Good writers do not wait for the muse to strike. They make regular dates with her (or him), and they show up on time for those dates. They simply sit down, turn off all distractions, and write--often. While keeping those dates with the muse is ultimately up to the student, receiving constructive feedback from an experienced writer and editor can be an invaluable aid in the revision process, and it can help motivate the student to write more.
In addition to teaching college, I have tutored people of all ages since the early 1990's when I was a poetry mentor to high school students from the United States and Canada in an intensive long-distance writing program. Over the years since then, I have worked one-on-one with graduate students for whom English is a second or third language, adults in community arts and continuing study programs, and many other writing students, helping them to find inspiration, stay motivated, and build their technical skills.
At the center of my tutoring is a focus on process. Whether you are just beginning to write creatively or have been writing for some time and want to take your process and work to the next level, I offer everything from one-time assistance with the revision of a particular creative piece to long-term help with a series of drafts. I work with serious writers of nearly all ages, from high school students to retirees. I can work with you face-to-face via Skype, by email, or by snail mail, whichever is most convenient for you.
For me, tutoring is an absolute joy; the goals are tangible, the process is highly rewarding, and the results can be breathtaking.
Below are some comments about my teaching style and my approach to the writing process from students, bloggers, and fellow writers.
"Gigi Thibodeau is an incredibly talented and supportive teacher of writing. She has worked with beginning and advanced students and brings to all of her teaching an enthusiasm for the study of literature and appreciation for the discipline of writing. For a number of years my office was adjacent to hers, so I heard her in conference with students, and I can attest to the time and the thoughtfulness that she brings to her interactions with students at all levels. She also encourages her students to share their work not only in classroom settings and on the web, but in public forums, recognizing the important interplay between writer and audience. Gigi guides students through innovative exercises and encourages all writers to stretch beyond their comfort zones; her understanding of the developmental process in which writers are engaged as they endeavor to find their voices and hone their craft shapes many of the assignments she suggests. Those who work with her will find that their writing improves and their confidence grows."
~Dr. Melissa Pennell
Professor of English,
College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences,
University of Massachusetts Lowell
"I have been working with Gigi for a year, and it has changed the way I approach writing. I always ask myself now, "What would Gigi say?" when editing my work. Gigi's approach to mentoring and tutoring is thoughtful, creative, constructive, and intuitive. She is flexible, willing to meet individual needs, and we laugh often. She is a natural and gifted teacher who wishes to share her passion and spark others. I have gained an abundance of knowledge and look forward to every meeting."
~Christine Lovely-Jones
"I worked with Gigi in her poetry workshop, and she changed my entire outlook on writing. Up to that point, I had thought of myself as a writer, yet it was through her guidance I truly began to develop a relationship with words, with sitting down to write most days no matter what. All of the tools she taught me stay with me and literally help me every single day to just keep writing and re-writing."
~Lindsay Curry
"I never considered myself much of a writer before working with Gigi, but her passion and creativity brought out these same attributes in myself. From journal writing and poetry to press releases and other marketing, writing has now become a necessity in both my personal and professional life, and I enjoy every minute of it, thanks to Gigi."
~Suzanne Cabot
"Gigi's sharp wit is exceeded only by her gentleness . . . . She zeroes in like a sniper on what is most genuine about the work and with the brevity and grace of a bullet, can destroy all that obscures its integrity and beauty."
~Alex Joseph
"I've worked in education all my life and have been exposed to many, many teachers in both secondary and university education. I have to say that you're a wonderful teacher. You present your thoughts in a well formulated way and though you put forth an objective, you leave room for creativity."
~McKenna
