Welcome! My name is Gemma Cooper-Novack, and my life and work revolve around writing.
Photo by Sean Riva
As an education researcher, currently a doctoral student at Syracuse University, I focus on the intersections of writing pedagogies and social justice, the development of writer identity in community, and the significance of arts education and creative writing in literacy education in and out of school.
As a practicing writer—a poet, a playwright, a fiction writer, and an academic writer-researcher—I derive joy and purpose from my connection with a range of academic, literary, and artistic communities.
As a writing educator and writing coach, I am invested in supporting writers who struggle with structure and practice and teaching in both community education and school settings.
I would love to talk to you! Please feel free to look around the site and contact me below!
Testimonials
“Gemma you can be Cat Womon.”
Kenyon
student, age 9
"Gemma has helped me break down seemingly huge projects into manageable pieces that I can act upon. … She understands how people with ADHD operate with work and academics. She gets it and provides concrete help."
Joyce
graduate student
From an actor's perspective, Gemma's ability to combine serious accountability with an encouraging, supportive rehearsal atmosphere makes her one of the best directors you'll ever work with.
actor
"[W]ith Gemma's coaching, I will be on my way to digging into writing — a place I had been struggling to get to for over a year. Thank you, Gemma!"
Rory
playwright
Gemma sets reachable weekly goals that have helped me a leave a serious year or two of writer's block.
Abra
writer
Get in Touch
Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!