Learn to write authentically and elicit empathy in your readers.

One-on-one coaching, self-led courses, and retreats with Lisa Hayes-Minney, an MFA-trained writer and editor in central West Virginia.

One-on-one coaching, self-led courses, and retreats with Lisa Hayes-Minney, an MFA-trained writer and editor in central West Virginia.

I’m a writer, editor, and teacher, and I’ve spent about thirty years in newsrooms, magazines, libraries, and classrooms. Here is what I’ve learned: most writers don’t need more inspiration. They need someone who reads the draft closely, says what’s working and what isn’t, and shows them how to fix it. That’s the work I do. I meet writers where they are, and guide them through improvement and growth.

THREE WAYS TO WORK WITH ME

Work with me one-on-one
Bring me a personal essay, a memoir chapter, a story, a college or graduate application, a research paper, or a work document that has to land. We’ll work on your draft, in your voice, toward your goal. I coach high school, college, and graduate students, as well as adults, online. [Book a free trial session.]

Learn at your own pace
My self-led courses cover memoir, micro-stories, fiction, and more, with worksheets and feedback on your writing. [Browse the courses.] Or start with The Honest Page, my free newsletter. Each post teaches one essay technique with examples and exercises. Subscribe, and I’ll send you “The First 500 Words, a short guide to opening a true story.” [Sign up here.]

Write alongside other people
I design and lead writing retreats and workshops in central West Virginia, with workshop sessions, guest speakers, prompts, short seminars, and personal critiques. Writers of every level are welcome. [Subscribe to The Honest Page to hear when new dates are scheduled.]

WHY WRITERS WORK WITH ME

MFA in Creative Writing (creative prose), West Virginia Wesleyan College.
BA in Written English, Glenville State University
2022 West Virginia Librarian of the Year.
Essays in Memoir Magazine, GreenPrints, Entropy, K’in Literary Journal, and a West Virginia University Press anthology.
Former magazine publisher and editor, newspaper columnist, and library director.

“I would not hesitate to attend any workshop conducted by Lisa and in fact, would attend this same workshop again if it were offered.”
Sherrell Wigal, poet, Parkersburg, WV

“Lisa helped me understand grammar concepts and took the time to provide detailed input on my project. She’s the best tutor I have had.”
[Preply student]

Not sure where to start? Tell me what you’re working on and what isn’t working, and I’ll tell you honestly whether I can help. [Send a message]

BE SURE TO GET THE HONEST PAGE NEWSLETTER:
Sign up for my FREE creative nonfiction writing techniques newsletter – One essay writing tool per post, what it is, how to use it, examples, and related exercises. All subscribers get a free copy of “The First 500 Words: A short guide to opening a true story.”