EVENTS
2023
March 8 | 12pm PT
Ghosts, Portals, & Other Worlds: The Surreal in Contemporary Fiction
Virtual / AWP Conference
As part of the annual AWP conference (Association of Writers and Writing Programs), held this coming year in Seattle WA, I'll be moderating this virtual panel on the surreal featuring some of my favorite authors: Laura Van Den Berg, Kevin Brockmeier, Matthew Lansburgh, and Jennifer Pullen. While this panel is virtual, all those registered for AWP will have access to it and other virtual panels, even after the conference is over. However, panelists will be present (live) in the chat when the panel first airs, during the listed time. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
March 8 | 12pm PT
The Path Through the Swamp: Revision Strategies and Processes
Virtual / AWP Conference
As part of the annual AWP conference (Association of Writers and Writing Programs), held this coming year in Seattle WA, I'll be on a virtual revision panel alongside Matthew Lansburgh, Taymour Soomro, Vu Tran, and Alyssa Songsiridej. While this panel is virtual, all those registered for AWP will have access to it and other virtual panels, even after the conference is over. However, panelists will be present (live) in the chat when the panel first airs, during the listed time. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
2022
December 3 | 1pm EST
Story Sketching: Outline Your Book in Three Acts
Virtual / Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Three-hour, virtual workshop at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop. Limited to 15 writers. Currently full. Contact me to join the waitlist, or if interested in future session!
December 2 | 6pm EST
Community Writing at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Virtual / Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Join me for PVWW's monthly Community Writing, happening virtually on the first Friday of every month from 6 - 7:30pm EST! This is a supportive, generative writing session, where we gather to write together on Zoom. I provide a number of original writing prompts, and we spend the first hour writing, followed by time to share work if desired and/or discuss other craft topics. Free and open to all. Learn more / RSVP here.
November 30 | 7pm EST
Dreams for a Broken World Anthology Reading
The LAVA Center, Greenfield MA
I'll be reading alongside a few other Dreams anthology authors (Robert V.S. Reddick, Celine Keating, Jan Maher, Tina Egnoski). Publisher's Weekly has said of the Dreams for a Broken World anthology: "24 impressive stories of healing and rebuilding...These hopeful stories offer something for any speculative fiction reader." Learn more about Essential Dreams Press and the book here. Reading is free to attend and open to all! Masks are required.
November 19 | 6pm EST
Italian American Writers Association (IAWA) Reading
I Am Books, Boston MA
I'll be reading alongside poet Thomas DeFreitas in IAWA's Boston reading series. Thanks to hosts/poets Julia Lisella and Jenn Martinelli! If you're in the Boston area, check out IAWA's wonderful events.
April 27 | 2pm ET
Funding Your Writing: What Every Writer Should Know Before Applying for Project-Specific Grants
Grub Street's The Muse & The Marketplace Conference / Virtual
Presentation for Grub Street's annual Muse & The Marketplace conference.
April 23 | 1pm ET
Hooked from the First Line: The Art of the Opening
Virtual / Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Three-hour workshop on first lines and openings in fiction.
March 26 | 11am ET
Wrangling the Beast: Playing with Structure in the First Novel
Virtual / AWP Conference
Moderator of this panel, featuring incredible writers Raluca Albu, Emma Komlos-Hrobsky, and Swati Khurana. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
March 26 | 10am ET
The Literary Ghost Story: The Power of Haunted Fiction
Virtual / AWP Conference
Moderator of this panel, featuring genius fabulist writers Sequoia Nagamatsu, Amber Sparks, and Yohanca Delgado. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
Ghosts, Portals, & Other Worlds: The Surreal in Contemporary Fiction
Virtual / AWP Conference
As part of the annual AWP conference (Association of Writers and Writing Programs), held this coming year in Seattle WA, I'll be moderating this virtual panel on the surreal featuring some of my favorite authors: Laura Van Den Berg, Kevin Brockmeier, Matthew Lansburgh, and Jennifer Pullen. While this panel is virtual, all those registered for AWP will have access to it and other virtual panels, even after the conference is over. However, panelists will be present (live) in the chat when the panel first airs, during the listed time. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
March 8 | 12pm PT
The Path Through the Swamp: Revision Strategies and Processes
Virtual / AWP Conference
As part of the annual AWP conference (Association of Writers and Writing Programs), held this coming year in Seattle WA, I'll be on a virtual revision panel alongside Matthew Lansburgh, Taymour Soomro, Vu Tran, and Alyssa Songsiridej. While this panel is virtual, all those registered for AWP will have access to it and other virtual panels, even after the conference is over. However, panelists will be present (live) in the chat when the panel first airs, during the listed time. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
2022
December 3 | 1pm EST
Story Sketching: Outline Your Book in Three Acts
Virtual / Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Three-hour, virtual workshop at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop. Limited to 15 writers. Currently full. Contact me to join the waitlist, or if interested in future session!
December 2 | 6pm EST
Community Writing at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Virtual / Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Join me for PVWW's monthly Community Writing, happening virtually on the first Friday of every month from 6 - 7:30pm EST! This is a supportive, generative writing session, where we gather to write together on Zoom. I provide a number of original writing prompts, and we spend the first hour writing, followed by time to share work if desired and/or discuss other craft topics. Free and open to all. Learn more / RSVP here.
November 30 | 7pm EST
Dreams for a Broken World Anthology Reading
The LAVA Center, Greenfield MA
I'll be reading alongside a few other Dreams anthology authors (Robert V.S. Reddick, Celine Keating, Jan Maher, Tina Egnoski). Publisher's Weekly has said of the Dreams for a Broken World anthology: "24 impressive stories of healing and rebuilding...These hopeful stories offer something for any speculative fiction reader." Learn more about Essential Dreams Press and the book here. Reading is free to attend and open to all! Masks are required.
November 19 | 6pm EST
Italian American Writers Association (IAWA) Reading
I Am Books, Boston MA
I'll be reading alongside poet Thomas DeFreitas in IAWA's Boston reading series. Thanks to hosts/poets Julia Lisella and Jenn Martinelli! If you're in the Boston area, check out IAWA's wonderful events.
April 27 | 2pm ET
Funding Your Writing: What Every Writer Should Know Before Applying for Project-Specific Grants
Grub Street's The Muse & The Marketplace Conference / Virtual
Presentation for Grub Street's annual Muse & The Marketplace conference.
April 23 | 1pm ET
Hooked from the First Line: The Art of the Opening
Virtual / Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
Three-hour workshop on first lines and openings in fiction.
March 26 | 11am ET
Wrangling the Beast: Playing with Structure in the First Novel
Virtual / AWP Conference
Moderator of this panel, featuring incredible writers Raluca Albu, Emma Komlos-Hrobsky, and Swati Khurana. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
March 26 | 10am ET
The Literary Ghost Story: The Power of Haunted Fiction
Virtual / AWP Conference
Moderator of this panel, featuring genius fabulist writers Sequoia Nagamatsu, Amber Sparks, and Yohanca Delgado. Learn more about the AWP conference and schedule here.
Manuscript Consulting & Editing
As a former literary magazine editor and current manuscript consultant, I have a lot of experience reading and assessing book-length works and short fiction on both a micro level (word choice, grammar, syntax, sentence-level mechanics, etc) and a macro level (characters, plot, story logic, big-picture themes and ideas), and I bring this same attention to all facets of my one-on-one consulting work. I love dissecting stories from a technical, craft-based perspective in order to help writers understand what's working, what could be working better, and most importantly, what is the particular piece trying to be and how can it get there. I am a strong proponent of strengthening the work from the sentence level up, including helping writers understand and internalize principles and mechanics of stronger sentence-level writing. I love a wide array of styles and genres, though I'm particularly drawn to speculative-literary fiction as well as writing that boldly embraces plot, stakes, and has some sense of innovation, daring, and risk-taking to it. I also love helping writers better understand the world of literary magazines and the process of submitting their work, query letters, finding an agent, as well as all the other aspects of publishing and career.
How and when to get in touch: For all book-length editing projects, I require an initial consultation on the first chapter(s) before proceeding. Book-length editing is a significant investment, and it's important you feel comfortable with my approach and feedback style before continuing; it's also important that I feel that I am the right editor to help you, and that I am confident I can add significant value. Before getting in touch, I encourage all writers to take their work as far as they absolutely can. This means that you've done multiple drafts and have revised significantly on your own first. If you're interested in working with me, get in touch through the "Contact" page (or below link/email) and tell me about you and your project(s). It's also helpful to know a little bit about your writing background and goals. Contact me for rates and to learn more!
Availability Update: Currently, I do not have availability to take on new clients for longer projects. If the projects you want to work with me on are shorter, I may have sporadic availability (I can almost always fit short story consultations in), though feel free to get in touch if you'd like to learn more and/or be added to my waitlist. I will have availability in January for longer-manuscript consultations.
How and when to get in touch: For all book-length editing projects, I require an initial consultation on the first chapter(s) before proceeding. Book-length editing is a significant investment, and it's important you feel comfortable with my approach and feedback style before continuing; it's also important that I feel that I am the right editor to help you, and that I am confident I can add significant value. Before getting in touch, I encourage all writers to take their work as far as they absolutely can. This means that you've done multiple drafts and have revised significantly on your own first. If you're interested in working with me, get in touch through the "Contact" page (or below link/email) and tell me about you and your project(s). It's also helpful to know a little bit about your writing background and goals. Contact me for rates and to learn more!
Availability Update: Currently, I do not have availability to take on new clients for longer projects. If the projects you want to work with me on are shorter, I may have sporadic availability (I can almost always fit short story consultations in), though feel free to get in touch if you'd like to learn more and/or be added to my waitlist. I will have availability in January for longer-manuscript consultations.
Testimonials
"I am LOVING working with you, Joy...Your enthusiasm, your commitment, your deep interest in process and craft and creative impulse make working with you feel great. I will be signing up for more classes this summer."
- Erika Higgins Ross
"I have only superlatives when it comes to describing my working with Joy. When I discovered her profile, I instinctively knew she was my person. Her immediate positive response to my project propelled me to finally bring a work begun decades ago to where it should be. I can safely say that it is entirely because of her that an agent is extremely excited about helping me find a publisher. All along the way, her intelligent and sensitive reading helped me organize, restructure and make my story work. It meant so much to me that she really felt the emotion in the memoir, and we worked so well together! I loved the Google Doc system, and found our back and forth over highlighted sections was brilliant. She was tough when she needed to be, and held her ground when I tried to argue a point! I especially was touched at how involved she was with my query process, and finding an agent. She really went the extra mile and I will be forever grateful. Already, imagining how I will thank her in my acknowledgements."
- Julie Scolnik, Founder/Director of Mistral Music
"Joy was beyond generous with her time; gave grounded, real world experience; shared extremely useful online resources; and followed up with the attendees promptly and with even more information. It's a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from a writer direct from her experience, including both failures and successes. I got more than I was looking for in this seminar and am leaving it far more informed and confident in my own practice. Thank you, Joy!"
- Rob Baker, Path to Publishing (one-day workshop at PVWW)
"Joy gave me extremely thorough and helpful feedback, both in conversation and in written comments. I’m so excited to have worked with her because not only is this story much better, I learned so many things I can apply to my next stories. Working with Joy was a great investment!"
- Sam Ruhmkorff, short story editing/consultation
"Joy's feedback was, unsurprisingly, very useful and specific. It's the sort of editorial eye writer's always hope for - someone who can recognize big picture ideas and structure, but also provide very specific notes on lines, characters, dialogue, and style."
- Emily Everett, Managing Editor of The Common
"Joy provides invaluable feedback! She has a knack for interpreting a writer's intentions. She knows the story you're trying to tell. She knows its strengths and its weaknesses. Her expert advice will help you fix things in your story that are broken, as well as things you didn't even know needed fixing. She is a brilliant mind, a great communicator, and a very sweet person. I'll definitely be sending my future projects her way."
-Drew Rogers, short story editing/consultation
"Joy has a keen editor's eye and a thorough instinct as to what is needed to improve a flash fiction piece, in my case. She doesn't hold back from offering radical changes when necessary. I respect her for that, and always enjoy working with her to improve my writing."
- Stephanie Shafran, short story editing/consultation
" Joy is an amazingly thoughtful and astute reader and editor. Best of all, she is incredibly encouraging and positive. Though she gives specific feedback on where to improve, it is always constructive and helpful. She gave me some of the most methodical and specific edits on a short story I wrote, which made a world of difference to the piece. Thank you Joy!"
- Hayley Phelan, short story editing/consultation
"Joy is an exceptional reader and editor. Not only is she thorough with grammatical edits, but she's also terrific in critiquing my stories from a craft perspective. Be it character motivation, the veracity of dialogue, stakes, overarching themes, or other aspects of story-building, she has a keen sense of what works and what doesn't, and my stories are so much stronger for her feedback."
-Maria Lioutaia, short story editing/consultation
"I enthusiastically recommend Joy's skills as an editor, having presented her with a sprawling, 25-page short story I'd been working on for a long time...Joy's work on the story helped tip me in the direction of turning this dense and confusing piece into what it wants to be: a novel. I'm keeping her notes and questions in front of me as I now proceed to write it."
-Maureen Henderson, short story editing/consultation
"The atmosphere was really calm and inviting. Questions were welcomed and my classmates were great! All the information I received, though overwhelming, was broken up in a way that seemed possible for me to tackle in the future. That's thanks to Joy! She is a wonderful teacher, super friendly, and incredibly open to the needs of her students. I'm grateful!"
- Rachel Bowen, attended The Path to Publishing Your Fiction, at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
"I enjoyed everything: Joy's energy, breadth of knowledge about the topic, the variety of exercises, the pace, the built-in breaks, the ineffable community-building that Joy creates among the group members."
- Stephanie Shafran, attended Flash Fiction Intensive, at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
"A truly excellent class. Joy is wonderful. Her teaching is very clear and allows all involved to be included in discussion and clarification when needed."
- Dot Wentworth, attended The Art of the Ending at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
"Joy has a great attitude. She offers her skill and experience in every aspect of the editor-author relationship. Grateful for her hard work!"
-Christina, novel editing/consultation
"Joy's knowledge and her ability to transfer this knowledge is exceptional. A confident communicator and facilitator, she effectively achieves the goals of the session through the interplay of the participant's ideas and concepts."
- Jim Spencer, attended The Art of the Ending, at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
- Connect - |
- Upcoming Virtual Events -Community Writing at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop (link)
Ongoing: First Friday of Every Month (6 - 7:30pm ET); virtual WORKSHOP: Story Sketching: Outlining in Three Acts (virtual) at Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop 3 Hours: Saturday, December 3 (1 - 4pm EST) FULL - Email me to join waitlist, or for future sessions! |
- Alone in a Room: Newsletter -Welcome! Alone in a Room is my monthly writing newsletter, featuring craft musings, original writing prompts, what I'm reading and thinking about, upcoming events, and general inspirational/literary goodness!
Visit Alone in A Room Page / First Post! |
