“Sylvie Bertrand is an amazing instructor. Engaging, direct, compassionate, dedicated to every student’s development as a memoirist. Take every class you can from her!” – Laine Harrington, long time Memoir student

“This is my second class with Sylvie Bertrand. There is a place for every writer in her class – beginners to more advanced will all benefit. She establishes such a safe and supportive space for writers to explore craft and push themselves. The exercises are well-structured and her feedback always leads to new insights. I am learning as much from reading and discussing the work of my classmates as I am from my own writing. She is teaching me to read like a writer.” Brenda Considine

“As a therapist, I have learned to stay out of the fray in order to be objective and, I hope, helpful to my clients as a knowledgeable outsider without bias. This clearly is not the same assignment as that of a narrator!!  It is taking a lot of effort to “put myself back in”, so to speak […]

Nevertheless, your feedback, Sylvie, has opened up a whole new horizon for me to consider in my writing and also personally. […]  Thank you.” –  Katharine Rase, Memoir Student

“This was the BEST experience. I have taken 3 Memoir classes from Sylvie and they have been extremely helpful as I begin to write my experience at the end of my husband’s life. Sylvie and the other class members were so supportive and even though it seemed scary to share at the beginning, I learned so much and felt very supported. I feel I have more direction and plan to continue classes as I work through my writing. I found that even a procrastinator like me can keep up with 2 page assignments every week!” – Kathleen Chai

“The gold standard for me. The Writers Studio is an invaluable resource that encourages my resolve to be seen and heard on the page – to share my story. It offers tools, techniques, supportive feedback and the opportunity to learn there are many ways to express myself. And many ways to revise as I continue to build my story. It has enabled me to find my voice, hear the impact of my words in the feedback from my workshop teacher, Sylvie Bertrand, and colleagues. It enables me to sharpen my writing skills, take risks in my approach. It has given me the fortitude to submit stories, collect my rejections, and celebrate several acceptances. It sharpens my skills and keeps me growing.” – Susan Enzer, long time Memoir student at the Writers Studio

“Sylvie’s reputation preceded her, which admittedly intimidated me. I admitted I was shy about showing her my work. Her feedback shows great insight, support, and intelligence. She helped me find my voice and the words to tell my story—a truly comforting experience.” – Donna Daniels, long time Memoir student at the Writers Studio

“Fantastic, in-depth writing/reading experience with Sylvie Bertrand. Sylvie fosters a productive, supportive environment, and gives strong, precise feedback. Can’t wait to take another class!” – Kateri Jochum

“I’ll be sending in my last assignment soon, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for you many thoughtful and useful critique suggestions.  This is my first online class.  Each assignment taught me things that I have been able to incorporate into my memoir work.  Even these few classes have been immediately helpful. I spent a lifetime writing expository prose. Everything was objective. Everything I wrote was stripped of emotion, no color, no sound.  Writing dialogue is very new to me.  I am learning […] Take care. With Gratitude,” – Mike G.

“Sylvie: Thank you so much for mentoring this class. Your explanations of and insights into the six authors was so helpful and well done. Your critiques were spot on, constructive and gentle. My first writing class ever. My daughter enrolled me as a Christmas present. Thanks to you i was totally engaged and had lots of fun. Thanks and best wishes” – Steve G.

“Sylvie: thank you for a wonderful class. I truly enjoyed all the excerpts and models you selected and I found the format instructive and challenging.  I most enjoyed your positive and constructive feedback and that of my classmates. A wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations for an online class. Thank you and all my wonderful classmates. I look forward to reading your books in the future! ” – Celia R.

“…And thank you most sincerely for creating such and incredible safe space for all of us to be so open and free with our writing and sharing of our stories.  For me it has been such a gift.” – Toni Short

“I have been taking an amazing Memoir Workshop with the Writer’s Studio in NYC. The workshop has really advanced my process and although this workshop is in NYC they also offer classes/workshops online and occasionally in “the Hudson Valley”. My current teacher is Sylvie Bertrand and her September workshop will be online.” – Angela T.

“I wanted to put on record my gratitude for your stewardship of the class I attended. It was an eminently enjoyable workshop and I feel I’ve markedly improved as a writer because of it.” – Brendan