Is writing holding you back when you’re trying to get ahead? Do you struggle with structure every time you write? Does writing sometimes make you want to quit? I guide writers through the development of their work — from academic writing to fiction, from application essays and test essays to plays. I have a subspecialty in working with individuals with disabilities, including executive functioning disorders (such as ADHD), learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders; my unique process-based coaching system supports all writers of all ages and skill levels, from high school students to doctoral candidates, by focusing on the individual’s specific writing process. I conduct in-person coaching sessions in the Central New York area; for those farther-flung, I am happy to arrange virtual sessions.
In addition, I am a teacher of writing, working in Syracuse, New York City, and virtually. I work with middle school students, teenagers, college students, and adults.
Writing Coach Experience
- GemmaCooperNovack.com, Boston, MA and Syracuse, NY (2011–present)
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Disabilities Services, Cambridge, MA (2009–2014)
- Boston Teacher Residency, Boston, MA (2013–2014)
Writing Teaching Experience
- Guest Writing Instructor, Robert Louis Stevenson School, New York, NY (2023)
- Writing Instructor, Downtown Writer’s Center at the YMCA/Young Authors Academy/Speaking Out, Syracuse, NY (2017-present)
- Program Coordinator, Narratio Fellowship, Syracuse, NY (2019-2022)
- Writing Instructor, Brookline Adult and Community Education, Brookline, MA (2014–2016)
- Writing Rights Instructor, Dudley Promise Corps, Boston Plan for Excellence, Boston, MA (2013–2014)
- Adult Education Instructor, Truman College/Association House of Chicago, Chicago, IL (2007–2008)
Theater/Arts Teaching Experience
- Teaching Artist, North Side Learning Center, Syracuse, NY (2018–2019)
- Teaching Artist, Gardner Pilot Academy, Allston, MA (2011–2015)
- Guest Teaching Artist, The Theater Offensive, Boston, MA (2013)
- Teaching Artist, Chelsea Community Schools, Chelsea, MA (2012–2013)
- Founding Program Director, Theater and Performance Club, Ghana Literacy Project, Pokuase, Ghana (2008–2009)
- Guest Theater Instructor, Saint Ann’s School, Brooklyn, NY (2008)
- Purim Play Director, Anshe Emet Synagogue, Chicago, IL (2005–2008)
- Teaching Artist, Playmakers Laboratory Theater, Chicago, IL (2004–2007)
- Playmaking & Performance Instructor, After School Matters at Michele Clark High School, Chicago, IL (2004–2006)
- Jeff Metcalf Fellow, Arts Initiatives, United Neighborhood Houses of New York, New York, NY (2003)
Testimonials
Gemma you can be Cat Womon.
Kenyon
student, age 9
Gemma was incredibly patient and attentive. She helped me discover and develop my own personal writing process. She was a godsend for someone with LDs like mine.
Victor
graduate student
I had been working with a rather flat plot [for my musical], and Gemma pushed me to heighten the tension by creating greater differences between the characters and by stretching me out of my comfortable material, all while keeping me feeling comfortably in control of my own story. The amazing part? I had my plot and relationships straightened out with heightened stakes and character development, to my excitement and delight, all within two sessions. … [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
Working with Gemma has transformed my writing process. In our weekly meetings, Gemma helps me to prioritize the papers I’m working on, think short-term and long-term about what writing projects I want to accomplish, and carve out time in my schedule for specific writing tasks. When I feel stuck on a paper, or completely overwhelmed by my work, she gives me encouragement and helps me find a way out. When I need help thinking through the logic of a section or even a paragraph, she reads with a sharp but empathetic eye. She always seems to grasp what I’m trying to do even when my writing is a mess. I love working with Gemma! I’m a much more focused, productive and calm writer as result of her coaching. I sing her praises to all my academic friends!
Elizabeth
graduate student
"So far Gemma sets reachable weekly goals that have helped me a leave a serious year or two of writer's block. She's also been great with visualizing the presentation of qualitative data in diagrams and figures."
Abra
writer
Get in Touch
Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!