Welcome to Gemma Cooper-Novack’s home page! I’m a writer, playwright, educator, researcher, and writing coach. That is to say, my work and life revolve around writing.
Photo by Sean Riva
I recently received my doctorate in Literacy Education from Syracuse University, where I my work focused on the affective experiences and writer identities of adolescent writers in out-of-school spaces, particularly those who are LGBTQ+. My dissertation, “A Sense of Safe Connection”: An Affective Narrative Exploration with Queer Teenage Writers in an Out-of-School Time Space,, received the 2022-2023 All University Doctoral Prize. I have spent the past year as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY.
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
You were my favorite enrichment teacher that I ever had.
Marco
student, age 10
“I learned a lot from this program. It made me a stronger person and a writer. I will miss this program.”
Starr
student, age 16
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
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
Compassion, a perhaps underrated subject in contemporary lyrical poetry, gets a rollickingly twisted treatment in Cooper-Novack’s deft and slippery hands.
Tom
writer and writing teacher
Get in Touch
Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!