"Working with Doug has really opened things up for me...he is such a careful and perceptive listener, and I come away with so much encouragement, direction and motivation; I have a sense of purpose about [my project] that gets stronger and more clear each time we talk...He is a terrific coach..."  –Mary T

"Doug took a sincere interest in my writing project, helped me find relevance and meaning in the process, and offered me the opportunity to surprise myself with real productivity. His original methods turn procrastination and perfectionism inside out, flipping weaknesses into motivators...I'm thrilled to finally see progress in my work. Thank you, Doug!"  –Ginger W

"I didn't know what was holding me back until Doug asked me the right questions and I heard myself give the right answers.  Without his coaching I wouldn't be where I am today." –anonymity requested

"Doug is personable, knowledgeable, engaging and talented.  I will definitely be working with him for coaching again in the future."  –Bryan P 

"Life coaching with Doug has helped me clearly define who and I am and where I'm going..."  –Jeff T

"Doug helps me realize and act on what I am already able to do...He escorts me to places within myself that I have forgotten, then gives me thoughtful suggestions for developing these aspects into something meaningful for me." –Sinead P

"Doug has helped me look closer at the way I think about my life, and is teaching me how to transform those thoughts to be more positive...Now I'm writing again."  –Greg G

"I progressed more during my coaching sessions with Doug than at any other point in my professional career...If you're looking for a coach, definitely hire him." –Kelly S

“I'm motivated more than I’ve ever been since I’ve gotten coaching from Doug.  He rocks...” –Anonymity requested

“Amazing feedback on my novel, very targeted, learned a great deal. Now I have to go back and rewrite the whole thing all over again...” –D Brice

"Doug's comments on my novel were tremendously helpful, providing me just the sort of insights and motivation I needed to plunge into another revision.  He pointed out which scenes were working and which weren't, and his thoughts on the big picture—structure, plot and subplot—were especially perceptive.  Doug showed me where to heighten the subplot during moments when the main plot was quieter, and helped me think of ways to deepen character motivation.  Writing and revising a novel can be daunting, but Doug's comments gave me a map that guided me toward a more successful book.  I even got an agent!"  –Jenny S, MA

"I had 19 textbooks published when I decided to start writing a novel.  Big difference!  Doug is helping me make the transition between the two styles of writing.  His extensive and detailed knowledge about writing combined with his supportive manner have been a significant help."  –Bob S, Ph.D.

“Doug Kurtz is one of the best instructors I’ve ever had in any topic…I really could go on and on about the quality of the workshop and the instructor...This workshop was probably the most important development in my writing life to date. It helped me take my writing to the next level and to think in a more structured, but no less creative, manner about storytelling via the fiction process. Doug is one of the finest topical instructors I’ve ever had - including undergraduate and graduate school...His ability to explain complex concepts clearly and to remain objective while distilling meaning from the direction of the group’s comments was impressive.” –Will S

"This was an engaging course and Doug was involved thoughtful and helped students through the issues specific to their pieces.  I’d definitely recommend this course."  -Andrew B

"[Elements of Story] goes in depth beyond any standard writing course—it’s very thought provoking and instructive on how to get your novel going.  Thank you so much!"  -anonymity requested

"I recommend Doug’s intro workshop for any aspiring writer in any genre.  He has a gentle but focused way of introducing the key topics and issues that need to be considered in a novel, and helping you translate those lessons into your writing."  -Brad B

"Doug is a great facilitator!  Thank you for making my introduction to writing a novel so informative, helpful and enjoyable!"  -anonymity requested

"Doug is an excellent instructor.  The class taught me more about the structure of a novel than any other college writing class I've taken...excellent class, excellent exercises." -Sumi C

"I loved the workshop!  I finally feel like a writer, although I've been paid to write for 25 years!  I loved the atmosphere and being pushed to go where I've been dying to go!"  -anonymity requested

"[Intro to Writing the Novel] was fantastic.  Things I was already familiar with were clarified and strengthened, and what I learned has helped me immensely."  -Lance D

"This workshop had a wonderful, safe and comfortable atmosphere in which to explore new information as well as already written material.  I would definitely take one of Doug's classes again!" -Debby Z

"I had a great workshop experience!  As someone who felt 'stuck' in the first chapter of my piece, I had just about given up.  Your class suddenly opened up these possibilities with scene and character I wouldn't have known before.  Thank you!" -Tina C

"This workshop offered me the tools and concepts I needed to keep my novel moving.  I'm looking forward to the next one--hopefully I'll grow just as much there, too.  Thanks!"  -Rene Z

"I got more out of this class than most college classes that lasted much longer..."  -Tim R

“Doug is knowledgeable and passionate about his craft.  It’s obvious that he loves teaching and he engaged all of us the entire time.  Two hours should be enough time, but it didn’t seem long enough for me!  I didn’t want it to end.  This workshop blew the doors off what my perceptions were of writing a novel.  It’s made a tangible difference in my writing...” –Beth C

“Doug is a fantastic instructor.  He cares very much about helping everyone no matter where they are in the process.  Has great techniques to share.  Very personable.  I got more out of this workshop than any other I’ve taken.” –Lynne S

“Doug listens to each of us and really is in our corner—feels like he wants us to succeed.  He's an awesome facilitator—more than that he is a mentor who shares his knowledge and expertise with all of us in such a way that we feel a part of the process.  He challenges us to read further, look deeper and find ways to strengthen our writing, while at the same time encouraging our creativity and writing style.  His passion for writing is evident in how he teaches—with lots of examples, with thorough reading and interpretation of our stories and ideas and tools to push us even further.  Doug is an excellent teacher and I can’t wait to take another workshop with him...” –Christina M

“Doug was very knowledgeable and informative.  I felt like I was learning from someone with real knowledge and experience.” –John O

“Basically, we needed more time.  Doug has too much to teach.  He kept it serious, yet fun and informative.  Doug is very encouraging, while being realistic about the writing life.”  –Sean M

“This was my first workshop in Colorado.  I’ve taken several others in Maryland, but this workshop with Doug was the best...enthusiastic, respectful, encouraging and fun.”  –Joe K

"Doug is a great facilitator: clear, concise, energetic...” –Noelle N

“Doug clearly is great at what he does; he knows his stuff and generated that same enthusiasm in us and provided much insight.  Tied together the concepts well.  Willing to go with what could have been tangents but related them to discussion. “ –Anonymity requested

“Very organized. Stuck to the subject and covered it well but allowed for questions and interaction.  I learned more than I ever imagined I could..." –Eugene S

“Fantastic amount of useful information covered in a short time. Workshop was well organized, shows Doug cares about us as students. I especially loved the questions to ask ourselves, and exercises.” –Shere C

“Thorough, thought through, experienced, something meaty in response to all our questions.” –Anonymity requested

“I enjoyed every minute of the workshop and learned heaps. Thanks for your great facilitation and for sharing all the drills, tips, and stellar advice. I also appreciated your coaching session!...I finished your book the other day. It was such a good read. I end up reading late at night and kept telling myself "one more chapter, just one more chapter" because I couldn't put the blasted thing down. Poppy's death scene was perfect. Thanks for sharing it with us and make sure to let us know when your next one hits the shelves.” –Beth C

“Hey Doug! I just wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know how much I enjoyed this last novel writing workshop...the material you presented, and the free-write exercises you had us complete, were invaluable to my novel writing struggles, and I now know I will be able to plow ahead and finish my book!  Thank you for your tips and teaching style - I am forever grateful!" –Gail K

“Comfortable, easy-going environment. Doug was straightforward and easy to understand and tons of fun...” -Gavin L

“There were no apparent weaknesses in Doug Kurtz’s workshop. He covered the nuts and difficult fitting bolts with ease and a great understanding. Diagrams, discussions, one-on-one and good insights all fit into Doug’s milieu.” -Bill B

“Doug knows how to write a novel and his experience translates to his teaching ability, his knowledge about the writing process. He propelled me time and again into new territory in my own writing.” -Gail C

“Excellent articulation regarding novel elements, plot, character development, point of view, scene, working with novel as a whole and pushing it forward.” –Rebecca S

“I loved the writing exercises and handouts, found them extremely helpful outside of class. Also appreciated the one-on-one coaching session...” –Evon D

“I liked how Doug summarized comments made by the group at large and then homed in and illuminated specifics with very well thought out commentary. He took his role very seriously and I appreciated the level of professionalism he brought to the class...” –Pam M

“The format worked really well—good combo of workshop and lecture...Doug is dynamic and easy to follow.” –Valeri P

“Doug is engaging, enthusiastic and informative. Very much a participant involved in the process, very positive...” –Vince N

“I got a ton of information in a very accessible manner. Workshops were friendly, useful and insightful. I wish each one had been a half-hour longer...” –Jeff W

“Great workshop! Really enjoyed it. Doug is great! Very encouraging.” –Andrew S

“Extremely helpful. Positively relaxed, absolutely loved it...I am LEARNING SO MUCH from you and your class....signed up for intermediate again!"  –Connie L

"Thanks again Doug...I love to take classes from people who love to teach their 'stuff'!" –Sharon D

"Among things I loved about this class was how non-judgmental everyone was--open, honest, helpful, always with good intentions. Doug created that spirit and everyone embraced it." –Anonymity requested

"The syllabus and homework for this workshop were great. I chose this class to add to my toolset for focus in my writing space and my expectations were met. Doug provided good examples and guidance through group brainstorming. He was also very responsive to email outside of class..." –Natalie C

“Absolutely wonderful. Helped me learn so much about writing fiction and crafting it…” –Debbie J

“The workshop was truly outstanding and led phenomenally well. Each of the sessions was well organized and tied into the next.” –Dennis M

“Topics were pertinent and well presented. The right balance of lecture, interaction and practice.” –Marguerite S

“Great detail, great how-to, great raw basics which I enjoyed and found refreshing. No criticism; it was a wonderful base…” –Mike M

“Doug is able to engage and motivate the class because of his evident knowledge, and also his enthusiasm…” –Jocelan M

“It was all excellent…and extremely helpful. Thank you so much!” –Diane E