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Writing IS magic with Lisa—a gifted, generous teacher.

— Stephanie M. Wildman, author of the picture book Brave in the Water

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My daughter looks forward to Writer’s Workshop more than any other after-school activity (except maybe movie + ice cream night). She’s learning to think about and follow story logic; revise; and develop and demonstrate character in her writing, all while having a rollicking great time every week. I love seeing how engaged and delighted she is during the workshops!

— Colleen, parent

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Lisa Lerner is not only a deft and versatile writer, but she is a crack editor, able to get to the heart of narrative issues with speed and ease. As a reader she is diligent, incisive, and empathic. As a bonus, she came up with a brilliant subtitle for my book Inventing Niagara after dozens had been floated and sunk. And she’s fun to work with!

— Ginger Strand, author of Inventing Niagara, and The Brothers Vonnegut

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Lisa clearly loves picture books and delights in their magic, as well as in helping others.

She is a great mix of both encouraging and honest. Her feedback is specific and actionable. She is invested, engaged and flexible.

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Love Lisa! So helpful, wonderful guidance, thank you.

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I took “How to Write a Children’s Book” with Lisa Lerner and learned so much! She is an incredible teacher who is very experienced, lively, and really gets children and what makes a great children’s book. She provided great examples, excellent handouts that were clear and useful, and gave detailed feedback. She’s obviously a great children’s book editor and writer. I had never delved into this genre before and give her a humongous, ginormous, fabulicious thumbs up!

— Stella, How to Write a Children's Book Workshop participant

The advantage of Writing is Magic?

Honest feedback, and finding a group of writers who have become great friends who I feel safe with pitching weird ideas to. Lisa, you nurtured and guided our group and helped us all become better writers.

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Lisa helped me navigate the structure of children’s books and gave me essential tools for my writing future.

— Jill K. Robinson, journalist

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The personalized support and guidance is what makes the most impact in the student work.

You’ve created something special with the 6-week Picture Book Workshops. I love how close knit the community is, especially when workshops have returning writers. There is a sense of being a part of each other's journeys, plus so much trust built.

— Victoria, Picture Book Workshop participant

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Your enthusiasm is contagious and you come well prepared. There’s nothing vague about the classes—participants have a clear idea going in exactly what to expect. And the handouts are super helpful as well as the ability to go back to the session via taping.

On workshops:

“The small group size fosters deep, individualized care and feeding of each participant.”

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Lisa provided me with invaluable help in writing my college essays. She took my “diamonds in the rough” and turned them into high quality essays. Thanks to Lisa’s help, I was accepted to Cornell University, University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of Washington - Seattle, UC San Diego, and the University of Colorado - Boulder. Lisa can make all the difference!

— Shohum, Cornell University, 2025

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Lisa’s gentle touch and sharp insights were exactly what my writing project needed to get to the next level. A brilliant writer and editor, Lisa will go the extra mile for her clients.

— Irving Ruan, contributing writer for The New Yorker and TV writer on Twisted Metal

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Writing is magic is like a mini MFA.

Your knowledge and encouragement is priceless. You are a consummate story midwife.

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I like the way she gives suggestions to make my writing better, and the way she shared my writing with the rest of the class, so they can give suggestions, too!

— Ryan, age 9

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Lisa’s writing class was so fun and I learned so much! When I first started the class, I wasn’t really that comfortable sharing my writing with others. But now, months after I took my first class with her, I’m much more willing to share and am open to constructive criticism and feedback (which I never would’ve imagined). She is such a funny, open, fun person and a great writing teacher!

— Colette, Age 12