for writers who desire to deepen
their creative practice

Work With Me

Whether you hope to refine a story idea for your dream publication or work together in private sessions to hone your creativity and expand your writing career, I will challenge you and guide you to as you realize your goals.

Private Sessions

In my one-on-one creative coaching program, I work with you on a private basis to expand your writing career. I use a client-led approach to push you to unlock your talents and insights, as my goal is for you to have more clarity and connection in your writing process.

Pitch Makeover

If you have the perfect story idea and know where you want to take it but need help refining the messaging, this offer is for you. You’ll tell me about your story idea and what magazine you have in mind. I’ll refine your pitch and get it ready to send to an editor.

Past Writing Retreats

BAJA SUR WRITING RETREAT

Feb 17-22, 2023

SPAIN WRITING RETREAT

September 30 - October 5, 2023

Intro to
Freelance Writing

In this course, I teach you everything you need to know to get the best editorial assignments in the business. With little to no experience, my past students have gone on to have their first assignments for Vogue.com, Conde Nast Traveler, and Bon Appétit. Many writers find incredible success by taking this course, but it does require a deep sense of openness and for you to go all-in on the teachings. The course is taught in a group setting where you and your fellow writers all share ideas together, workshop them, and get vulnerable and open in your writing process.

The course format isn't designed to teach you how to write. This course is specifically designed for writers who want to be published in magazines and digital sites and have little to no experience doing so. It's mapped out as a start-to-finish journey to show you how the world of freelance writing works, from developing your own sense of curiosity and ideas and researching both digital and print publications to ultimately mastering the art of pitching editors. At the beginning of the course, each writer selects their target publications, and we work through a series of steps in order to inform how you can pitch these publications. By the end of the course, you will have sent out pitches to editors and will be equipped with the skills to do this on your own long after the course is over.

Format:

  • (8) 60-90-minute Zoom calls

  • Unlimited M-F support during the program in our group platform

  • Custom coursework to immerse you in the world of freelance writing

  • Assignments and homework to help you stay on track with your goals

Now taught on a private basis.

Kind words from my past students

  • TAYLOR FEEZOR

    Writer for Bon Appétit

    “Joining this program was a vote I cast for myself, to finally advocate for a deeper truth I had shelved for a long time. Through Michaela’s mentoring, I was able to reframe some dated perspectives on my own growth and confidence, which ultimately served as my pathway into the world of freelance writing and discovering the business side of the industry. Now that I’m on the other side, I can say that this program has changed me. Michaela opened the door for me to step into my freedom, my flow, and gave me the tools to sustain myself on a path of creative living - for life.”

  • KATHERINE GALLARDO

    Writer for Condé Nast Traveler

    "I absolutely loved working with Michaela! I know that these new skills will open up so many doors and create the opportunities and experiences that I’ve been dreaming about. I feel that I now have a solid foundation to build upon, as well as the confidence to pitch my favorite publications right out of the gate. I’m excited to have four pitches ready to send to my favorite publication. Michaela’s guidance has given me the confidence to dream big, pursue the stories I want to tell, and believe anything is possible!"

  • IAN CENTRONE

    Writer for Men’s Journal, Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, and Esquire

    “Michaela knows how to transform a passion into a rewarding profession and brings a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to break through in this competitive industry. Her insight, guidance, and mentorship proved to be absolutely invaluable when I was beginning my journey. Whether you’re a budding writer just starting out or a seasoned journalist looking to sharpen your skills, Michaela will help you reach your goals and find success.

  • CHRISTINE CHITNIS

    Writer for The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, ELLE, and more

    “My time with Michaela has been immensely helpful both in terms of how I think about travel writing and refining my pitch technique. I'm feeling really strong going into this next chapter of my writing career, and I have Michaela to thank for that newfound confidence! I landed a story at Domino, one of my goal publications, and made really solid connections at other publications thanks to the many pitches I sent out. I feel I'm on the edge of landing some really exciting stories at some of my top goal publications. I'm excited to keep applying what I learned to move my writing career forward.”

  • CATHERINE TANSEY

    Writer for Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, and more

    “I couldn’t recommend working with Michaela highly enough. I’ve never felt more capable of expanding into lifestyle writing than I do after having taken her course. The Intro to Freelancing Writing curse was the perfect mix of practical know-how and theory against the backdrop of personal development. I’m applying what I learned in Michaela’s course and I’m already getting responses from editors at the top travel publications.”