Writer, Developmental Editor, and Communications Consultant
I wear a lot of hats
I work as a professional writer, editor, illustrator, a communications consultant and mentor for other working writers.
It sounds like a lot, but everything that I do is to serve a very specific purpose.
I use my experience and expertise in everything that I do to help other people to communicate their message in a way that is effective and genuine - because I believe that your voice can be truly powerful, and the world needs to hear it.
I work as a professional writer, editor, illustrator, a communications consultant and mentor for other working writers.
It sounds like a lot, but everything that I do is to serve a very specific purpose.
I use my experience and expertise in everything that I do to help other people to communicate their message in a way that is effective and genuine - because I believe that your voice can be truly powerful, and we need to hear it.
I currently offer three types of services for writers and writing groups: Editing Services, Writing Coach Support, and Workshop Facilitation.
Communication is really hard!
In business, writing, and living life surrounded by people you want and need to connect with.
It’s a hammering pulse in your ears when it’s your turn to speak - or a hot flush of frustration when your words don’t reach your audience.
And there’s so much at stake. Misunderstandings in business or in your professional writing are tremendously difficult. The space between the amazing idea or complete thought you’re holding in your mind and the world of reality and…other people. It feels like a vast gulf, sometimes.
Plus! As a woman? Or any other person living in a marginalized identity. We are asked…no, not asked. We are told to be quiet and nice and well-behaved, lest we take up too much space.
I for one don’t think you need to stay quiet or small.
In fact, I insist upon the opposite, and I will do everything within my expertise to help you and your voice get louder and more effective in this noisy and distracting world.
We are going to take up space with our voices, if we have to build the stage with our bare hands and lift one another onto it. As an expert in editing, writing, and education - I look forward to helping you take your next turn at the microphone. Your voice is beautiful; your message is important, and your community is waiting to hear it. Let’s go.
Editing Services
Do you have a manuscript that requires professional evaluation?
My specialty lies in Developmental (or Substantive) editing, and I have experience and training in Copy and Stylistic Editing as well. Taking a project from almost to amazing is extremely satisfying for me, but helping a writer to find her vision in the final product is even better.
Your project deserves the kind of treatment you can only get from a professionally trained editor.
Are you stuck on your current project, or struggling to start?
I can help you to pinpoint which parts of your writing process need a touch up - or if you need to change your writing practice to get the most out of your voice.
Your habits, skills and even project management can really make or break your creative work. Let me help you to find your voice and share it with confidence.
Are you hosting an event or need a workshop facilitator?
As a certified literacy teacher, I helped to develop a writing process curriculum for students with language specific learning disabilities to share their voices with more ease, confidence, and joy.
In person, on stage, in television studios, and online, I have experience presenting workshops and lectures for university classes, business owners, creative writers, and other teachers.
This experience, coupled with my genuine excitement for communication and learning, will make your next event a valuable and enjoyable experience for you and your attendees.
OVER THE YEARS, I’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON SOME FASCINATING PROJECTS.
Etsy Maker Cities
A few years ago, I was invited to teach a workshop at the Etsy Maker City event in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
I taught a group of local makers about how to view their online presence through the lens of community - to help them write and share genuine parts of themselves and their creativity online.
Teaching a small group, in a local artists’ workshop, felt like I was coming home. I really loved not only teaching in person, but also teaching people who live and create in the Atlantic Provinces I also call home.
I can’t wait to be able to come together and build that kind of community again.
Life is Messy Cookbook
Editing isn’t always exciting or adorable, but this project was both of those things.
Mayi Carles wrote and illustrated an absolutely beautiful cookbook and needed both copyediting and writing services to complete the project.
We worked together on an introduction narrative for the print version of her book, and I worked as the final copy editor on the book before it went to print.
Hope Joy Create
Amanda Creek and I worked together to write and design websites and marketing strategy for female artists and business owners.
We created a collaborative system to find the right message for and visual representation of the brands we worked for, and even developed a few online workshops and events to teach the techniques to others.
It’s satisfying and fun to collaborate with other creative professionals on projects like this.
Creative Live
One of my professional highlights has been the opportunity to travel around the world to teach people how to express their voices with impact and comfort.
In 2014, was invited to join April Bowles - a prominent business blogger - in San Fransisco to teach a segment of her popular branding bootcamp at Creative Live. It was absolutely one of the more satisfying and exciting projects I’ve been able to work on.
I taught a live class to students in studio and around the world, about embracing your natural writing voice and finding a writing process to make your writing more effective - and impactful.
Creative Live Studio Audience
Teaching a small, live studio audience was a pleasure, coupled with the excitement of the streaming broadcast to a world-wide audience online.
I worked through the Writing Process with one of the studio audience members, to brainstorm, outline, and draft a jewelry collection sales page for her business website.
We integrated story, voice, and humour into the work - in real-time - using a five step process I still teach to my students today.
"Kris is the best! Her writing skill, business savvy, technical knowledge, creativity, and fun loving spirit makes her a joy to work with.I was always hesitant to hire a writer because I didn't really know what to ask for or what I really needed. Kris' easy process took care of all of that.
Meeting with Kris and discussing my business and my goals allowed her to get to know me and my business so well that she could help me to give my brand a unique "voice" that is truly my own.
My only complaint about Kris is that she lives too far away to invite over for a glass of wine or a cup of tea!"
"Working with Kris has made it possible for me to grow in so many ways. I know that I can sit down, follow the writing process she has taught me and actually be confident that I'll get something written, and it will be good!
Blog-writing in particular is just easier now. I don't have writers' block; I feel like I have good ideas and can get them down on paper - and then I can get them out to my readers in a quality post.I totally recommend signing up for her consulting services to up your blogging skills and confidence."
"Kris is the best! Her writing skill, business savvy, technical knowledge, creativity, and fun loving spirit makes her a joy to work with.I was always hesitant to hire a writer because I didn't really know what to ask for or what I really needed. Kris' easy process took care of all of that.
Meeting with Kris and discussing my business and my goals allowed her to get to know me and my business so well that she could help me to give my brand a unique "voice" that is truly my own.
My only complaint about Kris is that she lives too far away to invite over for a glass of wine or a cup of tea!"
"Working with Kris has made it possible for me to grow in so many ways. I know that I can sit down, follow the writing process she has taught me and actually be confident that I'll get something written, and it will be good!
Blog-writing in particular is just easier now. I don't have writers' block; I feel like I have good ideas and can get them down on paper - and then I can get them out to my readers in a quality post.I totally recommend signing up for her consulting services to up your blogging skills and confidence."
"Kris is the best! Her writing skill, business savvy, technical knowledge, creativity, and fun loving spirit makes her a joy to work with.I was always hesitant to hire a writer because I didn't really know what to ask for or what I really needed. Kris' easy process took care of all of that.
Meeting with Kris and discussing my business and my goals allowed her to get to know me and my business so well that she could help me to give my brand a unique "voice" that is truly my own.
My only complaint about Kris is that she lives too far away to invite over for a glass of wine or a cup of tea!"
Amanda Creek
Author, Designer
"Working with Kris has made it possible for me to grow in so many ways. I know that I can sit down, follow the writing process she has taught me and actually be confident that I'll get something written, and it will be good!
Blog-writing in particular is just easier now. I don't have writers' block; I feel like I have good ideas and can get them down on paper - and then I can get them out to my readers in a quality post.I totally recommend signing up for her consulting services to up your blogging skills and confidence."