WHAT WE DO
Tell your story.
Change the world.
Workshops Against Empire is the ONLY program that combines a complete framework for writing a publishable novel with a focus on the social impact of your story.
That’s right. An alternative MFA in Writing program with social justice at its core.
WHAT WE DO
Tell your story.
Change the world.
Workshops Against Empire is the ONLY program that combines a complete framework for writing a publishable novel with a focus on the social impact of your story.
That’s right.
An alternative MFA in Writing program with social justice at its core.
Meet The Team
Workshops Against Empire
is supported by these outstanding humans.
Susan DeFreitas
founder
An American with roots in the Caribbean and the upper Midwest, Susan DeFreitas is the author of the novel Hot Season, which won a Gold IPPY Award, the editor of Dispatches from Anarres: Tales in Tribute to Ursula K. Le Guin, and the creator of Workshops Against Empire—the alternative MFA program for writers who want to change the world. Her work has been featured, or is upcoming, in the Writer’s Chronicle, LitHub, Story, StoryQuarterly, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, Daily Science Fiction, and elsewhere.
Susan is a Founding Coach with Author Accelerator, and a regular contributor at JaneFriedman.com. An independent editor and book coach, she lives in Santa Fe, NM.
AMY KOERNER
book coach/editor
Amy Koerner is a certified book coach and editor who specializes in helping writers of queer children’s and young adult fiction to overcome self-doubt so they can write with confidence and pride. In the safe space she creates for her writers, she encourages them to dig deep into their why and unravel the story they need to tell.
Jessica Lynne Henkle
Web Manager
Jessica Lynne Henkle has loved stories since before she could talk and began writing her own as soon as she learned to put pen to paper. She has a BA in English and art history from Boston University and an MFA in writing from Pacific University. While writing both fiction and nonfiction (and even the occasional poem), she's worked as everything from a project manager to a website creator to a publicist to a proofreader.
She primarily contributes to Susan's team as a web manager and calls upon her other skills (and general troubleshooting nature) as needs arise. Jessica lives, works, and writes in Portland, Oregon, in a tiny apartment filled with far too many houseplants and hundreds of books.
lauren vanderveer
business Manager
Lauren is a born and raised Floridian who grew up in Melbourne and made her way to Daytona Beach, where she played volleyball at Daytona State College. Lauren then retired her jersey and transferred to the University of Central Florida to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management.
When not supporting her awesome clients as an Online Business Manager, Lauren can be found coaching the sport she loves while traveling the country, or lounging at home rewatching Friends for the 197th time.
terrica strozier
strategist
Terrica Strozier is a brand strategist and designer with over 16 years of experience in digital/print design and creating transformational brands. She holds an M.S. in Human Services. Terrica’s on a mission to shake up the status quo for non-conforming, forward-thinking entrepreneurs who crave meaningful brands.
That mission is rooted in simplicity, a rebellious spirit, and her unique method of integrating intentional design with a comprehensive customer-focused brand experience.
Personally, Terrica is equally as known for her teal hair as her love for trap music and cocktails.
Hailing from Atlanta, she’s a fur mom, bowling addict (she’s even been called a semi-pro), anime lover,
bookworm and self-described proud nerd.
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ON SOCIAL
