Kind words…
... able to reach through the weeds and pinpoint the true intention of the writer...
“Oh Karin.. you are a gifted teacher. First, you are the most astute listener; you are able to reach through the weeds of a cobbled-together story and pinpoint the true intention of the writer. The questions you pose of the writer demand that she pull from her own experience and expression. There are no pointed questions where you wait for the hapless writer to arrive at the correct answer... it's all gauged so gently, probing but not poking. You promote an atmosphere of respect among us for each others’ work and our individual processes. We all come to it differently, and there's no judging.
You seem able to meet each person where they are, respectful of whatever they bring to the table. You are responsive and wise. I can feel your years of reading, studying and dissecting as you help us explore what we've written and where we want it to take us.”
Meredith Baxter
“Karin Gutman is the gentlest of word surgeons. How did she know that a critical layer of my story was missing and that the ending wasn’t honest? She just did and encouraged me to go deeper. It made all the difference. She is filled with grace and charm and is a joy to work with.”
Janet Blake
Former VP, Writer Development and Special Projects,
Walt Disney Network Television
… filled with grace and charm…
…helped me find the spine and arc of the piece…
“Karin has been an enormous help to me with my book. I was in that weird place –- after the first draft and trying to find the courage and stamina to launch into the second. Spending many days staring blankly at my computer screen, I needed a fresh eye, and Karin was the perfect person to go to. She was able to read my messy first draft and see the potential, and ask me wonderful, intelligent questions to help me find the spine and arc of the piece and bring it more to the surface. Her insights, notes and questions have been invaluable.”
Laurel Ollstein, award-winning playwright
“I took Karin's workshop more than once and each time I gained clarity and courage to tell my story. The insights and group energy were inspiring. Karin masterfully weaves a sense of play and discovery in her classes. I entered the class fearful of taking risks in my writing and left feeling empowered. I would recommend Karin's workshop to the most accomplished writer as well as a novice.”
Jodi Harris
…masterfully weaves a sense of play and discovery…
…protects and nurtures writers…
“I love your style of teaching, way of being, and the space you hold and the opening you create. Just so grateful for what you do. I really love how you protect and nurture writers and writing, and the wonderful way you love through your work. You are a transformative person in my life.”
Kelli Bean-Miranda
“Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into your work. It shows. I FEEL it. You are the embodiment of grace and warmth and risk taking. I am so grateful to be connected to you.”
Samantha Weaver
... embodiment of grace and warmth and risk taking...
… a true word whisperer…
“Going into Karin’s workshop, I had no idea what to expect. I was out of practice with my writing and nervous about my ability to produce anything worthy of putting on paper, let alone share with a room full of strangers. Any nervous energy I had was quickly replaced with a sense of comfort and calm. Attending the workshop was like opening a door into a safe hideaway where I could let my thoughts and words run free. Karin created an environment where I could get organized and focus on ideas, to dig deeper and peel back the layers of meaning and story. Karin’s knowledge and love of writing is infectious. She’s a true word whisperer.”
Cristina Wildzumas
