Hello writer!

I’m Kayleigh and I help beginning writers find the habits that work for them, so they can get out of their heads and enjoy writing again.

 

Once upon a time I was a burnt-out professional in the financial services industry, dreaming about writing but never putting a word on the page. In 2008 I took a writing class down the street from my office and, little by little, started putting the pieces of my writing life together.

 

I made a lot of mistakes along the way, and wasted a lot of time listening to advice that stifled my creativity and made me feel like there must be something wrong with me because I didn’t write every day (still don’t), I couldn’t hear my characters speaking to me (oh well), and my journal entries always fizzled out after “Dear Diary” (I built a whole class around this!).

 

Today I have an MFA from Emerson College, publications and award nominations for my short stories and essays, and over ten years teaching experience in colleges and writing centers -- including that downtown writing center where I took my first writing class all those years ago.

 

Now, I’m passionate about helping blocked writers like I used to be stop beating themselves up and find a path back to writing. If this sounds like you, welcome.

 

 I’m so glad you’re here.

What People Are Saying

  • "Her insights were valuable and helpful for future projects. "

    Student in “Writing Fiction from Real Life” at Arlington Community Education

  • "Thanks to this course, I now have a newfound interest in keeping my blog updated"

    Student in “The Writing Life: Journaling” at Grub Street

  • "Each class was helpful leaving me energized and empowered to write "

    Student in “Jumpstart Your Flash Fiction” at Grub Street

  • "I learned so much about the writing process. Kayleigh is an excellent teacher! "

    Student in “Writing Fiction from Real Life” at Arlington Community Education

  • "Her warm welcome extended to a comfortable atmosphere that encouraged all participants to contribute. "

    Student from Arlington Community Education

Upcoming Classes

Visit Classes page for complete class descriptions.

Free Draft Generator w/ Kayleigh Shoen

Class offered through Grub Street Center for Creative Writing.

Meets Friday, Nov 22 | 12:30–1:30 pm ET |  Grub Street, Boston Seaport| FREE but Registration Required| Register at https://grubstreet.org/seminar/create-free-draft-generator-with-kayleigh-shoen

Jumpstart Your Writing in 2025

Class offered through Grub Street Center for Creative Writing.

Mondays, Jan 13 - Mar 3 (not meeting 1/20 or 2/17) | 6:00 – 9:00pm ET |  Grub Street, Boston Seaport |   $395 ($380 members) | Register at https://grubstreet.org/workshop/jumpstart-your-writing-in-2025-4

Writing Fiction from Real Life

Class offered through Arlington Community Education

Tuesdays, Jan 14 - Mar 11 (not meeting 2/18) | 7:00 – 9:00pm ET |  Arlington, MA |   Registration opens 11/26

Jumpstart Your Novel

Class offered through Grub Street Center for Creative Writing.

Wednesdays, Jan 22 - Feb 26 | 6:00 – 9:00pm ET |  Grub Street, Boston Seaport |   $395 ($380 members) | Register at https://grubstreet.org/workshop/jumpstart-your-writing-in-2025-4-2

Intro to Fiction

Class offered through Grub Street Center for Creative Writing.

Mondays, Mar 10 - Apr 28 (not meeting 3/24 or 4/21) | 6:00 – 9:00pm ET |  Grub Street, Boston Seaport |   $395 ($380 members) | Register at https://grubstreet.org/workshop/intro-to-fiction-3

Jumpstart your Writing in 2025

Class offered through Grub Street Center for Creative Writing.

Wednesdays, Mar 12 - Apr 23 (not meeting 3/26) | 6:00 – 9:00pm ET |  Grub Street, Boston Seaport |   $395 ($380 members) | Register at: https://grubstreet.org/workshop/jumpstart-your-writing-in-2025-4-3