Writers' Clinic at The Porch: Online Consultations

Need a fresh set of eyes on your writing? Stuck at the brainstorming stage? Writers' Clinic offers 45-minute one-on-one sessions with experienced writing coaches trained to provide constructive, tailored feedback. Whether you're mapping out ideas, revising a draft, or just feeling stuck, our coaches are here to ask helpful questions, suggest next steps, and offer exercises to deepen your work. Bring a few pages, an outline, or simply your ideas — we'll meet you where you are. Each session is a one-time experience designed to leave you energized and equipped for your next move.

COURT HARLER (she/her) is a queer writer, editor, and educator based in Northern Kentucky. She holds an MA and an MFA. She's the owner of Harler Literary LLC, the founding editor of Flash the Court, and the former editor in chief of CRAFT. She'll be the writer-in-residence in poetry at The Kerouac House in Orlando, Florida, in late 2027. Her award-winning, multigenre work has been published around the world. Learn more at harlerliterary.llc or flashthecourt.com. Find her on Instagram @CourtneyHarler.

FAQ:

What is Writers' Clinic?

Writers' Clinic offers 45-minute one-on-one coaching sessions with experienced writing coaches at The Porch. Each session is a standalone meeting designed to help you move forward at any stage of your writing process.

How can I participate in Writers' Clinic?

Writers' Clinic is offered online and in person.

What can I bring?

Bring whatever you're working on, or thinking about working on!

• A few pages of a draft (up to ~5 double-spaced pages is ideal)
• An outline
• Brainstorming notes
• A specific question about structure, voice, or next steps
• Or simply an idea you're still shaping

What happens during the consultation?

You and your coach will briefly discuss your goals at the start. Together, you'll decide how to spend the time:

• Reading and discussing a section of your writing
• Brainstorming or outlining ideas
• Working through next steps or roadblocks
• Exploring exercises or prompts offered by the coach

What can I expect from the coach?

Our writing coaches are trained to ask fruitful questions, suggest exercises, and offer constructive feedback. They are here to help you develop your voice, clarify your intentions, and make meaningful progress, not to “fix” your work or impose their style.

How should I prepare?

• Think about one or two specific goals for your session.
• Come with an open mind, ready to talk, explore, and experiment.

Can I send materials to the coach ahead of time?
No. Writers' Clinic sessions are designed to be one-off, real-time experiences. Part of the value comes from the coach approaching your work with fresh eyes, offering immediate reactions and guidance without pre-reading. You'll have time during your session to share what you've brought and discuss it together.

How much does it cost?

Each 45-minute session is $65.

Is it a recurring program?

No. Every Writers' Clinic session is a one-off. You are more than welcome to book more sessions with the same coach if the schedule aligns. 

What if I need to cancel?

Please notify us at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule, so that we can offer the spot to another writer in time. Otherwise, cancellations are not refundable.