Darien Hsu Gee

Writer-ish

Literary Coaching and Workshops

If you are serious about moving your work forward, Darien is your woman.”

ANDREA DEAN, AUTHOR AND ACTIVIST

SNEAK PEEK 🙈

As of November 2022, all writing articles, advice, PDF printables, and online writing courses are migrating to Writer-ish.com. Coaching and consults will be there eventually as well (but grab your booking below if you’re ready now). Head over and join the mailing list as I prepare for the soft launch later this year (read: discounts and freebies for early birds 🐣).

During a residency at Vermont Studio Center

ONE-ON-ONE LITERARY CONSULTS

A literary consult runs 75 minutes and is conducted via Zoom. You are welcome to share your creative work, double spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman, via screen share — the review and discussion of the work will occur during your consult. Please do not send any pages in advance.

When I’m not writing, I help others get their words out into the world. I’ve been working with individuals and groups for over 25 years and I love it.

I can help you get your writing project off the ground, troubleshoot a troubled manuscript, or coach you through the equivalent of a writer’s midlife crisis. I’m a query queen, having waded through the slush pile and bounded past the gatekeepers for not one but three of the literary agents who currently represent me, and can advise you on putting a winning submission package together. I also work with people wanting to boost their creativity, identify personal priorities, or just need someone to cheer them on as they strive to meet their goals. I am masterful at unpacking almost any situation that seems stalled or hopeless, and finding an open door.

Here are a few things we can cover, but the time is yours to use in whatever way will be most helpful to you:

  • Should I get a literary agent or self publish?
  • What do I need to do to get a literary agent — what does the traditional publishing path look like?
  • What do I need to know about self-publishing and how can I know if it’s a fit for me?
  • My sales numbers have been dropping with each book and my agent isn’t sure she can sell any future titles. What options do I have?
  • I’m unhappy with my agent/editor/publisher and scared to make a move.
  • I’m thinking of publishing in other genres but not sure if that will negatively impact my current readership.
  • I’m thinking of publishing in different platforms or try hybrid or self publishing but not sure where to begin.
  • I’m terrible at social media but everyone says I need a social media presence. What should I do?
  • I’m terrible at marketing but everyone says I need to promote my book. What should I do?
  • Can you help me come up with a strategy or game plan for my literary and creative life?
  • I’m experience writer’s block and have hit a wall with my novel/poetry collection/nonfiction book. What’s the best way to get unstuck and move forward?
  • How do I know if I need to hire an outside editor?
  • What do I have to do to market and/or help promote my book?
  • I’m feeling discouraged and not sure if the writer’s life is for me. I need a creative check-in and/or tune-up.
  • I’m looking for ongoing mentoring support as a finish my book/navigate this creative life/look for new opportunities.

And if you don’t know what you need, but know that you’re stuck, leave it to me! 🦸🏻‍♀️

When you’re ready, find a time here.

Get to know me and my approach to writing, revision, and creative pivots through my conversation with Jane Friedman or my interview at Writer’s Digest. I’m also very active and engaged with my writers as the series editor for Haliʻa Aloha (read on below).

WORKSHOPS AND WEBINARS

Please note that events are Hawaiʻi Standard Time (HST) unless otherwise indicated, and that HST does NOT follow Daylight Savings time. Please double check your local time for the specific webinar dates. These webinars are sponsored by the Haliʻa Aloha Series/Legacy Isle Publishing but are relevant to all memoir writers and anyone writing personal stories. I also welcome questions in advance (you’ll be able to ask a question once you are registered).

  • March 9, 2022, Wednesday, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm HST, webinar. You Can’t Write About That! Permission vs. Talking Stink in Your Memoir. Let’s talk about what you can/cannot write about in your memoir, the line between public and private, asking permission and the consequence of writing about the people in your life. Includes a one-page cheat sheet and webinar replay. Includes a one-page cheat sheet and webinar replay.
  • July 13, 2022, Wednesday, 11:30 – 12:45 pm HST, webinar. Why Publish Your Memoir? Writing is Just the Beginning. What do you do once you’ve finished writing your memoir? We’ll explore the pros and cons of publishing, the different ways to publish your work, and what to expect when your book goes out into the world. Includes a one-page cheat sheet and webinar replay.
  • November 9, 2022, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm HST, webinar. Where You Find Your (Life) Stories: Inspiration, Memory and Why Your Story Matters. Is there more to your story that you haven’t uncovered yet? How do you decide what to write about? We’ll explore how to mine for material for your memoir and personal essays. Includes a one-page cheat sheet and webinar replay.

PAST WORKSHOPS AND WEBINARS (AVAILABLE REPLAYS)

MASTERING MICRO

>> In late 2022, I’m launching an at-your-own-pace writing program: A Month of Micro. Get daily micro prose prompts in your inbox, “Mastering Micro: How to Write Stunning Micro Prose” (PDF), and a review of two micro pieces written during the month. Also included: where to submit your work. Additional monthly tracks/advanced prompts are available once you’ve taken A Month of Micro, or save with my full-year program. Sign up to be notified of when the program opens.