Testimonials and Bio

Testimonials

“I just wanted to thank you for what you said and wrote about my story, not just the words of support, but also the constructive criticism. I really appreciate the time that you put into reading and analyzing it. It is exactly what I hoped for with this workshop . . . It's the belief in myself that I needed more than anything else. You have provided me with that and for that, I can't thank you enough.”
--A workshop student, referring to a critique of a short humor piece

"Marcia combines high expectations with kind coaching and has helped me produce my best work. The best, of course, is yet to come.”
--A workshop student (six workshops) and editing client, writing short fiction and an autobiographical novel

“I have taken 8 of Marcia’s workshops. I keep going back because she is able to provide real help for the work without the judgment and ego I have experienced with other teachers and established writers.”
--A workshop student, composing a series of personal essays and a memoir

"I have worked with Marcia for several years, and I am increasingly impressed with her insightful questions and suggestions. No one else I have worked with gives as much useful, productive feedback, which I have used to significantly improve my writing. I can't say enough about her excellent work."
--An editing client, working on a travel/adventure narrative

"I was looking for someone to review and edit my work. After contacting a number of freelance editors, I chose to work with Marcia. Up front, I liked her personal style, responsiveness, and obvious attention to detail. She has helped me with a number of personal essays/creative nonfiction pieces. I am extremely pleased with her work. As a relative novice to this type of writing, I was looking for someone to help with constructive criticism and practical advice as much as editing and grammar. Marcia has absolutely exceeded my expectations."
--A client currently engaged in an ongoing mentorship, with a focus on nonfiction writing

"Since I've been working with you, my attitude about the manuscript has changed...I feel as if publishing is a real possibility, rather than a pipe dream."
--An ethnobotanist, preparing a master’s thesis for publication

References available upon request.

Bio

Marcia Trahan has lived in Vermont, Boulder, Colorado, and New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Vermont in 1996 and a Master of Fine Arts in writing and literature from Bennington College in 2001. While at Bennington, she studied with Susan Cheever, George Packer, Sven Birkerts, and the late Lucy Grealy. Her work has appeared in such journals as Fourth Genre and Full Circle and has twice received honorable mention in the New Millennium Writing Awards, a nationwide contest.
Since 2003, Marcia has taught writing to middle and high school students, provided private editing and critique services, and conducted self-designed workshops in introductory creative writing and personal narrative. She currently lives in South Burlington, Vermont with her partner, Andy, and a she-rabbit named Harold. She is working on a personal essay collection, The Last Reasonable Hour.