"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

"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 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

"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.

"[Writing the Novel - Getting Started] 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