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Address
P.O. Box 928, Petaluma, CA 94953
Phone
(707) 762-3208
Email
sbono@tiny-lights.com
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
A good editor gives you at least two extra eyes—one in the center of your forehead that stays focused on your literary vision; one in the back of your head for tracking details and keeping your bases covered.
In my former career as a high school English teacher and in my current work as a writer’s group facilitator, workshop presenter, editor, and small press publisher, I’ve been helping writers improve their vision for more than 20 years. I enjoy every type of editing project, but specialize in facilitating you and your fiction, essays, and memoir.
Literary Services
Editing & Coaching
For inquiry or quotes, please see contact info above
The Flat Rate Edit
For short pieces (3,000 words or less), I offer a flat rate edit. $75.00 includes margin notes and an in-depth written analysis, with emphasis on practical suggestions. In these "essay intensives," I am often able to help writers identify and break through patterns that have been limiting the scope of their work. Hard copy or email submissions okay, but please query first.
Endorsements
- Patricia Harrelson, essayist, Community College instructor, Jamestown, CA:
"We who keep scribbling are blessed by the likes of you who scribble on our work."
- Judith Ryan Hendricks, author of Bread Alone (Morrow, 2001), Isabel's Daughter (June 2003) and Baker's Apprentice (2005). www.judihendricks.com:
"Susan, thanks for showing me why God created editors."
- Rebecca Lawton, author of Reading Water: Lessons from the River (Capitol Books, 2002). www.becca.lawton.net:
An accomplished writer in her own right, Susan is a superlative editor as well: incisive, sensitive, tactful, and respectful of the author's unique voice. Her light, sure touch only improved my work. The literary conversation we had while revising my essay "Faith in the Dry Season" not only led to a deeper understanding of the piece but to a Pushcart Prize nomination. Beg, borrow, barter--do anything you can to raise the funds to work with her. You'll be glad you did!"
- Alla Crone, author of East Lies the Sun , Winds over Manchuria , North of the Moon , Legacy of Amber , Rodina and Maxim. www.allacrone.com:
"After writing for years and publishing six books, I have never had such in-depth help as I did from Susan Bono. My only regret is that I didn't meet her earlier! Her critique was detailed, meticulous, not only in regard to the theme and structure of my current book, but also the grammar and lazy writing. For that I am eternally grateful. In short, she didn't let me get away with anything, and yet her comments were tactful and kind. My next manuscript is going to her as soon as I finish my first draft."
Classes and Events
Literary conferences, fairs, meetings, and courses
No events or classes are currently scheduled. Please check back soon!No events or classes are currently scheduled. Please check back soon!
Past Highlights
Highlights of 2015
3rd Annual Autumn Arts Stays at Emandal Farm
It’s one of those simple truths that a change of scene can help you get in touch with your creativity. Whether you’re writing family stories, memoir, poetry, or fiction, time spent absorbing the delights of Emandal will help you access your memory and imagination more completely. Whatever your skill level, you’ll experience the inspiration, community, and nurturing feedback you’ll need to keep writing once you return home.
Session II: September 30--October 4, 2015.
11th Annual Point Reyes Writing Retreat
Friday, May 22, 2015 6:00pm to Monday, May 25, 2:00pm
Instructors: Susan Bono and Patti Trimble
Fee: $200/Non-Member Fee: $220
This retreat has inspired writers for eleven years, and it provides a quiet time away from our busy lives, a time to write in community and in the wilderness. It also offers morning workshops on poetry, essays with writing prompts, discussion of form and writing about and in nature. Patti and Susan create a respectful and energetic environment where excellent new writing happens! The class is open to anyone who wants to write about (or in) nature.
Accommodations included at the Historic Lifeboat Station.
For Info or to Register.
Jumpstart Writing Workshops
Place: Petaluma Copperfield's
140 Kentucky St., Petaluma
Time: Mondays from 6:30--8:30 p.m.
$15 drop-in fee
Workshops facilitated by Susan Bono and Marlene Cullen, alternating months.
A weekly writing workshop where inspirational prompts encourage experimentation and generate authentic writing. Beginners as well as experienced writers welcome.
Bring a notebook and a fast-moving pen for this journey into deep writing and listening.
Details at www.TheWriteSpot.us.
The Long and Short of It: Tips for Successful Essay and Memoir
A Redwood Writers Club Event
Date: April 12, 2015
Place: Flamingo Hotel,
2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, CA
Time: 2:30--5 p.m.
Members: $5, non-members $8
Do you know the essential elements every creative non-fiction writer can use to create robust, compelling first-person stories? Do you know the statement that forms the core of every essay or memoir? Writing teacher and editor Susan Bono will discuss key concepts of essay and memoir writing at the April 12 meeting of Redwood Writers at the Flamingo Hotel.
Details at www.redwoodwriters.org.
You Are Here: A Writing Retreat in Point Reyes
Friday, August 28, 2015 6 p.m.-Sunday, August 30, 2 p.m. at the Point Reyes Historic Lifeboat Station
$200 Field Institute members/$220 non-members
Every story you’ll ever want to tell takes place in a specific geographical location. Whether you are interested in writing family stories, memoir, poetry, or fiction, a weekend spent absorbing the sensory delights of this rare and protected land will expand your relationship with your work.
For Info or to Register.
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