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Published YA Novelist | Writing Coach for Ambitious Young Writers
Charlene T.

5.0 (37 ratings)

62 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $100
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About Charlene

Bio

I'm Charlene, a traditionally published novelist, creative writing instructor, and writing coach specializing in helping passionate young writers develop their craft.

I am the author of three young adult novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic, with additional books forthcoming. I also teach creative writing through Emory University Continuing Education and hold a Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge.

My specialty is working with...

I'm Charlene, a traditionally published novelist, creative writing instructor, and writing coach specializing in helping passionate young writers develop their craft.

I am the author of three young adult novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic, with additional books forthcoming. I also teach creative writing through Emory University Continuing Education and hold a Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge.

My specialty is working with students who love writing and want to take it seriously—whether that means completing a novel, strengthening their storytelling skills, preparing a submission for a writing competition, applying to a selective writing program, or building a portfolio for future opportunities.

Writing has shaped my own life from a young age. As a high school student, I earned the National Novel Silver Medal from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. More recently, I coached a student who received National Gold recognition and I also served as a juror for the current awards cycle.

My sessions are highly personalized, interactive, and goal-oriented. I help students build lasting skills in:

• Creative writing and storytelling
• Fiction writing (middle grade, young adult, literary, commercial, and light speculative fiction)
• Character development and voice
• Plotting, revision, and manuscript development
• Writing competitions and awards submissions
• Selective programs and workshop applications
• Personal and application essays
• Long-term writing projects, including novels and short stories

Whether a student is working on a competition submission, a short story, a novel, or simply wants to become a stronger writer, my goal is to provide the same combination of mentorship, accountability, and craft instruction that professional writers receive throughout their careers.

If you have a motivated young writer with a story to tell, I'd love to hear about their goals and see if we'd be a good fit.

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Education

North Carolina State University
Communication, Creative Writing
Emory University
MBA
University of Cambridge
Other

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $100
  • Rate details: I request 12 hours' notice for cancellations/reschedules to avoid a full-session fee--this allows me to best support as many students as possible. Thank you for your understanding!
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 10/16/2025

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I’m the author of three acclaimed novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic Press, with more books forthcoming. With a minor in creative writing from North Carolina State University, and a certificate in teaching creative writing from the University of Cambridge, I help students pursue both academic and publishing goals. As a writing coach, I’ve supported writers through everything from brainstorming and overcoming writer’s block to revising structure and pitching to agents and editors. I primarily work one-on-one with adults and graduate students, and also lead creative writing workshops for teens.
English

English

I’m the author of three acclaimed novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic Press, with more books forthcoming. My background in English and creative writing (including a certificate in teaching creative writing from the University of Cambridge) allows me to help students confidently strengthen their reading comprehension, critical analysis, and writing skills. I support learners with essay organization, grammar and syntax, and interpreting different literary works. I primarily work with high school, college, and adult students seeking to improve both their academic writing and overall command of the English language.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I’m the author of three acclaimed novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic Press, with more books forthcoming. With a minor in creative writing from North Carolina State University and a certificate in teaching creative writing from the University of Cambridge, I help students uncover the heart of their story and craft compelling personal essays that stand out to admissions teams. As a writing coach, I’ve guided writers through brainstorming, overcoming writer’s block, refining structure, and polishing prose. My own essays earned me admission to North Carolina State University, Emory University, and the University of Cambridge, giving me firsthand insight into what makes an application essay resonate.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I’m the author of three acclaimed novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic Press, with more books forthcoming. Drawing from my experience as a novelist and my certificate in teaching creative writing from the University of Cambridge, I help writers craft compelling plots, authentic characters, and strong narrative voices. I guide students through story development, revision, and preparation for publication or submission, and review up to ten double-spaced pages per session so my feedback can be detailed and actionable. I primarily work with adult and graduate-level writers but also enjoy mentoring emerging teen authors.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I’m the author of three acclaimed novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic Press, with more books forthcoming. My background in English and creative writing—including a certificate in teaching creative writing from the University of Cambridge—enable me to help students and professionals refine their writing for clarity and accuracy. I specialize in proofreading academic papers, essays, creative manuscripts, and professional materials for grammar, syntax, flow, and tone. My approach is thorough yet collaborative, ensuring that every edit strengthens the writer’s unique voice while meeting the highest standards of precision and readability.
Writing

Writing

I’m the author of three acclaimed novels published by Penguin Random House and Scholastic Press, with more books forthcoming. My background in English and creative writing—including a certificate in teaching creative writing from the University of Cambridge—enable me to help students and professionals strengthen their structure, style, and intention across a wide range of written forms (including essays, personal statements, novels, short stories, and more). I guide learners through all stages of the writing process--from brainstorming, to drafting, to revising, to submission or publication. My approach combines technical precision with a deep respect for each writer’s unique voice, helping students communicate with confidence and impact.
Charlene T.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (37 ratings)
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(37)
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Reviews

Exceptional First Session — Insightful, Professional, and Encouraging

Charlene was outstanding in our first session. She immediately connected with my daughter, listened carefully to her goals, and created a thoughtful plan to guide her over the next couple of months. Her feedback was insightful and constructive, striking the perfect balance between encouragement and challenge. She understands both the creative and developmental sides of young writers. We left the session feeling inspired and confident about the path ahead. I’m very impressed and grateful we found her!

Jacob, 12 lessons with Charlene

Thoughtful and encouraging mentor

My daughter has really enjoyed working with Charlene. Her sessions are thoughtful, encouraging, and have helped my daughter stay excited about writing and continue developing her own ideas.

Gemma, 11 lessons with Charlene

Supportive and Professional Writing Tutor

My son is a 7th grader and has been taking writing lessons with her. From the very first session, he felt extremely comfortable because she leads the class so well and creates a supportive, encouraging environment. She is excellent at guiding him to develop his own ideas when writing, rather than simply telling him what to write. This has helped him gain confidence and think more creatively and independently. We can clearly feel her professionalism and experience as a writing instructor. Most importantly, my son genuinely enjoys the lessons and has said he would like to continue working with her long-term. We highly recommend her to any student who wants to grow as a writer.

Claire, 7 lessons with Charlene

Supportive and Professional Writing Tutor

My son is a 7th grader and has been taking writing lessons with her. From the very first session, he felt extremely comfortable because she leads the class so well and creates a supportive, encouraging environment. She is excellent at guiding him to develop his own ideas when writing, rather than simply telling him what to write. This has helped him gain confidence and think more creatively and independently. We can clearly feel her professionalism and experience as a writing instructor. Most importantly, my son genuinely enjoys the lessons and has said he would like to continue working with her long-term. We highly recommend her to any student who wants to grow as a writer.

Claire, 7 lessons with Charlene

She is amazing

I love Charlene. She is an amazing person. She has a lot of patience and is very good at explaining things to me carefully. I definitely suggest having her as a tutor

Daniela, 9 lessons with Charlene
Hourly Rate: $100
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