Writing x Writers

Founded by Pam Houston and Karen Nelson, Writing x Writers is a nonprofit that with a mission to create a rigorous and compassionate to learn the art of reading and writing from accomplished writers. The nonprofit offers a variety of programs all over the country and internationally, from generative weekends to an intensive two-year manuscript finishing program, DRAFT.

Samantha is an exceptional teacher and editor. She knows how to “get” an author’s voice, how to help her write the best book that she wants to write. In my case, the proof speaks for itself—the book she helped me with ended up on the New York Times Extended Best Seller’s list. She also, of course, writes great books of her own!”

— Elyn R. Saks, author of The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

Esalen Institute Writers Camp

Founded by Cheryl Strayed over a decade ago, this generative workshop in the idyllic piece of heaven in Big Sur, California, helps new and established writers alike hit the “reset” button on their work and offer fresh ideas and insights into the writing process. The 2019 faculty includes me, Steve Almond, Pam Houston, Lidia Yuknavitch, Lynell George and special guests. Won’t you join us? Click here for information or to sign up.

Samantha is passionate and dynamic; her mastery of craft and understanding of the creative process, as well as her love and belief in the importance of memoir, will inspire both the experienced writer and the neophyte. Under her teaching, I became a writer. ”

Deirdre Coman Donahue

Private Workshops

Along with the talented writer and personal coaching expert Cheryl Jacobs, I run The Workshop, a private workshop series based in Orange County. We specialize in memoir and personal narrative. For information on our next sessions, please contact Cheryl at cherjacob@aol.com.

Additional Services

I also offer editing and private coaching services when time allows. To learn more, contact me online.