an entertainment and karaoke host on cruise ships.
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Through it all, I did still write but not seriously. It was my escape and where I could go to feel good at something for a few hours. (Yes, I agree that I should have taken the hint at least a decade before I did!) When I got back to land, through a few acts of fate, I decided to start pursuing freelance editing. And, I will admit that this stopped me from producing my own stories for a few years as I was navigating running a business and helping other writers realize their dreams.
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I found my own writing again a few years ago. I am currently creating novels, musical theatre pieces, resources for writers, and graphic stories. I admit that I still find it hard to prioritize my own writing and frequently find myself lost in other people's stories instead. I am trying to do better. (That's why I made myself put this section before The Editor, even though I know that section is probably more relevant any visitors!)
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THE EDITOR
Picking up where the above story left off, I started working professionally as an editor somewhere around 2016. And it felt like finding a missing puzzle piece right from the beginning. I had developed a near obsession with studying story structure since my days at Vancouver Film School, and had consistently provided feedback to classmates after graduation. I also, somewhere in those years between VFS and NYC, I became a reader for a literary agency that specialized in film. This had me going through their submissions, writing reports on each and recommending my favourites to the agents. This was a crash course in both story and quickly pinpointing the strengths and weaknesses of every submission.
To further my training, I completed the Publishing Certificate program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formally Ryerson) and took supplementary classes from the Creative Writing program at the University of Toronto and attended a number of seminars with Editors Toronto. At the same time, I became an editorial consultant with literary agencies, eventually working at The Rights Factory and now 5 Otter Literary.
Today, I work as both an editor and a writing coach with clients at all stages of their publishing journey. I especially love working with first-time authors, both those seeking to self and traditionally publish. My philosophy is that any idea that you have invested your heart and time into can be made into a great book – but it takes a lot of work and perseverance to get there. Through my editing and coaching work, as well as through our efforts at StoryCraft, I hope to make publishing an achievable and accessible goal to as many aspiring authors as possible.
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MY EDITING STYLE
Your editor is one of your closest partners in your writing and I take that responsibility very seriously. While I try to cater my services to what every author needs, I know that this is a relationship that can't thrive without a strong and trusting connection. I'm not going to be the right fit for every writer but for those that I am, I hope to build long and fruitful relationships.
I sort of feel like finding the right editor is a little like online dating. So, here is my profile:
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I am thorough and provide long evaluation letters. My approach is that I want to hit any problem from as many angles as possible when it comes to finding the right solution. I explain my feedback with as much detail as possible, as I never know what is going to resonate with an author most and spark that perfect solution.
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I am always pushing for the best possible version. I don't hold back and am not one to sugarcoat things (you can thank my Dutch heritage!) If I see something that could be improved, I will point it out. But I will also never present a problem without helping to find the road to a solution.
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I approach everything from my experience as a writer first. I do my best to get to know how you work as a writer and adapt any suggestions I made to that. Some people work better with outlines or working in sections. Some struggle more with staying in a project while others can get overwhelmed with rewrites. I strive to stay with you every step of the way.
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I like to start at the substantive stage with all clients and will only go as far as line/stylistic editing. I don't like to do line work on pieces without feeling confident that the story editing is complete. And while I'm qualified and have worked as a copyeditor, that is not where my passions or greatest skills lie. For those who need copyediting, I have trusted colleagues that recommend once you are ready for this stage.
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I specialize in genre fiction, especially stories with potential to be adapted for film and television. My approach to story is based in my experience working in mostly models like Three Act Structure. The Hero's Journey, and Seven Point Structure.
Think I might be a good fit?
THE SPEAKER & HOST
Speaking about writing is one of my favourite things to do, as it not only allows me to share my passion for storytelling but also combines many different paths that I have been on -- as everything from a performer, to an events host, to a writing coach and editor. One of the ways that I have stayed current and involved within the Toronto literary community is by working with member groups (Editors Toronto and Toronto Romance Writers) as a program coordinator. This has allowed me to see what best serves attendees as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and panelist. I also love being a moderator and host for panels, speakers, or really anything literary. I am adept at filling all of these roles both in person and online.
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TOPICS I HAVE PRESENTED ON:
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How to Choose an Editor​
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The Editorial Process
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Imposter's Syndrome and the Barriers of Breaking into Editing
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TOPICS I AM READY TO PRESENT ON:
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Story Structure and How to Outline
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Choosing The Right Tense and Perspective
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Scene Building
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Creating Rhythm & Balance Within Your Writing
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How to Pitch & Creating Your Logline
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Writing a Killer Synopsis & Blurb
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I am especially passionate about the structure of story and writer's craft.
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If what you are looking for is not here, check out our offerings at StoryCraft. We are an educational company devoted to helping new writers to improve their writer's craft and build the processes and habits needed to build a successful and sustainable writing career.
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