MentorshipsI offer one-on-one sessions coaching writers and artists of all ages and across disciplines, genres, mediums and forms. These could be project based, geared toward developing a sustained creative practice or moving your artistic life forward. I can provide one time, project-based or ongoing consulting services for writers, artists, or organizations on storytelling skills, creative approaches or processes for personal and professional growth, writing and curriculum development.
My focus is on listening to you, your creative vision and where you see your work going and then helping you find your way there. Like a midwife, I can work with you to bring a project into being. Like a personal trainer, I can help you find the creative practice that works to you and work with you or the young writer/artist in your life to maintain that in a lifelong way. |
Small Group Workshops & Events
I've led classes, workshops and small group processes through The Cabin, Boise State University, Migration Theory, California Institute of Integral Studies, The Workshop Workshop, Treasure Valley Children's Theater, Storyfort, Idaho Writers Guild, Story Story Night, Migration Theory and several other organizations, as well as panels, writers' groups and salons.
Popular workshop titles include Creative Salon, Exploding Your Creativity, Refilling Your Creative Well, Finding the Space Between Words, Using Your Creative Limits, Writing for Performance, Playwriting Across Disciplines and various devised theater workshops. If any of these topics interest you, I can bring this workshop to you and your group or organization, we can customize a workshop that fits your needs or if you have something like a panel discussion in mind, I can work with you on that too. |
Feedback, Dramaturgy & Editing
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Commissions
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I review plays, scripts, books, manuscripts or short works to give developmental, dramaturgical and editorial feedback. My first focus is on your vision and goals for your project, helping you articulate and move toward that, then responding to your work with your initial vision and goals in mind.
I know objectives often change along the way, so if you're looking for continued feedback, our process can be as dynamic and flexible as you and your project. I share my observations as concretely as I can, trying to see from the perspective of an outside audience or other professionals and speak without bias as much as possible. I ask questions on what feels unclear, note what is meaningful and together we can work out next steps for your process. |
Have a creative project you'd like to see me take on or partner with you to bring into being? I'm open to those as well! You can commission me for plays, screenplays, audio plays and devised plays or talk to me about co-created collaborations across disciplines. I can't wait to hear what you have in mind.
Photo by Corina Monoran, 2022.
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Why work with me?
- I’ll work with you as you want or need help or continuously through the development of your writing or art project or your artistic practice.
- I listen deeply and with care to what you need and are looking for and speak with empathy and sensitivity to help move you forward toward your goals.
- If we're working together long term, I'll check in intermittently to see if we're still moving along in the way you want and if we need to shift our tactics or adjust our approach.
- I work quickly and efficiently—and am flexible in my approach and methods so I can work with you in the way that is best for you. It's important for me that I customize our process to fit what you need.
- I’ll meet with you via phone or video-conference. If we're in the same area, we can meet in person. We can also correspond via email as needed.
- I offer hourly rates and fee estimates so you can plan for costs.
- I can offer a sliding scale cost as needed.
Testimonials
It’s clear that Heidi Kraay has a deep love of students, learning, and the creative process. Her patient, intentional approach to mentoring and coaching allows writers and creatives to build their own process organically. The results are lasting and significant. Whether you’re working on a specific project, wanting to develop as a writer, or simply need a creative boost, I highly recommend engaging Heidi Kraay to lead you through the process. -- J.B., Former Client
I’ve had the honor of learning from Heidi for the better part of the past decade both 1:1 and in group settings. She is so focused, driven, and passionate about writing that it’s intoxicating. Heidi held me accountable, helped me develop a solid footing in writing fundamentals, and has drawn some of my best writing out of me. As a writing coach, mentor, and friend she is truly exceptional. --H.P., Writing Group Member
My first encounter with Heidi Kraay was as a drop-in participant at The Cabin's monthly sessions. I loved the results after a few minutes of her teaching approach that tapped into the silent, quiet, crevasses of my creative mind never before explored. I wanted more tutoring from Heidi in my quest to explore my best writing. -- Judy C., Former Workshop Participant & Client
I was working on a getting a senior project done a couple of years ago. I had been a student of Heidi Kraay's the semester prior. While working on writing a 40 min play, I began to feel a bit lost and overwhelmed! I connected with Heidi's gentle way of teaching and the way she weaved beautifully descriptive examples within her lessons. So, I reached out to her for help on my play. Because of the pandemic, there were countless hours on the phone, and hundreds of emails. Heidi's patience and encouragement payed off and I was able to achieve a finished play that had to be performed entirely online. To this day, I'm still so grateful for her help! -- K.B.C., Former Student
Heidi is so totally present as a facilitator: alive and enlivening, completely engaged. She invites exploration and discovery, getting us to place of true wonder. This is art. -- J.B.V., Colleague
Heidi's work as a teacher and facilitator is thoughtful, compassionate, and full of joy. She has the ability to create safe spaces for the risk-taking and exploration that are necessary in creating work that is fearless and honest. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she is truly one of the greatest collaborators I've had the privilege to work alongside.
-- Sarah Gardner, Colleague & Collaborator
Heidi is the embodiment of compassion and takes gentle, responsive care of her students, clients, colleagues. She invests in each human's process and progress via keen feedback and impactful exercises and explorations. She's my teaching hero! -- Tracy Sunderland, Colleague & Collaborator
Heidi is a remarkable writer and educator. I’ve learned tons from the way she cultivates connection while helping students access somatic awareness, joyful discipline, and generative play. She’s a gentle and enthusiastic guide who has helped countless writers build nourishing writing practices. Heidi is the best of the best! -- Laura Roghaar, Poet and Teaching Artist, Colleague
I’ve had the honor of learning from Heidi for the better part of the past decade both 1:1 and in group settings. She is so focused, driven, and passionate about writing that it’s intoxicating. Heidi held me accountable, helped me develop a solid footing in writing fundamentals, and has drawn some of my best writing out of me. As a writing coach, mentor, and friend she is truly exceptional. --H.P., Writing Group Member
My first encounter with Heidi Kraay was as a drop-in participant at The Cabin's monthly sessions. I loved the results after a few minutes of her teaching approach that tapped into the silent, quiet, crevasses of my creative mind never before explored. I wanted more tutoring from Heidi in my quest to explore my best writing. -- Judy C., Former Workshop Participant & Client
I was working on a getting a senior project done a couple of years ago. I had been a student of Heidi Kraay's the semester prior. While working on writing a 40 min play, I began to feel a bit lost and overwhelmed! I connected with Heidi's gentle way of teaching and the way she weaved beautifully descriptive examples within her lessons. So, I reached out to her for help on my play. Because of the pandemic, there were countless hours on the phone, and hundreds of emails. Heidi's patience and encouragement payed off and I was able to achieve a finished play that had to be performed entirely online. To this day, I'm still so grateful for her help! -- K.B.C., Former Student
Heidi is so totally present as a facilitator: alive and enlivening, completely engaged. She invites exploration and discovery, getting us to place of true wonder. This is art. -- J.B.V., Colleague
Heidi's work as a teacher and facilitator is thoughtful, compassionate, and full of joy. She has the ability to create safe spaces for the risk-taking and exploration that are necessary in creating work that is fearless and honest. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she is truly one of the greatest collaborators I've had the privilege to work alongside.
-- Sarah Gardner, Colleague & Collaborator
Heidi is the embodiment of compassion and takes gentle, responsive care of her students, clients, colleagues. She invests in each human's process and progress via keen feedback and impactful exercises and explorations. She's my teaching hero! -- Tracy Sunderland, Colleague & Collaborator
Heidi is a remarkable writer and educator. I’ve learned tons from the way she cultivates connection while helping students access somatic awareness, joyful discipline, and generative play. She’s a gentle and enthusiastic guide who has helped countless writers build nourishing writing practices. Heidi is the best of the best! -- Laura Roghaar, Poet and Teaching Artist, Colleague
Ready to talk? I look forward to meeting with you and learning more.
Photo by Corina Monoran, 2022.