Testimonials

“Amy is a magnificent midwife of the written word.  Since I began participating in her writing workshops I have transformed from "I am a writer?" to "I am a writer!" She has been my greatest source for encouragement as well as my most constructive critic.  In the most loving way possible, she reflects back the beauty I am not yet able to claim in my craft while also guiding me to make it tangibly better. Amy has broadened my writing horizons so much that an 8.5x11 inch piece of paper now feels like an enormous canvas where anything is possible.”

Gino Pastori-Ng

“I’ve been an established author and playwright for many years and I didn’t think that I had anything else to learn about the craft. Then, I attended one of Amy’s salons and found out how wrong I was. Amy is an amazing guide who has a gift for leading writers deeper inside themselves to find the words that best represent their space in the world and get them down on paper. She is a nurturing teacher who helped me explore the core of who I am in order to discover an honest, eloquent way of expressing my thoughts. I can’t recommend her highly enough. Whether you’re an experienced writer or a novice, you should attend Amy’s salons. I know that I will.”

Brian Copeland 

Working with Amy as a book doula during the creation of The Aetherion Code: Book One was incredibly valuable for both Bellamy and me. Having her as a sounding board—someone who can help tighten the structure, ask the right questions to uncover deeper layers in the characters, explore their needs, and identify where to expand or pare back the writing—is a gift every writer should be lucky enough to experience. Amy is uniquely suited for this work: her diverse life experiences and her remarkable talent as a writer give her deep insight into the craft. 

Fay Masterson

“Amy has a gift for welcoming you in and making you feel utterly safe and cared for, even as you reach into the most creatively vulnerable parts of yourself. Her prompts are thoughtful, her encouragement is genuine, and her facilitation skills are delightful - and she has a knack for assembling the right mixture of writers to come together to practice their craft. I have truly grown as a writer by attending her program, transitioning from "I like to write, but I'm not a writer writer" to "I am a writer!" in a way that has felt so natural as to seem almost inevitable. This is the magic of Amy. She brings out the best in her community, gently leading you to the gifts that have always been inside of you, no matter how long they've been dormant, patiently lying in wait for the right guide to draw them forth.” 

Kim Rohrer

My ongoing experience with Amy has been both rewarding and illuminating—whether in the group settings of the Jams and Salons or in our one-on-one work. Most especially, having Amy in the "sidecar" of my writing as a Book Doula has been invaluable. She has guided me in ways that invite deep exploration and honest questioning of the parts of my story that draw from the innermost layers of my self.

What does that mean? Simply put, together we’ve unearthed the tender truths and blind spots that bring greater authenticity to my work. And we’re not done yet.  I plan to continue to work with Amy for a long time to come.

Brian Delate

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Amy for the last five years. Over that time, she has encouraged and guided me on my own return to writing after a long break. Amy’s salons create a nurturing, supportive, and truly beautiful shared creative space that allows you to reconnect with your own voice and the voices of others in the most delightful, resonant, and often deeply revelatory ways. Amy is a gentle and encouraging guide and facilitator who we all can learn and benefit from in this process.

Aimee Cubbage

Amy’s Writing Salons have become a haven of expression, a place where words can freely echo in my mind before spilling onto the page. They unlock hidden corners of my mind that I often suppress. It’s a liberating experience, yet it also fosters a sense of shared community that enriches the storytelling and the very essence of the creative process. I sought a harmonious blend of inspiration and discipline, and I found 'blissipline'—the art of embracing writing with unwavering commitment. 

Sheila Ngonzi Hackbarth

“I am lucky enough to have had my voice nurtured by Amy as a teenager in earlier versions of her writing Salon and to have found community in her more formal salons as an adult. These workshops are spaces for exploration and experimentation without judgment that embolden even the most hesitant of voices. I've used my creations in these workshops as the basis for longer stories and for my own personal self-discovery. This space was fundamental to developing my confidence in my own voice.”

Sophie Lewis

Amy's Writing Jams open you up to your own miracles, previously unseen.

Amy’s Writing Retreats create a deep, safe space for writing, sharing and letting your true self emerge on the page and in real life.  She creates lifelong and lasting community.”

Amy Cheney