Jasper Nighthawk – Creative Writing Tutor
I love working with students of all levels and ages who want to advance as writers of poetry and prose. Together, we nurture creativity while developing rigor.
Process + Practice = Passion
The best thing about working with a creative writing tutor is having the space and accountability to develop and improve your writing practice. We will find this through our conversations, exercises, and by meeting on a regular basis. Everyone is different, so we’ll be looking for what works for you. The goal is always for you to finish our work with a stronger knowledge of yourself and a greater dedication to your creative process.
All Ages, All Genres, All Levels
With extensive experience teaching creative writing at levels from 3rd grade to college, and expertise in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, I enjoy working with a wide variety of students. But also: we’ll challenge the notion of fixed categories. Sometimes there must be a poem at the center of a science fiction story. Sometimes a writer in their fifties needs to re-connect with the ten-year-old they used to be, who filled journals with sketches and jokes and little stories. And, of course, young people, when empowered to write about what matters to them, often astound with their skill, maturity, and sheer creative energy. Wherever you are, that’s where we’ll start.
Working Towards
Writers need deadlines. Students need goals. And even the biggest projects need a beginning and end. If we work together, one of our first orders of business will be to determine the shape of our work. This way I can hold you accountable to the deadlines and goals that you want to achieve, and eventually it will give us a chance to pause, look back, and see how far we’ve come. And then: make a new plan, press forward again, again, again.
Why Me?
I am a professional writer, editor, and writing teacher. I spent seven years leading poetry lessons in classrooms from 3rd to 12th grade through California Poets in the Schools, I have led college-level creative writing classes, and I have worked one-on-one with creative writing students for six years. I hold an AB in Slavic Languages and Literature from Harvard College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University. For my day job, I serve as the University Storyteller for Antioch University.
Let’s Work Together!
I am currently accepting creative writing tutoring clients. To set up a consultation, please email me: jasper@nighthawk.studio
What past clients are saying…
“Jasper was able to get Will focused on what to write about and helped him develop a polished essay.” – Kristen B.
“Jasper has been so encouraging, creative, and insightful. I have been particularly appreciative of the apparent ease with which he is able to engage with Margaret on small details that challenge her (e.g., counting syllables, comma placement) as well as big-picture ideas. We are very appreciative!” – Hannah B.
“Hi Jasper, I just wanted to say thanks for your help throughout this process. I feel like the final draft of the statement of purpose was very strong, and I cannot thank you enough for all your help and guidance on it. I have submitted my application, and will let you know in the future (hopefully sometime in March) how it all turns out!” – Grant F.
“Jasper was outstanding. There was a great connection between them, and he and Emma had a great rapport. We are so appreciative of his assistance.” – Clare D.
“As before, Jasper was an amazing help! He was great and encouraging and really coaxed out my best writing. I heard back from Georgetown this morning actually and was accepted! So nothing but love for the job y’all did! Thanks again!” – James S.
“Jasper gets my writing and he gets me. I am actually enjoying writing the college essay.” – Emelia B.