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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 Center for Creative Writing.

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: start off 2025 by devoting three hours of your week to writing. Through a series of engaging writing exercises, we will mine our experiences and imagination for material and bring what we find to life on the page, constructing characters and settings, shaping vivid dialogue, choosing point of view, and exploring the nuances of structure. We will discuss the process of writing and the strengths and weaknesses of the work we produce in class. With an eye on craft and an openness to inspiration, we will read and discuss short pieces (fiction, non-fiction, and poetry) by a variety of writers.

Mondays, Jun 9 - Jul 14 | 6:00 – 9:00pm ET |  Grub Street, Boston Seaport |   $395 ($380 members) | Register at: https://grubstreet.org/workshop/jumpstart-your-writing-in-2025-shoen-su25