Karen Leslie — Creative Writing Coach, Workshop Leader, Tutor

“Read Then Write” Method — A Teaching Philosophy

Karen Mills
Teaching Writer Karen Leslie

As a teaching writer, I believe that reading cures a lot of writing ills, no matter the age! What and how and how much you read matters. Making the leap from reader to confident writer is a nuanced journey, one that requires persistence, specific goals, and knowledgable encouragement. My “Read, Then Write” method is the basis for all individual or small group plans, while considering a writer’s age and desired, or required, learning outcomes. Reading is not drudgery! It informs us intellectually, as well as, emotionally. Curating just the right reading list will support your writing goals. Improving as a writer is a process that is learned and practiced. Thus, writing is a craft—and, it is never too late to get started or correct course! Over time, how you write will become more and more intuitive. Finding your voice through the process is the most exciting and rewarding part of the journey. And, truthfully, hearing, encouraging, and helping shape a student’s voice is why I teach.

“My daughter loves you—and she would tell me otherwise! Thank you for working with her writing this year. She’s excited about what she’s writing.”

Tutored Language Arts (Homeschool Parent)

Putting the “Read Then Write” Method into Practice

  • WRITING COACH — WORKSHOP LEADER — Online Coaching (Adult Beginner through Advanced), Online and In-person Workshop Leader
  • TUTOR — Individual Reading/Writing (Language Arts) Tutor— High School Age 16+, Upper School, Collegiate
  • SMALL GROUP LANGUAGE ARTS LEADER — (Grades 10-12.) 4-8 students of similar grade level. Homeschool, supplemental, or in support of school curriculum.

There is no other English teacher I have had that made me enjoy reading and literature as much as she does.

WKU ENG 200 Student

Qualification — Education

  • Bachelor of Humanities: Multi-media Journalism, Literature Minor. Honor Society. Penn State University, 1988.
  • Master of Fine Arts: Fiction, Critical Analysis. Spalding University, 2014.

Qualification —Experience

  • Part-time Faculty: Writing Workshop Leader, Language Arts Instructor, Writing in the Disciplines Instructor. Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY. Cumberland University, Lebanon, TN. In Classroom and Online. 2017-present.
  • Language Arts Tutor — online and in-person, 2014-present.
  • Language Arts Instructor. Logos Academy Upper School (Classical). York, PA. Classroom. 2010-2012.
  • The WordShop — Indie Book Editor, Travel Writer, Professional Writer, Proofreader, Workshop Leader. Website content, trade articles, profiles and interviews, marketing strategy, email marketing, freelance book editor. 2012-present. See Karen Leslie Writer website for more.

She’s the nicest, realest, and most passionate teacher I’ve had since my time at WKU.

WKU ENG 200 Student

“I actually had to try really hard to find something—careful writers like you make it difficult for an editor to feel needed, you know? I like your attitude, Lady…Your enthusiastic attitude is a warm piece of fresh-baked bread at grandma’s house…You’ve found a welcoming home for this story.”

Terry Rogers, Menda City Review

2022 Packages

Individual Coaching

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Deadlines and accountability help fill the blank page.

*Creative Writing Coach for Individuals. You might want a Creative Writing Coach if: you’re ready to kick-start your creative writing journey, but you don’t know how to begin; you need a second set of “eyes” before you submit; you want a grammar brush-up or a sounding board as you develop your project; you want real accountability to stay on track; or a tailored “Read Then Write” plan designed to meet and exceed your goals.

*$280 for one-on-one coaching. (4-5 hours.)

*Individual Language Arts: Can include homework/assignment help and assessment, reading comprehension, literature and critical analysis, vocabulary, grammar, composition, and creative writing.

*Learning plans are developed based on each student’s needs and goals. $45/hour.

Writing Workshop

Fiction Writing Workshop

*Writing Workshop: In-person weekend and week-long sessions resume Spring 2022. Also available in 3, 6, and 9 month time frames.) Online & In-person. Current workshops: “Soul Letters,” “Read, Then Write,” “Finding Your Creative Space,” “It’s What You Don’t Say (Showing vs/ Telling),” “Good Writing Habits,” etc. Contact for group pricing.

*Create A Language Arts Group: Literature, Creative Writing, College Writing Prep. Available by semester or school year. $45 per student per group session. Instructional plan tailored to specific group’s needs. Can include guided discussions, vocabulary and grammar, writing process, formal group writing assignments, fiction, essay. Required: 4-8 students.

Editing & Proofreading

Find Your Voice as a writer
You have a story to tell.

*Your Project: Close attention paid to retaining YOUR voice while polishing your project, whether it be story, essay, memoir, or book. Developmental Editing, Light Editing, Proofreading available for your writing project or portions of your project. Priced per project. $50-70/hour.


This is my second semester having Professor Karen and I have nothing but great things to say about her! She cares for her students like they are her own and is always willing to help. She has a funny sense of humor, which makes the class more interesting! I would recommend her to anyone.

WKU ENG 100 & ENG 200 Student

Contact & Questions

Contact Karen Leslie: check availability, hire Karen as your Creative Writing Coach, or schedule a group workshop.

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