I worked as a writing tutor for the English Department of Palomar College in San Marcos, California for ten years. From ESL essays to complicated research papers and even creative writing, my input will help improve the results of an assignment. My background includes a writing career in advertising, marketing and public relations; freelance journalism and nonfiction writing; and both a published novel and a collection of short stories. For three years I volunteered as an elementary school teacher's aide where I tutored children in reading, writing and spelling. Whether I sit beside a student or face him or her via Skype online, a session will include a review of an assignment, discussion of drafts and tips for make the writing process easier. While I boast that I can make anyone's writing better, it's not arrogance. I can do it. *** Lesson Details *** Have an assignment or writing prompt ready for me to read. Be prepared to start an outline if needed. Take notes, so have pad and pencil with at hand. Every session starts with an assessment of needs and ends with a summary of what has been discussed. Next steps are also planned and reinforced to make the following session successful. *** Specialties *** I have two "specialties": academic writing and creative writing. For both when research is required I can teach how to do it and where to look for real facts, not "wiki" facts which may not be correct. As a former journalist I know how to get information that novice writers may not. Those invaluable tips make writing sound authentic and factually correct. I also teach elementary school children the craft of simple creative writing. When a child has this knowledge he or she becomes excited about writing and reading because it sparks imagination.