Update, January 2024: After a long break, I’m available for private editing sessions again!
I’ve taught writing in many environments, including college campuses, the Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago, and in my own living room for Writing Workshops Los Angeles (RIP). I’ve also taught personal essay and journalism workshops at the Writing Pad.
I’ve had many students take my courses repeatedly and/or seek me out for editing services outside the classroom. You can read their reviews at the end of this page.
Individual sessions: As of January 2024, for the first time in several moons, I’m available for editing short stories, essays, novels, graphic novels, book-length nonfiction and most other forms of text. My specialty is developmental editing. What does this mean? You come to me with some written scraps of an idea or a full draft, and I’ll help you crack open and capture the true spirit of the piece. We’ll hone in on the most courageous, insightful, and authentic expression of it through hour-long sessions in which we discuss the writing as it appears on the page, as it appears in your mind (so often, those two aren’t the same), and any and all obstacles standing in the way.
I can also provide coaching on organizational methods that will help you get the job done. You’ll commit to your writing practice, set deadlines, and most importantly, keep them.
Sessions can range from a one-off to a year-long series. We can also figure it out as we go along. Please contact me at mlwappler at gmail.com for more details and project rates.
Writing workshops: I lead tailor-made workshops for media outlets, businesses or other groups looking to explore writing as a creativity catalyst, for workplace bonding or simply to sharpen their written communication. Using a variety of writing exercises that challenge writers to think fast and trust their gut reactions, I’m able to build a program that fits your group’s unique goals. Please contact me for more details and rates.
As a longtime journalist and editor, my writing class with Margaret finally allowed me the time and structure to explore my more creative fiction work. She creates a structured but still open, welcoming and engaging setting – where thoughtful, insightful critique is encouraged and space is made for learning and evolving. Margaret is whip smart, funny, sweet and no-nonsense. She loves books and words and that dedication comes across in her gentle but firm nurturing of her students’ work and in her own infectious passion for writing. By working with and listening to Margaret, I was rewarded with feedback and lessons that pushed forgotten projects into fruition and pushed my own skill and dedication to a new level. She is simply wonderful. — Jessica Hundley
Taking Margaret’s fiction workshop was a great experience. She does an amazing job of initiating discussion while never dominating or dictating any particular point of view, as a less skilled instructor might. Her feedback on my writing was always concise, thoughtful, and constructive, and seemed tailored to address my particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer. I’ve taken a lot of workshops and writing classes over the years, but none have helped me improve my writing more than my time spent working with Margaret. — Graham Shafer
I’ve taken several personal essay classes at Writing Pad with Margaret, and have published my essay (for pay!) from each class. Margaret does a fantastic job of creating a supportive environment where students feel safe and confident, while also providing candid, focused feedback. She was particularly helpful in guiding me towards essay topics and angles that engaged my interests and talents as a writer and appealed to a diverse readership. Margaret guided me when I was a brand new writer, and I look forward to many more classes with her as I grow and gain more experience. — Rebecca Green
Margaret’s fiction classes at WWLA have been nothing short of absolutely fantastic for me. I say classes because I’ve re-enrolled twice in a row now, and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about her and WWLA as a whole. Margaret is well read, she’s got a great sense of humor, and she knows what makes a writing workshop really tick. Being able to navigate the space between criticism and consideration in a workshop setting is no small task, but she knows how to pull it all off gracefully. When I expressed an interest in taking a Flash Fiction class (and sort of begged Margaret to teach it) she was receptive and communicated with Edan about the possibility. To my delight, the two collaborated and designed a Flash Fiction seminar with Margaret set to teach, and I’m now working happily away in that actual class! How’s that for responsiveness? It’s not a surprise to me that both these great ladies have connected through WWLA. I’m just glad I found them, and I’ll happily sing their praises to anyone willing to listen. –Doug McBride
Margaret is just the right mixture of generous teacher, smart writer, and straightforward human being. As I was making a transition from playwright to fiction writer, I took two classes from her: one in general fiction writing, and the other in flash fiction. In each class, she endowed us, the students, as being Writers, with no judgment on where we were on that path. Her critiques of my work were open-handed and direct, offering constructive guidance as well as support. She is gifted with that rare ability of a teacher who provides insight without taking star turns, and she has genuine interest in the endeavors of other writers. I have taken giant leaps forward that I can trace back directly to the foundation and inspiration I found in her teachings. — Emilie Beck