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“Your classes have been invaluable to me, and I hope to take more in the future. I really feel you have helped me reach the next level in my writing and editing skills. In fact, the chapbook manuscript I worked on in your 2016-17 monthly workshop, The Art of the Collection, was just selected for publication by Finishing Line Press! I’ll be passing along your name to everyone who is interested in writing classes. Already have!” ~Bethanie H.
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“Kate helped me (help myself) get into grad school! I was in fact mind-numbingly terrified of the application process. I am so grateful that I was referred—and reached out—to Kate for her coaching services. In addition to her familiarity with the territory of Creative Writing Master’s programs, Kate is a master of organization; she was able to provide the external structure and timelines I needed to begin taking real steps up the mountain. Along the way, she applied her top-notch literary sensibility to readings of my portfolio and personal statements, offering feedback that allowed me, over several drafts, to craft the best possible material that I could have generated from my own unique voice and background experience. I came away from hitting the nuclear “submit” button with a true sense of peace about all possible outcomes because I was deeply proud of what I had created. The secret ingredient, however, that catalyzed these great gifts into something that became success was Kate’s caring. Having the sincere, genuine emotional support of someone who had already accomplished what I was hoping to achieve allowed me to move from paralyzing existential dread at the sight of an “Application Requirements” website to getting into my top-choice school (UC Davis). Contracting with Kate was a fantastic investment in my own personal, as well as academic/creative, growth. Her pricing was very reasonable and I believe she went above and beyond in terms of the level of attention and care she put into being in my corner.” ~Martha
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“I just want to say how much I enjoyed your workshop yesterday [at the 2015 Sacramento Poetry Center Spring Conference]. It was very helpful, and very fun. And your 8-week class on Mark Doty’s book, Still Life with Oysters and Lemon, is one of the most engaging and enriching classes I’ve ever taken. By the way, a version of a poem I first wrote in that class was published this spring by Prairie Schooner. I need to thank you for your influence on that poem!” ~M. from Sacramento
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“I had previously applied to the Squaw Valley Community of Writers three times. Rejection. Rejection. Rejection. At the last minute, I sent them my work, again–the work you helped me with! It was my my fourth attempt. Here’s what they said: ‘We are delighted to invite you to join us for the Fiction Program of the 48th Annual Community of Writers.’ Thank you for your help, Kate!” ~Joella Aragon
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“Thanks for all your valuable help with everything during this workshop on submitting and publishing. Your attention to an individual’s needs/problems is phenomenal! I admire your stamina and all you share. You are a wonderful teacher. The best. I am impressed that a writer cares so much about her writer friends/students!” [UPDATE: “I thought of you today as one who has inspired me many times over to submit and to keep writing. You perhaps have no idea how your words and support and good judgment keep me bolstered and tethered to the literary goals I want to reach. I have published several essays since this workshop, most recently getting one a home in Spring 2019 in Creative Nonfiction’s ‘Exploring the Boundaries’ online department. You have been a continuing inspiration in seeing this work through!”] ~Sondra
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“Kate’s ‘Super Excellent Beyond NaNoWriMo All Genres Writing Adventure,’ a.k.a. SEBNAGWA workshop completely changed my creative life. It forced me to confront some of the mental barriers that I had constructed around why I didn’t make my creative work a priority. The structure Kate provided gave me the accountability that I needed to finally make my own work a priority and, by creating a short and manageable time frame, it allowed me to establish new habits that I’m proud to say I am still practicing. Now, I write and work on one designated project every day for at least one hour before I do anything else, and I have never been more productive than I have been in the past year since taking Kate’s workshop.” ~Janna Maron, jannamarlies.com
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“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your workshop at the 2013 Sacramento Poetry Center Spring Conference. Through it, I believe I have finally found my prose ‘voice!’ I have never really been able to write that before, as I get too confused and wordy. During the seminar, I found that I was able to use my poetry writing experience together with some other things to come up with the right way to say things. I also ordered those books and looked up the MFA program you recommended for me. Just thought I’d let you know how much I benefited from this.” ~Lynn
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“Intimate, practical, instructive, supportive, challenging, [and] fun describe my experiences of Kate’s workshops, but the best thing has been new and invigorating writing (and thinking) of my own. Kate’s workshops have a wonderful mix of stimulating reading, interesting discussions, and actual writing and response to that writing. She is both an authoritative writer of her own and a professional at facilitating workshop discussion.” ~Paco Marquez, Sacramento poet and NYU MFA graduate
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“The special workshop for Shut Up & Write!-Sacramento, on Juxtaposition and the Senses, was simply marvelous! Kate’s presentation was thought provoking and engaging. I’ve been writing using the AWA method for about 7 months now, and through the use of random prompts, I’ve uncovered a whole other writing side in me I never even knew existed! I left the workshop with a refurbished and refreshed writer’s toolbox and a few more writing doodads, gadgets, tips and tricks to boot! I can’t wait to see what unfolds next. Thank you SUandW, ThinkHouse Collective, and Kate Asche.” ~Lisa
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“I highly recommend Kate as a writing coach. I found her to be trustworthy, a good listener, focused on meeting my specific goals, and very professional. Although she was honest and direct, she also gave me valuable encouragement and much needed direction. I am excited to be starting 2014 with a clear plan for how to move ahead with several of my creative writing projects.” ~E. from Sacramento
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I really enjoy Kate’s classes, both the discussion and the prompts. She has a talent for bringing out the best in people and guiding deep discussions that I enjoy being a part of. And, as far as the writing, I feel some of my more creative writing has happened in her classes (she’s a muse). Kate has helped me to explore areas I might not have considered, and she’s open to receiving new and experimental works, an openness I find to be uncommon. And I enjoy that she participates in the class, too. I enjoy hearing her own writing, prose and poems, as well, and I think it makes the class a more relaxed atmosphere, in that we’re all working and learning together. ~Max
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“Kate’s depth and breadth of literary knowledge is spellbinding. That, on top of her gentle writing guidance, helped enrich my own writing. Kate has a unique ability to share her writing and literary expertise while inspiring her students to reach higher and write deeper. What we thought wasn’t possible in our own writing, she shows is possible by paying close attention to writers we admire and to the insightful teaching she provides.” ~Kathy Les
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“Kate Asche is an extremely talented writer who loves her craft, and fortunately for us, also loves teaching it to others. I had the pleasure of participating in one of Kate’s writing groups last fall and enjoyed it immensely. Each week we discussed a different aspect of writing and then wrote a piece relating to that week’s topic. We then shared our work–if we chose to do so–with our fellow writers and gave feedback to one another. Kate facilitated this process in a warm yet professional manner, and kept our comments focused on the topic at hand. The feedback was always encouraging and supportive and Kate shared valuable insights with each of us, new writers and veterans alike. She also shared her seemingly endless resources for everything writer-related. Whether you are looking to improve your writing habits or publish a novel, Kate can provide you with the information you need, or tell you where to find it. Her enthusiasm and infectious energy inspired all of us and we were sorry to see the workshop end.” ~Barbara Barnes