Check out these independent Google reviews.
Rebecca Kalin, 3 months ago-
For me, the HVMC is a dream-come-true: a serious but lively community of writers with not only with a passion for writing but for being with and growing alongside other writers. It is exactly the jump-start I was seeking and the structure I needed. Emily is the perfect leader: smart, creative, enthusiastic and kind. (Not to mention, funny.) She is skillful at both critiquing individual work and facilitating group discussion. Plus, she brings with her Joel whose friendly face and masterful cooking take this class over the top.
Kevin Maher, 5 months ago-
This is a one of a kind course, it's a nourishing experience on multiple levels. Instructor Emily Sachar quickly cultivates a strong sense of community for the writers. Students share their writing, share their experiences and share a meal together. In just a few weeks, participants will find a very supportive community, while still gaining the benefits of candid feedback. There's straight-forward instruction, helpful exercises and delicious food. Emily provides a peaceful environment that will help each writer get in touch with the story they want to tell.
Eileen, 5 months ago-
This class had it all - camaraderie, support and individual feedback. The class perfectly balanced time for instruction, writing practice and sharing. The one-on-one sessions with Emily were a bonus. Her gentle, but honest and helpful feedback was crucial for me to bring my writing to a new level. Throw in Joel's cooking and you cannot ask for more. I've already signed up for the next session.
Serita Winthrop, 7 months ago-
Emily Sachar’s memoir class is great fun and she is a skilled teacher. The atmosphere is positive, warm and welcoming. An example of one of her exercises was to put a bowl of gourds on the table and suggest that we either draw or describe them. Each week she gave us instruction after a creative activity. Emily’s enthusiasm for good writing is infectious.
Emily’s husband, Joel, prepares a delicious vegetarian luncheon, Their house is lovely, and participants are encouraged to write wherever they feel most comfortable. The experience of sharing our stories is both therapeutic and inspiring. I am looking forward to continuing to attend Emily’s classes and am encouraging friends to come as well.
Allison Parke, 7 months ago-
Since Emily's course at Olana and then continuing at her home, I feel like the luckiest person to have discovered her! I have always wanted to write memoir but did not have a clue how to begin. With Emily's inspired instruction, and guidance, I have written three memoir essays. Most important is the feeling of being in a safe space, to share, to write, without judgment, but complete support and helpful suggestions from Emily and fellow writers. Then after a morning of writing. learning and sharing, we are served a delicious meal that Chef Joel has prepared full of fresh local ingredients! Heaven on earth!!!!
More Feedback from Collective Students:
"I've just completed a session of the Memoir Collective and would like to recommend this unique opportunity to anyone interested in exploring the craft of memoir writing.
"I've loved getting back into the practice of writing again after so many years, and I'm thrilled with the progress I've made these past weeks in shaping my own personal narrative.
"In the company of like-minded peers, it quickly becomes obvious that everyone's life has interesting stories worth telling, and Emily is a skilled and supportive guide to the art of bringing those stories to life on the page.
"The setting is lovely, and the scrumptious vegetarian lunches prepared by Emily's husband Joel were a gourmet's delight that I looked forward to with great anticipation every week!" --Patricia C., Red Hook
"Emily Sachar’s memoir class is great fun, and she is a skilled teacher. The atmosphere is positive, warm and welcoming. An example of one of her exercises was to put a bowl of gourds on the table and suggest that we either draw or describe them. Each week, Emily gave us instruction after a creative activity. Her enthusiasm for good writing is infectious.
"Emily’s husband, Joel, prepares a delicious vegetarian luncheon. And their home is lovely. Participants are encouraged to write wherever they feel most comfortable. The experience of sharing our stories is both therapeutic and inspiring. I am looking forward to continuing to attend Emily’s classes and am encouraging friends to come, as well."
--Serita W., Rhinebeck
"I've just completed a session of the Memoir Collective and would like to recommend this unique opportunity to anyone interested in exploring the craft of memoir writing.
"I've loved getting back into the practice of writing again after so many years, and I'm thrilled with the progress I've made these past weeks in shaping my own personal narrative.
"In the company of like-minded peers, it quickly becomes obvious that everyone's life has interesting stories worth telling, and Emily is a skilled and supportive guide to the art of bringing those stories to life on the page.
"The setting is lovely, and the scrumptious vegetarian lunches prepared by Emily's husband Joel were a gourmet's delight that I looked forward to with great anticipation every week!" --Patricia C., Red Hook
"Emily Sachar’s memoir class is great fun, and she is a skilled teacher. The atmosphere is positive, warm and welcoming. An example of one of her exercises was to put a bowl of gourds on the table and suggest that we either draw or describe them. Each week, Emily gave us instruction after a creative activity. Her enthusiasm for good writing is infectious.
"Emily’s husband, Joel, prepares a delicious vegetarian luncheon. And their home is lovely. Participants are encouraged to write wherever they feel most comfortable. The experience of sharing our stories is both therapeutic and inspiring. I am looking forward to continuing to attend Emily’s classes and am encouraging friends to come, as well."
--Serita W., Rhinebeck
