about
“Wendy Fried has a way of drawing out each person in their own way, building on each person’s own strengths and talents. She is warm and welcoming, and creates a safe space for writers to explore any topic. She has pushed me to elevate my craft in interesting ways that have surprised me. I am so grateful to Wendy."
–Serena Schuler, Writer, Director & Series Creator
| Makeshift Society, Lipshtick Pictures
Wendy Fried
owner | lead writer, coach & learning consultant
Wendy brings more than 25 years of creative & educational experience to her coaching, consulting, and writing. At the foundation of all her work is the belief that finding our stories, exploring our thoughts, and developing the skills, craft & confidence to tell them well are keys to connection, compassion, and success – educational, professional, personal, and creative.
Early in her career, Wendy worked for the Ensemble Studio Theater in New York City as an assistant literary director, and then as the director of the theater’s professional institute. She also worked as a freelance director, writer, and writing coach at that time. In all positions, she collaborated with writers and actors, helping them find their ways forward.
As an English teacher for almost a decade, Wendy helped teens develop their reading, writing, thinking and communication skills. She also immersed herself in the college application process, learning how to best help students share their voices. While teaching, she continued her work with professional writers, developing a strong interest in how people move forward in their writing, the factors that contribute to or deter progress, and in the power that comes from developing the skills, insight, and confidence to tell one's story.
Wendy is certified everything nerd, a fiction writer (YA is her specialty), wife, mother of two, and devoted mediocre tennis player. She is always learning, and is fascinated with the interplay of neuroscience, creativity, and learning. She loves film, the NY Knicks, and pretty much everything that dips into the bizarre or comedic. She sits on the board of directors of Arc Stages in Pleasantville, NY and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Jennifer Sabin
coach & writer | adult programs
director | A Life Well Lived & A Storied Life
Jennifer is an author, journalist, teacher, and freelance writer. She has written about everything from politics to science to teen celebrities. She loves to work with kids and adults - those who love writing and those who find it intimidating.
In 2020, Jennifer created the True History book series for middle grade readers published by Penguin Random House. She authored one of the series titles and has edited the other three. For much of her career, Jennifer worked at ABC News where she wrote, edited, and produced national and international news. She has written some 50 editorials for Huffpost and a number of articles for magazines.
Jennifer has an MFA in Creative Writing from City College of New York where she also taught writing. She is the co-founder of Kids Write Now, a creative writing/character building program for elementary and middle schoolers. In addition to writing, Jennifer can be found sailing the Hudson, texting with her children, and volunteering at Furniture Sharehouse. She and her husband live in Westchester County.