Mary Rakow imparts to her students a rare view of the world and the sacredness of language in it. She sets a level of excellence, in both life and writing, that is extraordinary. To participate in a class in which she is the instructor is a privilege.
–Dianne R.
Getting great reviews, receiving prestigious literary awards, having our work taught in college classrooms are all wonderful pleasures. But what is the greatest pleasure? To read one’s story 20 years after it was published and say, “Yes, only I could have written this.”
This pleasure outlasts all the others because it gives testimony to our own radically unique existence, to our own, singular perception of the world.
My job is to help you write that story. Whatever your form. Whether you’re a first time writer or come with accolades. To write the story that will not exist on planet Earth unless you write it.
When we do this, we make art, not just stuff. And the world does not need more stuff. The world needs art. This is our privilege.
We should do this because we can!
“At the first meeting, I knew that it was going to be an extraordinary experience” D.R. “Her concentration is uncanny…” J.H. “She creates a supportive environment in which a writer can feel safe” B.G. “Genius is not a strong enough word for her talents” J.O. “My experience was utterly unique and unparalleled” M.S. “Mary is the most interesting thinker I know” J.F. “Working with Mary is one of those transcendent experiences…” M.G. “Her excitement is contagious” M.S.
“Tremendously poignant.” The Washington Post. “Rakow’s feat is to blend skepticism and wonder.” The Atlantic. “The miracle of surprise.” O Magazine. “An affecting flash-fiction re-imagining of the Good Book.” Kirkus. “I cried when I read Rakow’s chapter 44.” Harvard Divinity Bulletin. “It’s miraculous.” Christian Century. “An inflammatory, Blakean tour de force.” Janet Fitch.
I can help! See my Options page.
What does this staircase have to do with Writing?
See Staircase and Other Writing Exercises at “Get Inspired By…”