about
“Wendy is smart, caring and infinitely patient, with a natural talent for teaching that comes through in everything she does. Her passion for literature and knowledge of the craft of writing are inspiring and infectious and make her a pleasure to be with. In short, she is a wonderful teacher for children or adults.”
–Claire, mother of a Masters School student
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.
In 2004, she opened Wordcraft where she combines her experiences in education and in the arts to help teens and adults move forward with words.
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 from point A to point B to Q and then to Z.
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.
In addition to her work with teens and adults, Wendy is a fiction writer (YA is her specialty), wife, mother of two, and devoted mediocre tennis player. She loves alt music, 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
lead coach & writer | adult programs
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, walking her dog, texting with her children, and volunteering at Furniture Sharehouse. She and her husband live in Westchester County.