Testimonials
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Jackie knows how to find each writer’s strengths and how to praise those moments, and she knows how to point to the weaker spots with encouragement and humor. As a creative nonfiction writer, my work has gotten stronger and clearer and richer. I’ll forever be carrying the gifts she’s given me, the tools, feedback, and general encouragement. I can’t think of a single person in my life who wouldn’t benefit from Jackie’s insight on writing and being a human in an often overwhelming world.
—Molly Haas, writer and photographer
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Jackie’s guidance and notes helped me get my writing to a place I didn't think it could go. She knows the questions to ask to get a writer to go deeper into their work. I'm always in awe of how she can solve the riddle of helping writers get unstuck.
—Beth Penn, writer and business owner
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Jackie is direct and kind and funny, and she uses her formidable mind for the good. She takes writing very seriously. Perhaps more importantly, she takes writers very seriously. She’s committed to nurturing craft through compassionate criticism and careful attention. There is no star rating that I am aware of for this process, but I want to offer my strenuous endorsement of Jackie.
—Mary Birnbaum, award-winning writer
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Jackie’s feedback is supportive and compassionate but not at the expense of helping you achieve your creative goals. The focus and care she puts into each writer’s work are incredible. You and your writing will grow.
—Kristine Kimmel, writer and podcaster
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I feel so much less daunted about picking back up my writing thanks to Jackie.
—Amanda Schull, writer and actress
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Jackie offers support and encouragement through her insightful notes and passionate approach to writing. I gained confidence as a writer and felt encouraged to keep going.
—Stephanie Childers Roth, writer and actress
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"Run. Don't walk. Jackie is a joy to work with.”
—Hope Moore, writer
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Jackie is nurturing, perceptive, and committed. She believes in your writing more than you believe in your writing. She’ll find strengths in it that you didn’t even know were there, and she’ll help you draw them out. Whether you need a champion or a discerning critic, you’ll find both in Jackie.
—Kristen Schoer, writer and activist
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Jackie is smart, witty, and honest, and she turns that insight onto your work. She is a deep listener and hears behind what you say or write, to the heart of the story, and she isn't afraid to gently yet firmly nudge you towards it. Her experience, intelligence, and deep caring about writing can lift you up.
—Katya Lidsky Friedman, writer and breathwork coach
More praise submitted anonymously from UCLA Ext. students on their course evals:
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Jackie is an excellent instructor who has excellent insight and boundless enthusiasm for students. I greatly appreciated her input in my work and compassion for me as a person.
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A delight!
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10 Plus! Jackie is incredibly knowledgeable and knows how to break down really big ideas into palatable bits. She's been a pleasure!
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Jackie was the first person who made me feel like [writing] was totally something that I could practically do. She provided a process that has given me the confidence to turn my goals into reality.
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Jackie is not only an engaging instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, but she is inimitably kind, encouraging, and open. Compelling, constructive, but most of all considerate—Jackie took the time to get to know us as people and as writers, and not only did my writing immediately improve from her feedback but my perspective on my writing journey and my outlook on life were transformed by Jackie.
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Jackie created a supportive, open environment for writers to share their work. I was blown away by the level of feedback she provided each student. She was thoughtful, kind and energetic.
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Jackie has been very engaged in the class. She provided genuine and authentic feedback. Out of all of the instructors I've experienced in this program, her accessibility to answer questions in and outside of class has been the most helpful and appreciated.
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Worth her weight in gold.
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Jackie was fantastic! I feel very motivated to keep writing thanks to her support and from her lessons.
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Jackie is pure delight! She was helpful at identifying all the areas I was strong in and areas where I could improve. She is positive and encouraging and led a wonderful class.
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Jackie was a great instructor. She's funny and warm which set everyone at ease and created a great classroom environment.
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Jackie is kind, open minded, and has done an excellent job creating a safe and fun space for the class to learn, grow, and share their work.
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I love Jackie! She is so attentive to our needs and gives the best feedback on our written work.
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She’s the best!
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Jackie is fantastic! All of her feedback on our work in class was incredibly insightful. Always constructive and supportive, and I look forward to taking another course with her.