Workshops & Developmental Editing
KVM teaches at Drexel University as her main gig, but because she just can’t get enough, she also teaches for
The Muse Writers Center regularly (and remotely!) as well as for other venues. Check here for what’s coming up next.
KVM also does developmental editing and publication consultation. We said she just can’t get enough!
Upcoming Classes
Science corroborates that translating events into language can affect brain and immune functions by increasing germ-fighting lymphocytes and lowering stress levels. Writing has been shown to improve overall heart health, brain health and the actual healing of physical wounds. Expressive writing reduces intrusive and avoidant thoughts about negative events and improves working memory. These improvements, researchers believe, may in turn free up our cognitive resources for other mental activities, including our ability to cope more effectively with stress. Writing has been found to reduce anxiety and depression, improve grades in college, aid people in a variety of things, from increasing the ability to forgive to finding a job. In this 4-meeting session, we will introduce the science that proves writing can improve healing, through a series of exercises. “Homework” will encourage students’ continued practice. Each meeting with begin with a warm-up writing exercise and feedback on how their individual healing and writing process is going, then introduction of a new healing-through-writing tool
2/16, 3/2, 3/16, 3/30
In this class, we will learn more about ourselves and make better sense of life events, decisions, and our paths. We will we will discover the lens(es) through we which we will we will discover ourselves as a “character” and therefore, more clearly. We will learn how to write honestly and compassionately. We will draw correlations between repeated/patterned events...
3/23, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4
KVM's Workshops
Listed below are workshops that KVM offers. If you have any questions or are interested in hiring KVM to teach a workshop, please reach out!
While KVM frequently teaches these workshops for The Muse Writing Center (via Zoom), she can also be hired to teach for other organizations, private groups, and even one-on-one.
Healing through Writing
Science corroborates that translating events into language can encourage healing from past trauma as well as increase resilience when facing other negative issues. Writing has been shown to improve overall heart health, brain health and the actual healing of physical wounds. Expressive writing reduces intrusive and avoidant thoughts about negative events and improves working memory. These improvements, researchers believe, may in turn free up our cognitive resources for other mental activities, including our ability to cope more effectively with stress. Writing has been found to reduce anxiety and depression, improve grades in college, aid people in a variety of things, from increasing the ability to forgive to finding a job. Introductory information and exercises can be discussed in a one-time session. In a 4 or 6-meeting session, we will learn more about the science that proves writing can improve healing, and illustrate it through a series of exercises. “Homework” will encourage students’ continued practice. Each meeting with begin with a warm-up writing exercise and feedback on how their individual healing and writing process is going, then introduction of a new healing-through-writing tool.
Developing an Attitude of Gratitude and Other Happiness Practices
Gratitude has been scientifically proven to improve both physical and psychological health. While we all know to say “please” and “thank you,” practicing gratitude in a meaningful way, takes, well, practice! Over time, (and as quickly as three weeks) one can alter his or her own physical brain structures. These changes can enhance empathy and reduce aggression, andimprove sleep, self-esteem and mental strength.
In a stand-alone session, I will discuss the science behind the claims above in a way everyone can understand. I will teach participants some of the most basic and easy-to-continue gratitudepractices. We will begin together in the session, and I will give tips and tools, as well as recommend websites, podcasts and books.
In a five or six-week session, I will introduce several different practices each session. This assortment of practices will ensure that every participant will have several options that suit them best for continued life-long practice. A series of sessions will increase the likelihood of this work becoming a daily and rewarding practice. Each session will also include participant and instructor feedback on experiences.
Self-discovery through Memoir
“How do I know what I think until I see what I say?”
― E.M. Forster
In this class, we will learn more about ourselves and make better sense of life events, decisions, and our paths. We will we will discover the lens(es) through we which we will we will discover ourselves as a “character” and therefore, more clearly. We will learn how to write honestly and compassionately. We will draw correlations between repeated/patterned events. We will attempt to more fully understand the actions of others, which will lead us to more fully understand ourselves. Our primary goal will be to get our pasts on the page. For those that are interested, our next step will be to turn our personal revelations into substantive, evocative, and powerful work for outside readers.
Accountability Class
Accountability sessions are offered as a class, or to individuals. When taught as a class, students will be given prompts and we will use class time to write together. Writers of all genres and all skill levels are encouraged to join, and each student will be encouraged to create their own goal as to what they hope to accomplish on their current writing project; students are even offered a contract to complete as a motivational tool. Individuals will be given “mandatory” writing time(s) and asked for word or page counts as agreed upon.
In group settings, students will choose whether or not they want to share parts of their writing in each class (and as time allows), but they’ll be encouraged to at least tell the group how many words or pages they wrote.
I will provide weekly readings and craft essays as “homework.” Via email, students will receive brief tips on writing and balancing other responsibilities, as well as encouragement in-between sessions. Students will be held accountable by the instructor to meet their goals. I promise to create a nurturing and collaborative culture, even as we work on our individual projects.
KVM's Developmental Editing
Hire KVM as a Developmental Editor
As my schedule allows, I can help writers with their book manuscripts, particularly memoirs and novels.
Generally, the process is that the author sends me work they would like to me review, and gives me a general idea of what he or she need help with, that is, what aspect of the piece they feel might need refining. I look at things like character development/inconsistencies, plot pacing and through line, discrepancies, etc. ***Sometimes authors don’t have a specific concern and just want a professional editor’s opinion and feedback.
I ask for a sample so that I see what I’m dealing with, and so, if a person wants a ballpark of the hours it will take, I will have some sense of the length and complexity of the project.
I send the work back with notes. I use track changes to write some comments throughout the piece, and then I also write up at least a few paragraphs of notes (a minimum of 750 words). I also provide you with a chapter by chapter summary or reverse outline. I won’t only comment on what is “wrong;” you can be assured I will also let you know what elements are working well. Copy-editing/proofreading is a different project and different way of reading, but I often can’t help myself and will do a bit of that, too!
After I have sent the work back to with the comments, the author will look it over and then we will schedule a phone, Zoom, or in-person consultation.
I do ask that a “rough” half of what it will cost be put in my account before I begin, just so the relationship is established. I can only ask you to trust that I very carefully watch my time and truly only charge people for the amount of time I use. (And again—I’m fast and efficient.) (The Editorial Freelance Association suggests $45-$55 an hour and says that’s for 1-5 pages per hour! I am def closer to 8-10 pages per hour and less expensive as I love this work!)
One last note: I am very good at consistency editing (e.g. if your protagonist mentions the moonlight in one bit of dialogue but then it starts raining within a few “minutes”) so I will “catch” those kinds of things for you, too.
Email with any questions, of course! kvm@drexel.edu