Learn

WHAT ARE STUDENTS SAYING?

“Hands down …  the best investment I have made in my writing advancement is to participate in the small group Mentoring Program with Julie Cantrell …  From the big picture perspective to incorporating dialogue to draw in the reader, Julie is a true professional in providing poignant, succinct, and relevant feedback on how to improve your writing skills and storytelling. Her critiques are useful and constructive, and Julie’s depth of knowledge in crafting your story is invaluable!”
— Lori James, memoirist

“When I joined Julie’s mentor led small group, I wasn’t sure what to expect. All I knew is that I wanted to finish a full-length novel and I wanted it to be good. I cannot even begin to express how much I learned ... Julie would provide encouragement and constructive criticism about character, plot, and most of all showing, not telling … (She) helps me to see how I can elevate my story and enrich the reader’s experience. She does all of this with a genuine desire to see us all succeed. I would recommend any author, who wants to hone their craft, work with Julie.”
— Gini Swancy, women’s fiction author 

“Julie is a brilliant writer and a really special mentor. She is a true storyteller whisperer. When I signed up for her small mentor group I knew I would learn and grow as a writer. It doesn't matter the format or type of writing you do. Julie has seen me and heard my voice. She's helped me develop aspects of my inner storyteller I didn't know how to unlock.”
— Alexandra Engelson, screenwriter 

“Julie Cantrell’s knowledge of the industry and editorial skills are vast. She’s offered valuable insight on the myriad questions I’ve stumbled upon during this process—everything from word choice and characterization, to querying and developing a social platform. Having worked with her on my second manuscript, I can’t imagine undergoing another writing venture without her skillful guidance and keen eye. When it comes to editing a manuscript, Julie is a cut above the rest. She understands the importance of preserving the integrity of a manuscript—in terms of voice, intent, and diction—while at the same time she knows how to polish each chapter until it shines. As an additional perk, she’s one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. Amid the cutthroat world of writing, Julie Cantrell is a rare jewel.”
— Anna Dykema, novelist  

“Julie Cantrell led the Story Summit Small Mentor Group I joined in the fall of 2022. From the onset, Julie guided our group critiques with great care always taking copious notes of every comment made during the discussion. This was of exceptional help when working on rewrites. She made herself available to each of us in a way that transcended the whole experience. Julie comments were always constructive, highlighting each piece’s positive aspects and how it might be improved. I know my novel came out stronger, and my confidence in the work was bolstered as well. I will absolutely seek Julie’s mentorship again when writing my next novel.”  

—Kr Levin, novelist and Propmaster

“The past ten weeks have been incredibly inspiring. Presenting a brand-new, never reviewed work to a group of strangers was terrifying at first, but I am so grateful for everyone's support and critical feedback. I know that I have grown as a writer in this short time span!"
— Jon Hebert, author of The Gemstone Peridot  

“Julie is a great mentor, a guiding force. She encourages us to be respectful, thoughtful, and attentive in our small group, ensuring the critiques are not about competition but camaraderie as we learn to produce great writing.”
—Char Wyatt, author of The Lost Sunset

“I attended a conference and took a class on writing fiction with Julie Cantrell.  I was hesitant as I had only ever written non fiction and because I’ve never written characters. Frankly, I didn’t think I could. By the end of Julie’s class, I not only believed I could … I absolutely know I can! I can’t wait to be under her tutelage again.”
—Robin Joy Bell Nobles, memoirist

 “Julie Cantrell is a thoughtful, thorough, and compassionate editor as well as an insightful, supportive, and gifted writing coach. I would recommend her over and over to any writer looking to deepen their knowledge of the craft or wanting to make their manuscript shine.”

—Kris Verdeck, novelist

"I met Julie as a graduate student working on my memoir about the loss of my daughter, Laila. Julie brought her big-hearted writing style into my manuscript and helped me find so much love in my story despite the tragedy. Julie is a compassionate teacher and mentor who I trusted with revising my most vulnerable moments. She is a brilliant shining light."

—LEAH MELE-BAZAZ, memoirist, laila, Held for a moment