• “Kathleen Dale is not just a gifted poet, but an exceptional teacher. I have been working with Kathleen for over a year, and it has been such powerful experience.  Kathleen brings so much knowledge, rigor, and sensitivity to the process of reviewing poetry and looking at what is possible with a poem.  She is so kind, so smart,  and such a careful listener. Kathleen has such wonderful “sight” into possibility: what it is that may improve a given poem.  And her sense of humor makes our work together extra fun. We have had such incredible conversations about structure and punctuation, meaning and emotion, process and craft.  I come away so in awe and so inspired by our sessions together. Sometimes I feel like Kathleen is helping me learn a second language. Working with her is a joy.”

  • “Working with Kathleen has been the most rewarding writing experience I’ve ever had. I have written poetry all my life, but never had the courage to pursue my dream of being published. She is an excellent teacher with exquisite editing and coaching skills. She not only encourages, but also challenges me to become a better writer, a better poet. After working with her for a few months, I had my first poem accepted and published. Writing is hard and learning to express oneself through words is an art. But Kathleen is right there with you, helping guide the way to authentic artistic expression.”

  • “Kathleen’s expert editing skills have been essential: her ability to see a work’s potential, especially when the author does not, is a rare gift. Her keen eye, indefatigable knowledge of grammar, and commitment to coherence will always be greatly appreciated, in addition to her patience.”

  • “Kathleen Dale is a gifted writing coach. In the first session, she identified several key areas of my writing that were holding me back and, in each session since, she has nudged me to ever greater releases. With a combination of intuition, probing, humor and simply a great understanding of the written word, she has guided me to a place in my writing where once I only hoped to reach. I feel that my writing is growing more authentic and my voice more clear every day. And she is a fabulous editor, coaching me to find the perfect words and concepts. Because of her guidance, my process of writing has completely changed. Now I really let loose in the idea phase, knowing that I can fine tune when I edit and my work is so much more satisfying. I never hoped to publish but she showed me simple ways to submit my poetry and I’ve submitted several batches. Submitting actually makes the work better! I did not know. And now I know that and so much more and feel so much more skilled at mining my thoughts, feelings and experiences for poetry. Kathleen brings both grit and joy to the writing process. She is a natural teacher. I feel so fortunate to be working with her.”

  • “I consider Kathleen my literary adviser; she is more than a writing mentor and coach.  I consider her also more like my post-doctorate adviser because that is the quality and caliber of her work.  She has taught me to hold back in my writing, as with an image or a word choice, often just a few lines, which may make all the difference.  Her feedback is honest and worthy to consider in the process of revision, which she and I so heartily enjoy.  I have had several poems published because of her work with me and am shopping a completed book now.  Kathleen has keen literary and poetic sensibilities and is generous with encouragement.”

  • “I met Kathleen through a friend and since that day, my writing and my life have changed forever. I have always referred to myself as a kitchen table writer. Through Kathleen’s gifts and guidance, my table has now become a banquet of creativity and love through my poetry. I did not know that I could reach the depths that she so patiently helps me explore. Thank you, Kathleen, for your guidance and especially your friendship!!”

  • “My work with Kathleen has truly been empowering for me. Kathleen is an excellent editor, paying close attention to each word, idea, and punctuation mark. However, Kathleen respects the writer’s own voice and work, offering useful suggestions that clarify meaning or bring out the writer’s vision.  She allows as many revisions as needed, which is refreshing and helpful– though she is clear in saying when it’s time to put a piece aside or saying when it is ‘done.’ Through our work together, I have gained not only confidence in my voice and style, but I have also seen my new work improve because I am paying more attention to each word. I recommend Kathleen as a coach for anyone willing to share their journey with an enthusiastic, committed, and exacting mentor!” 

  •  “Kathleen’s reliable writing expertise and her reassuring coaching manner consistently elicit one’s very best work.”

  • “I found out about Kathleen though a recommendation from another artist. Not being comfortable writing about myself I was looking for someone to help me organize my life into an artist statement I could use in marketing myself to galleries and clients. Kathleen was exactly what I was looking for, responsive, interactive, excited about it and timely. I was more than happy with the results and love sharing my short version and long version with people. It makes me sound so interesting. Thank you for your great work and affordable solution to my needs.”