Workshops & Mentorships

When I work with writers, I am guiding an authentic voice, setting focused goals, and measuring progress. I elevate the writer’s handle on form, voice, and capacity to promote one’s work professionally. I work with all experience levels across a multitude of genres and styles.

Writers I’ve mentored have been published in literary journals, were YoungArts winners, and have placed in the Scholastic Awards at varying levels including the national-level Gold Key. College essay writers were accepted by UCLA, Yale, NYU, UC Berkeley, USC, and American University, among others. This year, one writer won first place in Princeton’s Ten-Minute Play Contest and another was named the Austin Youth Poet Laureate. I have been awarded the Educator Award from Scholastic twice (2018 & 2023).

 

What I Teach

College Essay

In my college essay sessions I guide writers through exercises that help them unearth their growth and hopes, contextualize their experience, and elucidate their ambition all while supporting their own unique vision for their future. Writers not only prepare college essay submissions but cultivate deeper self-understanding and tighter writing skills as they head into one of life’s most impactful transitions.

 

Writing for Film & Television

In my television and screenwriting sessions I work with writers on the fundamentals of the medium they are working in — everything from industry-standard formatting to narrative devices — to help them create work that unleashes their imagination and simultaneously builds a portfolio for their future endeavors, be it school admissions applications or spec work with the goal of a seat in a writers room.

 

Memoir & Creative Writing

Excavating the compressed time of life can be difficult yet beginning the practice of recording memory to understand “now” will serve any form of writing. We bring so much of ourselves onto the page because our history is grounded in truth. These sessions and workshops prepare work ready for submission to publications, to agents (or just personal safe-keeping.)

Testimonials

  • Lauren Davison

    Kimberly helped my daughter with her book, writing query letters, and sending it to youth literary agents while also adapting it into a screenplay. She helped her write two Scholastic award-winning poems that landed her a three-year scholarship in the number one creative writing high school in America! Kimberly is more than a writing teacher to my daughter, she is a mentor and a safe place to explore her imagination and challenge herself.

    Screenwriting & Creative Writing

  • Karine Kim

    With Kimberly’s guidance, Ella has entered regional writing competitions and submitted pieces to literary magazines (earning recognition!), which is a fantastic introduction to the realm of writing beyond school and hobby. I am grateful to Kimberly for being a mentor who shares the same passion for the arts as my daughter. There is humanity in the way Kimberly teaches; she has a real gift.

    Creative Writing, Essay & TV Writing

  • Lauren Bowles

    My daughter has been working with Kimberly for six years now (she’s 12) and I can honestly say that I could not ask for a better role model and mentor. She has helped Fia explore her writing skills through many genres….everything from poetry to creative writing to TV writing. Kimberly’s real gift is to help each child hone and trust their individual voice so that they may express it in a multitude of ways. Fia’s time with Kimberly has influenced her courage of voice and I’m so grateful for her ongoing guidance in my daughter’s life.

    Creative Writing, Essay & TV Writing

  • David Lipsky

    She is unbelievably talented and also a great, patient presence to have in the room. Forcefully intelligent, but not pushing with it: She always helped fellow students who didn't see a point, or who had an idea they were finding their way towards expressing, to get to the places they wanted to go. I can't imagine a more gifted or dependable teacher. There were about 12 people in our section: And Kimberly was the most dependable voice in the class: She always saw the best point, and could always help her friends catch up without their noticing that's what she was up to. This is the best kind of teaching, and Kimberly is a natural teacher.

    Thesis Advisor to Kimberly at NYU

  • Jodi Harris

    Kimberly helped Tobey grow as a writer and draw out his authentic voice for his college essays. “Mom, I am going to be so prepared in college because of Kimberly’s guidance.” Hearing my kid tell me that is priceless! Kimberly is not only an amazing writer and editor but she has the biggest heart as well. I’m now working on a book-length memoir with Kimberly via private sessions. I can’t recommend her enough!

    College Essay & Adult Memoir

  • Carlo Martinez

    I have practically zero writing experience but writing is an interest that I've wanted to pursue for a long time. The support that I was given by Kimberly and the writing itself has been therapeutic for me. I now see some of my life's events in a different, more positive way.

    Creative Writing