Writer Guy
- 33 years teaching experience
- Bachelors of Arts in English, Lewis and Clark College
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Lewis and Clark College
- Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Warren Wilson College
- Facilitator certification from The Center for Courage and Renewal
- Editor’s Choice Award for the novel Monster Talk
Thoughtful, respectful, and personalized attention to your most integral, creative work.
Book Consultation
Do you have a draft of a novel that needs fine-tuning or that would benefit from honest, thorough, and kind response from a writer with 33 years of teaching experience in literature and writing? I can help you with that. I’d also love to look at single short stories, collections of stories, poetry, memoir and essays. If you’ve written something important and need help getting it into its best and brightest shape, I’m your guy.
Courage and Renewal Facilitation
For 22 years I have been a practitioner of Courage and Renewal retreats and workshops, and in 2018 I completed training as a facilitator for this important, life-giving work. I can lead small groups of teachers, other professionals, or community members in the crucial work of finding wholeness in our divided lives, discovering and fostering the sacred connection between who we are and what we do, and listening to the wisdom of the inner teacher. Through the Circles of Trust pedagogy, we explore the dynamic paradox between solitude and community while looking open-heartedly for clarity around our deepest questions.
Freelance Writing/Ghost Writing
Do you have an idea you need to get off the ground but need some help stylizing and finessing your message? Do you have a story to tell, a book to write, but lack the sufficient time or training to pull it off effectively and professionally? I can help you with these things!
Educational Coaching
After 33 years as a classroom English teacher, in high school and in college settings, I have a unique perspective and tons of experience that could help you with any professional development needs you may have: designing curriculum or assessments, classroom pedagogy, and discernment around educational and institutional issues and questions.
Writing Workshops and Book Studies at The Meeting Place
I can teach small groups of writers through generative exercises to produce new work, facilitate workshops to refine work in progress, or lead book studies of classic or contemporary literature–in person or virtually. Look for news forthcoming about the grand opening of The Meeting Place!
“I was a student in Michael Jarmer’s class as a high school student and it made a BIG impact on my trajectory as a reader. Then 25 years later he has made a BIG impact in my early attempts at being a writer. He is so intentional and genuine in his approach to giving feedback. His love of literature and telling stories as a musician, a writer and a teacher will definitely inspire you to new heights as a writer. I highly recommend him as a manuscript editor.”
-Jon Reitzenstein, MD
“I had the good fortune of participating in a retreat dedicated to “rekindling your life’s work,” led by Michael Jarmer in 2019. At the time, I was at a crossroads in my life, and the retreat was the perfect environment for deep self-reflection. But the retreat offered much more than just “time to think”; the framework and ground rules provided by Michael helped me make better use of three days than I ever could have managed on my own. As a facilitator, Michael creates a safe space for asking big questions, and the “courage work” methodology guiding the activities of our group indeed helped me rekindle my purpose in life. I’m grateful to have been a part of this experience.”
-Eric Smith, PhD
michael jarmer 