Let’s work together! Offering writing workshops, editing services, and coaching for creatives, emerging writers, and professionals.

Writing Workshops

Teaching the art of writing is a passion of mine. After minoring in Creative Writing at UC Berkeley, I went on to study at places like The New School, Gotham, UCLA, Catapult and elsewhere, ultimately earning my MFA in Creative Nonfiction at UNLV. Along the way, I grew as a writer and thinker. Combining the pedagogy of teaching with the craft of writing, and trauma-informed somatic practices, I offer select in-person, self-paced, and online courses for most genres. Some places I’ve partnered with include Writing Workshops, The Porch, Crow Collective, Write or Die Magazine, UNLV, Thousand Oaks Library, and elsewhere.

Sample workshops include:

• Foundations of Nonfiction

• Restorying: a trauma-informed memoir workshop

• Generative Writing Workshops

• Writing the Teen Self

• The Travel Essay

Testimonials:

"Christina has such a calm, encouraging approach to the virtual classroom. She helps students feel present— and helps them feel her presence— through careful planning, guidance, and sweet extras. So much care and attention goes into her classes. Highly recommend!”

"Literally love the teacher, was so kind and generous. Focused on the students and is willing to help anyone. The class helped my writing and editing skills."

"Professor Berke is a literal ray of sunshine. She encourages everyone to participate and encourages a lot of team work. She is very detailed in her instructions and also very understanding."

Professional Editing

As a former Managing Editor of the award-winning literary magazine, Witness, and former literary festival intern at PEN America in New York City, I have over six years of professional experience editing literary, commercial and academic work. Depending on the project, you'll get line edits, developmental feedback, and an overview on your nonfiction, pitch or application. Explore some of the editing services I offer and experience clarity, next steps and support in a caring environment.

Testimonials:

"OMG, This is brilliant, Christina! You are the BEST editor!!!! This has been SO very helpful and I am SO SO grateful for your edit!!!!! You caught so much that I'd missed."

"Truly no one better or more gifted at what she does... goes above and beyond and is so kind."

"WOW! These edits are so thoughtful, so on point, so intentional and sensitive. You are such a powerful editor."

Sample services include:

• Manuscript editing

• Submitting to literary magazines (including cover letters)

• Applying to the MFA and writing residencies

• Freelance pitching

• Personal essays and hybrid work

Coaching

Before I pursued writing, I felt really lost and overwhelmed. I thought the MFA would answer a lot of unknowns for me, but I found that having a community of writers and trusted readers was vital for my growth. If you're looking for that kind of support, working with a coach might be a way through.

Testimonials:

"I worked with Christina for 6 months as I prepared my MFA applications. She introduced systems and strategies that helped me refine what I really wanted in a program, as well as worked with me on editing and submitting the best writing sample. I got into two programs!”

“After working on my manuscript for years, I finally decided to invest in hiring a coach, and was glad to meet with Christina. It helps just to have another set of eyes, true, but it was deeper than this, as I felt my confidence growing, along with real practical advice, in every session.”

Sample services include:

• One-on-one manuscript coaching

• Goal-setting and accountability check-ins

• Query letter and submission strategy

• MFA and residency application guidance

• Creative block and confidence coaching

• Long-term project mentorship (novels, memoirs, essay collections)