Tom has a writer’s mind and a fantastic command of form. His ideas about character and plot, conflict and motivation, were invaluable. He also is a great student of the process. I left the course reinvigorated for a project that needed just that.

Paul John Scott, author Malcharist

Writing Instruction, Inspiration & Manuscript Coaching

Whether you're just beginning, revising a short story, or wrestling with a full-length manuscript, I offer several ways to work together. My teaching combines close reading, practical craft lessons, and thoughtful discussion in a supportive, engaging environment. I've taught writing at the graduate level, led workshops in intimate home settings, and worked one-on-one with writers at every stage of the creative process.

Workshops

Each spring and fall I offer workshops devoted to the craft of fiction and memoir. Classes typically meet once a week for eight weeks in a relaxed, welcoming environment where writers can experiment, take risks, and grow.

Each session combines discussion of a specific craft element—point of view, character, dialogue, scene, structure, voice, revision, and more—with thoughtful workshop critiques of participants' writing. The goal is not simply to improve a single piece, but to give writers the tools to strengthen everything they write.

Class sizes are intentionally small to allow for meaningful discussion and personalized feedback.

Stay tuned for upcoming workshop dates.

One-on-One Coaching

$110 per hour

For writers looking for individualized guidance, I offer one-on-one coaching sessions in person or over Zoom.

These meetings are ideal for writers developing short stories, essays, memoir, or novel chapters who benefit from regular deadlines, accountability, and detailed feedback. Together we'll discuss your work in depth, identify opportunities for revision, and develop strategies for strengthening both the individual piece and your overall craft. Between meetings you'll revise, then we'll continue building on each draft.

Many writers choose to meet weekly or every other week as they work through multiple pieces or larger creative goals.

We begin with an initial consultation to discuss your project, establish expectations, and create a plan tailored to your schedule and objectives.

Manuscript Consulting

Fees vary depending on the scope of the project.

Completing a manuscript is a major accomplishment. Figuring out what comes next is often the hardest part.

I provide comprehensive editorial consultations for completed or near-completed novels, memoirs, short story collections, and nonfiction books. Rather than focusing only on line edits, I evaluate the manuscript as a whole—its structure, pacing, character development, voice, point of view, thematic cohesion, and overall effectiveness.

After a careful reading, you'll receive detailed written feedback along with a conversation about the manuscript's strengths, its biggest opportunities for revision, and a practical plan for moving forward. Whether you're preparing to query agents, submit to publishers, or simply create the strongest possible book, the goal is to give you a clear roadmap for revision.

Every project is different, so fees are determined after an initial consultation based on the manuscript's length and the level of feedback requested.

Email me at info@tomtrondson.com to get started!

Other Testimonials:

Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable and generative workshop! I left feeling inspired and with a better understanding of myself as a writer. Kristen F.

I really got a lot out of the discussions, prompts, but mostly the workshopping feedback. Suzanne F.

I started all this in the hopes that I would get back to writing, and I gradually am. I'm delighted to be returning to it with some mental frameworks and practical things I can try on when I get stuck. Michael M.