About Me | Writing Coach
Neil Aitken (Writing Coach)
- Coding: Python, C++, JavaScript, Twine, Java, Pascal, Lisp/Scheme
- Web: HTML5, CSS3, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Omeka
- Learning Platforms: Canvas, Blackboard
- Design: Canva, Gimp, Figma, PowerPoint, Miro
- Video/Audio: OBS Studio, OpenShot Video, Audacity, YouTube, Twitch
I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Riverside, a PhD in Literature & Creative Writing from USC, and most recently, an MLIS from UBC. I’m also a Kundiman poetry fellow and serve as the co-director of De-Canon, as well as the founding editor of Boxcar Poetry Review.
I have 14+ years experience teaching creative writing in universities, in the community, and privately. I’ve helped current and past clients get published in literary journals, successfully apply to MFA and PhD programs, and find homes for their book manuscripts.
I enjoy working with writers wherever they are in their writing journey—whether you’re at the start, well on your way, or somewhere in the middle, I can help. I’ve worked with poets, fiction writers, creative non-fiction essayists, and even the occasional lyricist and a screenwriter.
The son of librarians, I grew up reading fairly omnivorously and continue to read pretty much anything that interests me: contemporary poetry, literary fiction, sci fi, fantasy, western, historical fiction, steampunk, mystery, spy novels, travel literature, paranormal history, comparative religion, mythology, history, biography, science, geography, art, architecture, typography, design, literature in translation, etc.
I read quickly, see patterns, and usually can quickly and accurately identify inconsistencies and weaknesses, as well as strengths and load-bearing elements.