Work with Gail
Gail works with writers at all levels, from newbies to pros. Choose the course that best suits your project.
Creative Writing Course
Work independently and at your own pace as you learn how to put together the building blocks of fiction. Great for newbies and emerging writers.
Blue Pencil Sessions
Not your average blue pencil session, this consultation with Gail is a full workshop. Book at any time.
Fiction Mentorships
Gail's flagship course. In this one-on-one, private, four-month online mentorship, Gail will guide you as you put together your fiction project.
Developmental Edits
For writers with a complete draft. Gail digs deep into your manuscript's big picture story elements -- themes, story goals, conflicts and structure, character arcs, pacing, point of view, and dialogue -- to help you develop your project to the fullest.
Meet and Greet
Meet Gail for a 20-minute Zoom session to get a sample edit or discuss which one of Gail's services is right for you.
Alpha and Beta Reading Service
Alpha and beta readers give feedback on a manuscript from a reader’s perspective. Move your project forward with this affordable service.
Events and Workshops for Groups
Gail offers library and book club reading events as well as writing workshops for organizations and private groups.
Writing Retreat
This week-long writing retreat in the Shuswap region of British Columbia is timed to coincide with the sockeye run on the Adams River, a natural wonder.
Resource Categories
Blogs on Craft
On the Building Blocks of Fiction
Tips on how to craft vivid scene that allows the reader to experience events right along with the characters.
On Finding Your Big Idea
Insights into the writing process and what a writer's day really looks like, as well as perspectives on research and writing from real life.
On Getting to Know Your Characters
Advice on the many ways you can make your characters come alive on the page for both you and your reader.
On Deciding on Point of View
What is the best perspective from which to tell your story? Writers discuss how they made choices on point of view and voice.
On Choosing Your Situation and Setting
Writers talk about how they use situation and setting to build story and convey emotion.
On Developing Conflict and Structure
From how to work in different genres to finding the real story, writers offer good advice on building conflict and structure.
On Revising
Tips on how to gain distance from your work and to how to re-imagine your next draft.
On Publishing
Writers offer practical advice on the business of writing and promotion, and on the importance of finding a writing community.
On Making a Living as a Writer
Writers offer words of wisdom on living on less.
On The Writer's Life
Writers talk about their life as a writer.
About Gail
Gail's novels have been national and international bestsellers and two have been short-listed for the Giller Prize, among other awards. She works with writers from around the world on her online teaching forums.