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 hears the voice of the project clearly and knows the questions to ask to help its form stay true to its evolution. I have found her guidance invaluable and it continues to be a fascinating unfolding for me.
Jean
writer & massage therapist
What strikes me in particular about Cooper-Novack’s work is the way in which a compressed narrative seems to inflate into a miniature world as the poem unfolds.
Tom
writer and writing teacher
Working with Gemma has transformed my writing process.
Elizabeth
graduate student
"[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
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
Get in Touch
Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!