— Atoosa Rubinstein, Magazine Editor

Mark Matousek’s writing instruction is transformative. His classes will change the
ways in which you examine your life, and how you think about yourself as a writer. He
approaches your work with a deep sense of empathy, allowing him to help you tell your
story in your voice. Mark’s insight, imagination, and precise instruction will push your
writing in incredible directions, both creatively and technically. Mark not only recognized
that I had the makings of a book when I brought him my idea for Ten Ways to Change
the World in Your Twenties, but his mentorship at every step of the process empowered
me to bring the project to fruition. No matter what stage of the process you are at, time
spent with Mark will yield extraordinary results.

— Libuse Binder, author of Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties

Mark Matousek is a truly gifted writing coach. With an interviewer’s ear, he listens
deeply and hears what people have to say. With the determination of a midwife, he
helps them give birth to themselves, through their words. As my ‘book whisperer’, he
is showing me that writing is truly a spiritual path, leading not only to publication, but
personal transformation. I’ve been a lecturing in a University classroom for over two
decades, and I’ve rarely met such a natural teacher. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn
from him!

— Gwenyth Jackaway, PhD., Associate Professor, Fordham University

Mark started our first class with the words; "You're all here for a reason, even though
you may not know what that reason is." Over the course of just a handful of short
sessions, I've come to realize that not only was I there for a reason, but that this reason
was more important to my well being and self understanding than I could have possibly
fathomed when I first signed on for this class.
Mark's illuminating assignments, poignant feedback, and seasoned direction within the
group setting unlocked many mysteries that had been buried within my psyche. The
introspection that resulted was sometimes scary, sometimes difficult, and many times
astounding — just what I needed and more. I am deeply grateful for the experience.

 —Brian Carr, President, Solid Threads

I am a writing professor at Manhattanville College who had the privilege of taking Mark
Matousek’s writing class this past summer. Mark’s style of teaching creates a safe
environment that has a unique way of opening his students up to their inner emotions,
thus revealing the hidden writer yearning to be released. I do not have enough words
to express the enjoyment, the empowerment and the education that I gained by
learning from Mark Matousek. I not only learned about my writing from Mark, but I also
learned about myself. I am eternally grateful.

— Mary Mingle, Associate Professor, Manhattanville College

Mark has a knack for zeroing in on an issue and illuminating it while still allowing you to
maintain your voice. He consistently challenges me to improve my writing on multiple
levels. It's holistic coaching that is honest, actionable and brilliant. Also, his extensive
experience in the industry allows him to approach a writing project from multiple
perspectives, offering expert guidance while still allowing the student to feel free. He
inspired transformation in my novel.

— Jason Hagemann, Blogger and aspiring novelist

When you spend your days using words to craft pithy headlines for clients, creating
personal writing that comes from the heart is unfamiliar territory. Mark’s unique blend of
compassion and confrontation creates a space where anybody who has a story to share
can find a safe place to start. — Maria Longo, Freelance Writer

Mark Matousek is an insightful, compelling and incisive teacher…truthful, direct,
compelling, open, and compassionate. He takes students on a provocative journey to
places we need to go if we are to live and create from our deepest selves. His deeply
spiritual center and his generosity of spirit combine to make his being, his writings and
his teaching magical transformative experiences.

— Marcia Lippman, Photographer

Mark has been the good spirit of my book project ever since I started it. He has a fine
intuition for the potential of students and topics, he asks the right questions to inspire the
imagination, and his support and encouragement are great to have in times when the
writing gets difficult.

— Birgit Matzerath, Musician

Mark is more of a midwife than a teacher. In addition to his innate grasp of and
experience with storytelling, what makes Mark so great to work with is his very present
presence – it’s what allows me to access what I’ve got to share. I’ve been meeting
regularly with him for the past six months for help on the story I am writing and the
process is so enjoyable I’d rather it not end.

— Jeannie Demers, Freelance Writer

Mark's weeklong workshop was amazing. He served as catalyst for a group dynamic that
allowed each of us to reach new levels of expression as we delved into the unexplored
parts of ourselves. My writing improved beyond measure."

— Alma Rutgers, Newspaper Columnist

Mark’s strengths in teaching are many. His ability to swiftly discern “the hidden
agendas” of his students is remarkable. He is able to respond in subtle ways to their
different needs (either through setting a certain writing topic, or during discussions),
finding ways to challenge that individual — not in a negative or punitive fashion — but
simply to encourage him or her to think through a writing problem. It is my privilege
to recommend him! Our weeklong course was undoubtedly the most interesting and
beneficial week I have experienced on that campus. (And I had just completed a Masters
in Writing Degree there!)

— Christine Stiassni-Gerli, Philanthropist

I’ve learned so much from Mark in the months that we have been working together! He
has taught me to trust my writing voice, not to compromise it, and to bring all of who
I am to the page; to write as if I’m talking to a friend ensuring that I grab my reader’s
attention. I look forward to many more informative sessions and when I make it to the
top I’ll have him to thank. Love this guy!

— Trudi Russell, Legal Secretary

I was looking for a writing experience that focused on self-discovery, and Mark
Matousek’s class at the New York Open Center was perfect. His thought provoking and
emotionally challenging assignments immediately triggered a journey into my own “stuff”
and, at the same time, enabled me to find both resolution and clarity regarding some of

my personal issues. I felt really good about this, even before I received Mark’s thoughtful
and caring feedback on what I’d written.

— Gwenn Levine, Non-Profit Consultant

As a teacher, Mark had the unique ability to guide me into the depths of my being to the
center of my truth. Rich experiential writing flowed. Then, his insightful, provocative
questions challenged me to tell the dark feelings and secrets. His quiet assurance and
acceptance created a safe space not only for me, but also for all my classmates and our
writing became genuine, profound and captivating.

— Diane Harkin, Interfaith Minister

The writing course I took this past summer with Mark Matousek was an amazing journey
into the soul of each of the ten women, and one man, who took it. We found we were
able to trust each other, thanks in large part to Mark’s empathy and direction, and
did some incredible writing. At times there wasn't a dry eye in the room, but that was
testimony to the "writing down the bone" as well as the love and support that existed
from the very beginning. I can't over-emphasize what an incredible experience it was...a
week of writing and bonding I'll never forget.

— Alida Albert, Interior Designer

I was most impressed by Mark’s command of the subject, honesty, and deep
commitment to getting people to write from their core. I was also impressed by his
generosity: willing to give individual attention, and time, to everyone, both in class and
outside of class. He really knows and believes that our inner stories are precious and we
should give them a voice. He made me believe in myself and in my story.

 — Caterina Bertolotto, Fashion Designer

Mark Matousek teaches writing like it should be taught. He injects feeling, life and
emotion into the class. He teaches with a sensitivity that eases you, even in your most
vulnerable states. He digs at the core of your writing, uncovering meanings and feelings
you hadn't thought of … and then offers advice like a spiritual advisor. It's about writing
but it's also about healing. I recommend his classes to anyone who wants their writing
to evolve or who wants to tell the story of their lives but is stuck in the muck of their
past. This class has influenced me to keep on this journey of healing myself through
writing. That's more than I can say for any other writing class I have taken.

— Melanie Allingham, Media Technician/Aspiring Writer

Instead of thinking about writing I actually wrote, and am continuing to write with
openness to the truth and freedom from the self-censorship and judgment that
previously limited my writing. It has opened me creatively, inspired confidence in my
ability, and increased my self-awareness as I explore the world through what I write.

 —Carol Teitelbaum, Poet

“Mark created the perfect environment for us to explore depths of our writing we never
would have expected. He was at the helm of a magical experience none of us will
forget.”

— Amy Oringel, Freelance Writer