The Book Incubator™ is the best thing I did for my writing. Mary’s brilliant Four Notebook Method allowed me to write the book I’ve been dying to write. I’ve learned things from Mary that have revolutionized the way I build characters and craft stories. She has changed my overall outlook entirely.

Elizabeth Holly
Current Program Member

I’d been writing excerpts of my memoir for over ten years but couldn't figure out how to put it together. I needed a plan for how to move forward and finish the draft. Now, instead of thinking I need three hours at a time, I carve out 30 minute or an hour a day. Mary has demystified the process of writing a full first draft. I never thought it would be possible to write after a full day of teaching, but I'm doing it!

Rachel Hartmann
Former Program Member

It's hard to justify spending more money on a writing course when one already has an MFA. I value my MFA, but you are giving me something my MFA did not, which is a guided method to completing a long form narrative. This system has freed me up to find both the truth and honesty in fiction, and it has awakened in me my "maker" side—I am LOVING the work I'm doing.

Chris Boese
Current Program Member

For years, I tried many different times to write a novel, but I could never seem to finish anything. Mary gave me the tools I needed to finally get the job done. I completed my first draft in five months, which is pretty incredible considering my previous attempt took over three years and I still never made it to the end! I couldn't have done this without Mary's guidance and support. If you're serious about finishing your novel, working with her is the smartest investment you'll ever make.

Graham Gremore
Former Program Member

I finished my book today. Over the last three years, I’ve lost a job, quit a job, and started a job; moved my whole family to a new city; sat in the hospital with my child as she fought for her life; served as the contractor as I built my parents a house; lost three beloved fur children; and homeschooled kids in a pandemic. I resigned myself to finishing my book...someday. And then I met Mary. And then I wrote: before my kids woke up, after they went to bed, when I should be doing paid work, and everything in between. And today, while my children were parked in front of the TV babysitter, I finished the 78,097th and final word.

Kate Stone
Former Program Member

I’d completed four novels before taking Mary’s course, and, for me, it was a game-changer. Mary’s method and techniques were easy to incorporate into my routine, and I unclogged some of my creativity barriers by writing long-hand. By changing my overall approach to novel writing, I found the act of writing to be both easier and more pleasurable. As a coach and mentor, Mary is enormously supportive and positive. Her energy for the craft is infectious. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend working with Mary whether you are just starting out or a seasoned veteran.

R.J. Clark
Former Program Member