Hey short story writer…

It’s time to get confident in your submission strategy.

Whether you’re just sending out your first story for publication or you’ve been in the game a while and still have some questions, Short Story Submissions Simplified is the group for you.

With straightforward advice, lists, and live working sessions, you’ll get the exact information you need when you need it, and you can finally unsubscribe from all those overwhelming newsletters and social media feeds.

Join the group now to lock in the founding member rate of $10.  

Learn more

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

  • “I loved this class. I didn't know what to expect as I've never taken a writing class before and work in a corporate environment. I found the class to be very energizing. Kayleigh is an excellent instructor and made the time fun and educational.”

    Student in “Jumpstart Your Writing” at Grub Street

  • “Kayleigh was an amazing instructor and truly built a positive culture and sense of community. Each class was helpful leaving me energized and empowered to write and come back each week with updates. I’m so sad it’s over!”

    Student in “Jumpstart Your Novel” at Grub Street

  • “I learned so much about the writing process. Kayleigh is an excellent teacher! She gave us information, taught us about the process, and gave us lots of opportunity for writing practice. I highly recommend Kayleigh as a 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

  • “Kayleigh does a great job designing classes and selects a great range of specific literary works that lead to good discussions. She is also a skilled and non-intimidating facilitator-instructor.” … “We all laugh and learn from one another!”

    Student in “Read & Discuss: Best American Short Stories” and other classes at Arlington Community Education

Featured Class

Visit Classes page for complete list of upcoming classes.

Jumpstart Your Writing

Class offered through Grub Street Writers Center.

Whether you’ve never written creatively before or you’re a more experienced writer looking for a recharge, your mission in this course is simple: devote three hours a week to your writing. Through a series of engaging exercises, we’ll mine memory and imagination to bring ideas to life—building characters and settings, crafting dialogue, selecting point of view, and exploring the nuances of voice across fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

Each session includes time to discuss the writing process and share work aloud for supportive, on-the-spot feedback. With an emphasis on curiosity and craft, we’ll also read and discuss short pieces of published writing by authors including Margaret Atwood, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Mary Oliver to spark ideas and fuel your own work.

At the end of six weeks, you’ll leave class with a fresh set of drafts, new ideas to keep you writing, meaningful connections with fellow writers, and a stronger sense of your own voice on the page.

6 Tuesdays, Jun 16 - Jul 21 | 6 – 9pm ET |  Grub Street, Boston Seaport | $415 ($400 members) | Register at: https://grubstreet.org/workshop/jumpstart-your-writing-shoen-su26