Testimonials
Read real feedback from real Lakeshore Writers Workshop participants and community members over the years.
On Finding Your Voice and Growing as a Writer
“Teresa’s workshop at Hedgebrook helped me explore new ideas and generate meaningful work on the page. We read, wrote, talked, and laughed together. I came out of Teresa’s workshop feeling a little braver about my writing and more focused.”
—Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake
“I’ve taken Teresa’s writing workshop almost continuously for about five years. Now I am a published author, and I can honestly say that my early writing practice with Teresa’s group contributed immensely to my understanding of the craft of fiction, language, and process. Teresa’s critique of a writer’s work is generous in its praise and extremely astute in its constructive feedback. Lakeshore Writers is the place for writers to strengthen their voices and find their community.”
—Anoop Judge, author of No Ordinary Thursday
“Teresa’s workshop helped me immensely in my journey to finish my novel. Not only is she an amazing instructor, but the quality of the other writers in her classes is so high that I was inspired and pushed to do my best work. I cannot recommend this class enough. Thank you, Teresa!”
—Nicole R.
“I love, love, love your workshop and think it honestly gave birth to and defined my writing voice. Reading our own writing aloud injected me with a kind of confidence I didn’t think was possible. The pieces that came out of your workshops became the beginnings of many of my short stories at Mills. I have always admired your workshops, not only for how you lead them, but also for the warm and inviting space you provide.”
—Lynn C.
“Teresa understands what it takes to write with courage. She helps writers at all stages of development celebrate their unique voices. I’ve found her feedback to be extremely supportive and uplifting. She has helped me grow comfortable even with my messy drafts and stay focused on steering toward my vision.”
—Mark R.
On Teresa’s Teaching and Feedback
“I’m currently enrolled in Teresa’s Generative Writing Workshop, my third consecutive session, and I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed it. This is my first time writing creatively. As an academic scientist, this is quite a departure from what I typically write. Teresa is an inspiring instructor, and I have enjoyed meeting a lovely group of fellow writers, listening to their stories, and benefiting from Teresa’s encouraging and insightful feedback. I highly recommend Lakeshore Writers for both new and seasoned writers.”
—Sharon S.
“Teresa is a writing workshop leader who is sensitive, supportive, and knows how to bring out the best in every participant. In addition to her excellent workshop leadership, her feedback on my manuscript was thoughtful and helped me pinpoint areas I could improve while also identifying the many things I was doing right. She doesn’t impose a writing style on you. She helps you find your own voice and make your work the best it can be.”
—Natylie B.
“Teresa’s Generative Workshops are inspiring. The other writers, with Teresa’s encouragement, help me find my voice, hone my craft, and sustain the grit to write, write, write. I always look forward to the spontaneous writing and to learning from the amazing writers in her groups, who are all positively engaged in the process. Teresa’s varied writing prompts evoke feeling and creativity, nurture my writing, and provide a touchstone for learning new writing skills. The reflective feedback from the group creates a safe environment in which to share my work. Anticipating the workshop each week motivates me to keep writing from day to day. I aspire to be ready for the Manuscript Workshop next.”
—A Lakeshore Writer
“Teresa is a naturally gifted writing teacher and coach. She makes it feel possible to get yourself on the page. I’ve had several writing coaches throughout the years, and I highly recommend her.”
—Barbara G.
On Community, Connection, and Creative Practice
“I have been in Teresa’s writing classes since before the pandemic. Teresa’s leadership creates a safe place to write with abandon and honesty, and it helps me listen better as well. The workshops keep me connected to myself and others and have helped me trust my voice.”
—Lynn W.
“I just wanted to say, again and again, how great your class is for me. I love going and look forward to it all week. It’s like some kind of magic happens in that room each week. I appreciate what you’ve created there so much. You give so much and make my life richer than it would be without you.”
—Lynne J.
On One-on-One Coaching and Consultations
“Teresa’s one-on-one sessions give me detailed and thoughtful feedback, delivered with support and constructive advice. Her professional critique is instrumental in moving my writing forward. Teresa’s deep knowledge of craft, editorial expertise, and empathy for writers are invaluable.”
—Nina E.
“Teresa, I want to thank you for the consultation on my manuscript. You are so incredibly generous, and I was helped by your feedback in so many important ways. I especially appreciated the outline of scenes, which gave me a new perspective on the structure of my story. You pointed out things that I had felt innately but could never articulate, particularly all the loose threads. Your feedback brought a kind of lightness that I could not find while working in my self-imposed, isolated writer’s world. Thank you again. I look forward to making another appointment with you.”
—Sonny R.
“Our meeting and your feedback produced a huge burst of inspiration and soul-searching and ignited a writing frenzy. I’m excavating the ‘stuff’ that lies beneath the surface. Thank you for your thoughts and ideas.”
—Diann R.
“I wanted to thank you for your feedback and guidance. It was exactly what I needed and was looking for.”
—Scott D.