More Testimonials
Erika Krouse was my mentor during the inaugural two years of the Lighthouse Book Project. In the first year, I wrote 16 short stories. In the second year, through Erika’s tutelage, I wrote a 350 page novel.
— Rudy Melena, nominated for the Pushcart Prize 2016
It's been five years since I had the honor of having Erika as my mentor; this is very difficult to believe, because her wisdom and guidance are still so present in my mind. She was able to help me realize my strengths while also showing me the ways in which I could become a more muscular and technically sophisticated writer, always with respect and encouragement. I feel so grateful to have worked with her, and would highly recommend her to anyone!
—Anna Hogeland, novelist
I've had many mentors for writing, but Erika is by far the most organized, focused, and able to hone in the strengths of a work. She asks the writer the questions that can guide them to the next level, provides writing prompts, a new ways of looking at your own work, suggests other writers to learn from, and always with a focus on helping you improve
—Lynette Vialet, nonfiction writer
Erika Krouse is basically my writing fairy godmother. She is a savvy investigator who sees each "problem" as an opportunity for innovation. As a writer, I am all too familiar with despair, but Erika has a knack for twisting even the darkest despair into motivation. Her steadfast encouragement and candid feedback have helped me come away from our meetings ready to harness the chaotic power of my messiness for creation.
—Sydney Fowler, Book Project Member and Sensitivity Reader
Much of what I have learned about creative writing has come from Erika Krouse. Her mentorship and coaching services have been essential to the progression of my novel, which recently acquired an agent. Her analysis and revision plans are constructive, clear and direct, and full of helpful examples and prompts. Erika is one of the best, and I highly recommend her
—Dee Andrews, Lighthouse Book Project member whose short story The Enemy Within received an Honorable Mention in Glimmer Train’s Short Story Award for New Writers.
Erika has a talent for getting to the heart of snarly writing issues, without sugarcoating her opinions. I find her insights invaluable and appreciate her support for the writing process. I traveled and studied with Erika and know her to be fun, upbeat, and funny, which we needed in India!
—Joan Burleson, Lighthouse Book Project graduate 2018; Himalayan Writing Retreat 2019.
Erika’s feedback is always raw, honest and on point. I appreciate that she doesn’t sugarcoat the work that needs to be done, but helps you find a path to do it. Erika’s coaching, feedback, and relentless support pushed my writing process and the quality of my work to the next level.
—Maria Gabriela Guevara, graduate of the Lighthouse Book project, working short story writer whose work has appeared in The Michigan Quarterly, and aspiring screenwriter.
Erika has been remarkably adept at providing great insight into not only my work but my process. Her review of my work was thorough and showed a clear depth of understanding of what I was trying to accomplish. Her comments have helped me to clarify and execute my vision. She has been particularly helpful when it comes to issues of structure. Incorporating many of her recommendations has helped me to write a better book. Our work together has been enjoyable and relatively painless.
—Twanna LaTrice Hill, memoirist and Book Project participant
When I’m working on a new story, it feels like I’m cooking with leftovers. I throw in this, add a pinch of that, and cross my fingers that this intuitive bumbling will miraculously produce a story worth reading. Of course, the dross I give Erika is just a gesture towards something readable, but she has the uncanny ability to sift through the muck and dig out the story’s soul, without which, there’s no point to embarking on another draft -- unless you just fancy moving around commas (to each his own). As far as I’m concerned, that caliber of illumination is worth a kidney or a firstborn any day. If you want to up-level your writing, working with Erika is a no-brainer.
—Noelle Nicholson, novelist
Erika explains concepts in unique ways. Ask her about the martini glass and the cave, or how to Bollywood dance.
—Stacy Mitchell Allen, Lighthouse Book Project graduate whose work has appeared in Subtropics.
Erika is wonderful to work with. She is warm but uncompromising writing coach. She will make you a better writer.
—Gemma W., novelist
Erika not only provides superior writing resources, feedback and structure to aspiring authors but is also that coach who inspires you to continue when you want to quit.
—Lighthouse Book Project student
Erika’s sharp and seasoned guidance helped propel me from beginner to acceptance into juried advanced writing classes. Her approach isn’t for the timid, but then again, neither is trying to get published.
—Ann Kearney, Lighthouse Book Project member and aspiring novelist.
Erika taught me all of the fundamentals of writing. Without her, I would have no idea how to construct, edit, and improve a story. She gave me the essential skills I needed to write my novel. Her notes and feedback were always thoughtful and thorough. I highly recommend her as a writing coach and teacher!
—Caitlin Plante, aspiring author