What Are Office Hours?
Office Hours are a once-a-month virtual gathering where you can bring your questions — about writing, publishing, the creative process, or whatever’s on your mind. Think of it as open studio time for your curiosity. No question is too small, too weird, or too beginner. You can ask live or submit your questions in advance, and you’ll join a zoom room of fellow writers who are figuring it out too. You can also attend if you don't have a question. Sometimes the biggest revelations happen when we're listening.
I created Office Hours because so many people asked for this kind of space — supportive, empowering, and demystifying. Writing shouldn’t feel like a secret club. Come as you are, bring your questions, and let’s figure it out together.
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month (United States)/ second Wednesday of the month (Australia). See schedule below for dates & times & details.
HOW OFFICE HOURS WORK
Office hours is a monthly subscription that can be canceled at any time. You'll always have the option to sign up again.
Once a month, we meet on Zoom for one hour of questions, answers, and real talk about writing.
You can submit your questions in advance or bring them live (questions are answered first come, first served), and we’ll cover as much ground as we can. I answer as many questions as time allows, and there’s always room for follow-ups, conversation, and the kind of shared wisdom that happens when writers gather.
Office Hours Are For You
If you’ve got questions, you belong here. This space is for writers at every stage, because writing shouldn’t be shrouded in mystery. How else will you learn if you don’t ask?
Office Hours are for you if:
- You’re just beginning and don’t know where (or how) to start
- The publishing process feels confusing, overwhelming, or gatekeepy
- You’re unsure how to structure your essay, novel, or memoir
- You want to write, but can’t figure out when or how to make time
- You’re organizing your files (or avoiding your files) and need a system that works
- You’re stuck somewhere mid-draft and can’t see the way forward
- You’re wondering how to build a writing life that feels sustainable, nourishing, and yours
- You googled “how to pitch an agent” and then immediately closed your laptop
- You’ve written 80,000 words and still aren’t sure what your book is about
- You’re thinking about starting a Substack, a novel, a memoir—or all three, simultaneously
- You don't know how you'll know when your project feels done
- You're working hard to trust yourself and your process and just need a little permission and confirmation
Come as you are. Ask what you need. You’re not supposed to know everything.
OFFICE HOURS MAGIC:
Bring Your Questions
No question is too big, too small, or too “is this even a real question?” Bring whatever’s on your mind—structure, submissions, doubt, craft, deadlines—and get real answers.
Be in Community
Writing can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. In Office Hours, you’ll find other writers who get it—people who are asking the same questions, cheering you on, and reminding you you’re not the only one googling “how to end an essay” or "how to find an agent" or "what the f*ck is a platform!?!"
Learn about publishing
Wondering how people get agents, what editors actually do, or how to pitch your work to a magazine? We talk about all that and more. The mysterious world of publishing will become less mysterious.
Grow as a Writer
Every question you ask (or hear someone else ask) is a step forward. Office Hours give you momentum, craft insight, practical information, inspiration, and the reminder that you’re allowed to take your writing life seriously.
Come Even If You Don't Have a Question
No question? No problem. You're welcome to show up, listen in, and learn from the questions other writers bring. Chances are, someone will ask the very thing you didn't know you needed to hear.
Treat It Like a Podcast
You can think of Office Hours like your favorite podcast, only live and with a chance to join the conversation if you feel like it. Join us, get inspired, and soak up stories, ideas, and practical advice for your creative life.
OFFICE HOURS SCHEDULE
We meet on the second Tuesday of every month, from 2:00-3:00 pm Pacific Time (United States), which is usually the second Wednesday in Australia (time changes with daylight savings time).
Here is the OFFICE HOURS schedule so far:
September 9, 2025 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ September 10, 2025 from 7-8 am AEST (Australia)
October 14, 2025 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ October 15, 2025 from 8-9 am AEDT (Australia)
November 11, 2025 from 2-3 pm PST (United States)/ November 12, 2025 from 9-10 am AEDT (Australia)
December 9, 2025 from 2-3 pm PST (United States)/ December 10, 2025 from 9-10 am AEDT (Australia)
January 13, 2026 from 2-3 pm PST (United States)/ January 14, 2026 from 9-10 am AEDT (Australia)
February 10, 2026 from 2-3 pm PST (United States)/ February 11, 2026 from 9-10 am AEDT (Australia)
March 10, 2026 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ March 11, 2026 from 8-9 am AEDT (Australia)
April 14, 2026 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ April 15, 2026 from 7-8 am AEST (Australia)
May 12, 2026 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ May 13, 2026 from 7-8 am AEST (Australia)
June 9, 2026 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ June 10, 2026 from 7-8 am AEST (Australia)
July 14, 2026 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ July 15, 2026 from 7-8 am AEST (Australia)
August 11, 2026 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ August 12, 2026 from 7-8 am AEST (Australia)
September 8, 2026 from 2-3 pm PDT (United States)/ September 9, 2026 from 7-8 am AEST (Australia)
And more to come . . .
FAQ
What are Office Hours?
Office Hours are a monthly group session where writers can bring their questions—about craft, publishing, creative process, or anything else writing-related—and receive guidance in a warm, welcoming, confidential community. It’s part Q&A, part creative salon, part behind-the-scenes support group.
Who are they for?
Office Hours are for writers of all levels and genres—whether you're just starting, revising your third novel, writing a memoir, pitching essays, writing in your journal, or feeling stuck. If you have questions about writing or the writing life, you're welcome.
When do they happen?
Office Hours happen once a month for one hour, live on Zoom. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-3 pm Pacific Time (United States)/ second Wednesday of the month in Australia (time changes with daylight savings time). Please see schedule above for details.
Do I need to be enrolled in a workshop or course to attend?
Nope! Office Hours are open to all. You don’t have to be enrolled in anything else to join.
How long are the sessions?
Each session is 60 minutes.
Will you review my work?
Office Hours don't include live critique or line edits, but I can point you toward the right next steps—whether that’s revision strategies, submission advice, or finding a good reader.
Do I have to attend live? Will the session be recorded?
Yes, you’ll need to attend live. No, the sessions are not recorded. This is a confidential space! What happens in Office Hours stays in Office Hours.
What kinds of questions will you answer?
Anything related to writing, publishing, and creative process: structure, craft, how to find an agent, imposter syndrome, building a writing habit, balancing a day job, where to submit, how to begin, how to handle doubt, how to keep going . . . No question is too small or too big or too dumb or too strange.
Will everyone get a chance to ask a question?
Questions submitted in advance have the best chance of being answered. You’re also welcome to learn from others’ questions and join the conversation.
Is this a workshop or critique group?
Nope—there’s no workshopping or critiquing or reading your writing out loud. Office Hours are about support, insight, and practical help, not live critique or workshopping.
How much does it cost?
$25/month
What if I don’t have a question?
You’re still welcome! Many people learn the most from questions they didn’t know they needed to ask. Listening and learning from other writers are part of the magic.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, please do! Creating community with other writers is part of the fun. Just have them register separately.
Why did you start Office Hours?
Writing and publishing shouldn’t feel like a members-only secret club. I know the writers in my workshops have questions (I’ve been writing for 30 years, and I still have questions!) – about publishing, craft, and sustaining a creative practice. Office Hours grew out of the desire to answer questions in community, so we can learn together and support each other (I’d say “root for each other,” but I finally know what that means in Australia!).
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes. Cancel anytime—and you’re always welcome to rejoin when the timing feels right.
Can I book 1:1 time with you?
Not at this time. But Office Hours are a great way to get a feel for what it’s like to work with me. Then, when you’re ready for more personalized guidance, you can join one of the other workshops I offer, and we can work more closely together.
What if I sign up after this month’s session?
Your subscription lasts for a full month from the day you sign up, so you’ll be all set to join the next live session. Think of it as starting fresh with the next round. You won’t miss out.
What if you don’t get to my question?
Questions submitted in advance get priority, but I try to answer as many as I can. Even if your specific question doesn’t get airtime, chances are someone will ask something similar—and you’ll come away with insight and encouragement.
What if I’m looking for more structured support for my writing?
Office Hours are great for flexible, drop-in connection. But if you’re craving something more focused and immersive, take a look at my live workshops like the WORD CAVE or the WORD RIVER and at my self-paced workshops like the WORD COCOON and WORD CAMP. They offer structure, writing prompts, and deeper transformation.
What if I want to go deeper into revision or process?
If you’re wrestling with a draft or trying to find your voice, Office Hours are a great starting point. For more focused guidance, take a look at my revision workshop, THE WORD KITCHEN, which you can access for FREE!
I’m just getting started. I’m doing more thinking about writing than actual writing. Will this be too advanced?
Not at all. Beginners are warmly welcomed. This is a space where no one expects you to already know everything. If you’re just starting your writing practice, this is a great way to build confidence and connect with a larger community.
