What people say about working with Coach Ina
Ongoing Classes
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"Ina, your class makes my week!"
Howard Westley, class member in Los Angeles, and prolific writer/contributor to the Stories From The Heart book series. Click the photo to see Howard reading onstage in this video -- great tale about a hairy flying episode in WWII. |
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"You have a way of getting people to open up that is unique. We were in a room full of strangers and everyone felt comfortable sharing their stories. That's a very rare talent."
E. Meyer, Artist and Jeweler, participant in Burbank Library Workshop. Ms. Meyer, who modestly wishes to refrain from having her own photo posted, became a Footprints class member, and the cover artist for "Stories From The Heart," Vol. 3. |
More about working with Coach Ina on an ongoing basis
"Ina really opened the floodgates to thoughts that were long buried but not forgotten,"
Kay Roberts, Actor/Writer/Artist, Student Published in "Stories From the Heart," Vols. 1-3, Los Angeles
"Ina’s able to pull things out of people they didn’t know were there.” Tom LaRocca, retired contractor
"I thank you, Ina, for helping me see that I really can write!"
Arabella Bel-Mitchell, member of original writing class, and contributor to Stories From The Heart, Vol. 1, and Ina's website, FUPPPS.com, dedicated to the right to same sex NIPtuals for pets
"Thank you, Ina for helping our dad get through the pain of losing our mom, and for bringing us closer. We've been anxious to read the stories he wrote about the family and surprised to read about the (fictional) family of Mo the cat. We're glad they're making people laugh."
Family of Earl Boretz, original Footprints Writing Club member who also received one-on-one coaching from Ina
"Thanks, Ina. After all these years of scraps of paper, finally magical sense! And seeing myself in print makes me feel complete."Jane Madeline, first-time author, "Stories From The Heart," Vol. 2
“It’s just plain fun!”
Sophie Chudacoff, 94 year old dynamo, writer/fund raiser for City of Hope, student, published in "Stories From The Heart," Vols. 1, 2, 3
"Thank you Ina. Your work is valuable and has really helped me to write."
Moty Zahavi, first-time author, to be published in the coming Stories From The Heart, Vol. 4, and a highly talented actor in our Senior Moments Productions
"This is a really great class!"
Ed Rosenthal, who worked with Ina in a class, then one-on-one on his memoir of being lost in the wilderness without food or water for seven days. He has appeared on TV, telling this story since before publication, beginning on the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Survivor, July 2013. The book, Salvation Canyon: A True Story of Desert Survival in Joshua Tree, was published by DoppleHouse Press in 2020.
"This class has been a kick in the butt to my writing. Tremendous! It's so motivating because of the process we do here. I can just be freed up to let the words flow. My critic is gone. He's somewhere in the Bahamas. I realize OMG, I've got so many stories to write, and it's not traumatic, the way it used to be. And listening to others telling stories, reminds me of others of my own."
Michael McCarty, Internationally Renowned Storyteller, whose life is dedicated to helping others learn the art in classes for the public, and as a service it help those incarcerated in prisons
Kay Roberts, Actor/Writer/Artist, Student Published in "Stories From the Heart," Vols. 1-3, Los Angeles
"Ina’s able to pull things out of people they didn’t know were there.” Tom LaRocca, retired contractor
"I thank you, Ina, for helping me see that I really can write!"
Arabella Bel-Mitchell, member of original writing class, and contributor to Stories From The Heart, Vol. 1, and Ina's website, FUPPPS.com, dedicated to the right to same sex NIPtuals for pets
"Thank you, Ina for helping our dad get through the pain of losing our mom, and for bringing us closer. We've been anxious to read the stories he wrote about the family and surprised to read about the (fictional) family of Mo the cat. We're glad they're making people laugh."
Family of Earl Boretz, original Footprints Writing Club member who also received one-on-one coaching from Ina
"Thanks, Ina. After all these years of scraps of paper, finally magical sense! And seeing myself in print makes me feel complete."Jane Madeline, first-time author, "Stories From The Heart," Vol. 2
“It’s just plain fun!”
Sophie Chudacoff, 94 year old dynamo, writer/fund raiser for City of Hope, student, published in "Stories From The Heart," Vols. 1, 2, 3
"Thank you Ina. Your work is valuable and has really helped me to write."
Moty Zahavi, first-time author, to be published in the coming Stories From The Heart, Vol. 4, and a highly talented actor in our Senior Moments Productions
"This is a really great class!"
Ed Rosenthal, who worked with Ina in a class, then one-on-one on his memoir of being lost in the wilderness without food or water for seven days. He has appeared on TV, telling this story since before publication, beginning on the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Survivor, July 2013. The book, Salvation Canyon: A True Story of Desert Survival in Joshua Tree, was published by DoppleHouse Press in 2020.
"This class has been a kick in the butt to my writing. Tremendous! It's so motivating because of the process we do here. I can just be freed up to let the words flow. My critic is gone. He's somewhere in the Bahamas. I realize OMG, I've got so many stories to write, and it's not traumatic, the way it used to be. And listening to others telling stories, reminds me of others of my own."
Michael McCarty, Internationally Renowned Storyteller, whose life is dedicated to helping others learn the art in classes for the public, and as a service it help those incarcerated in prisons
On Workshops, Live and Virtual
"Ina, You have a gift...As a writing coach and a patient teacher and guide, you managed to give each of us assurance and understanding related to our own personal writing projects. You also gave us a number of approaches and processes that will help guide is forward...Writing is the essence of life for me and listening to you and gleaning insight on memoir is so useful. Warm wishes,"
Philly
Philly Murtha, GLAWS (Greater Los Angeles Writers Society) virtual workshop
"I so enjoyed meeting you and attending the Jump Start workshop on June 17. Thank you for the inspiration and guidance. My sister Wendy, daughter Miranda and I attended a writer's workshop in Culver City over the weekend. The presenter was Ina Silvert Hillebrandt. We walked away with new connections, ideas and inspiration that are helping us to focus on completing various writing projects. A bonus benefit to the day was spending time together, which we love to do! Thank you so much to my hubby, Mike Hunter for hanging out with my son Jason so we could have a girls day out."
Cheryl Hunter, Peer to Peer Program Coordinator for Operation SafeHouse Greater Los Angeles Area
"Excellent seminar. I especially liked: having the participants seated in a circle; your warm and competent manner; your experience-based knowledge of the topic; giving time for individual intros and targeted feedback; and always staying on topic. We came away motivated."
Flo Selfman, PR Consultant, Proofreader-copyeditor (www.Wordsalamode.com), immediate past president (2003-16) IWOSC -- Independent Writers of SoCalif. (www.iwosc.org)
"IWOSC is a delight. Just FYI - this evening's panel was outstanding. As Steven Sanchez said, it was like a graduate seminar in contemporary YA and children's lit. I learned a lot, took eleven pages of notes, and wanted to thank you again for letting me in.
Greg Laskaris, attendee at virtual panel led by Coach Ina on Children's adn Young Adult Literature, for IWOSC (Independent Writers of Southern California)
"Thanks for a great panel. Even though I no longer write romance or fantasy or supernatural, I enjoyed learning about the authors who do, and their work. I will even look for their books...Also, it was an interesting discussion about self-publishing versus traditional, and agents."
My best to all,
Erika Fabian, professional writer and photographer. Attendee virtual panel discussion produced and moderated by Coach Ina on Romance and Women's Literature, IWOSC
"After seeing you do this workshop, I feel I can trust you, Ina. I look forward to working with you."
"I really got my money's worth!"
Attendees, later clients at Memoir Writing workshop for IWOSC
"You should give Ted Talks! You have so much information, and it was fun!"
Attendee at Redondo Beach Library Memoir Writing Workshop
This is a fan letter from that old man with the guitar. I want you to know how much I admire not only what you’re doing with Pawprints (now Footprints) but your enthusiasm (and patience) with the participants. You obviously stimulate them to write things they’d never have gotten around to. Your 'Weird Prompts™' are a clever idea—and they do stimulate. (Matter of fact, I was so intrigued I wrote a story on the black-cat prompt when I got home, just for fun.) Thanks for the book; I’m enjoying it. And I was delighted to have a small part in your presentation Wednesday. Congratulations on helping a lot of people have a great deal more fun than they otherwise would. Cheers, Harrison"
Harrison Stephens, guitarist, Navy veteran, prolific writer of books, and editor/contributor to a variety of newsletters. Harrison graced with his lively and expert musical performance at the UCLA Living History Wrap Party
"Ina, You have a gift...As a writing coach and a patient teacher and guide, you managed to give each of us assurance and understanding related to our own personal writing projects. You also gave us a number of approaches and processes that will help guide is forward...Writing is the essence of life for me and listening to you and gleaning insight on memoir is so useful. Warm wishes,"
Philly
Philly Murtha, GLAWS (Greater Los Angeles Writers Society) virtual workshop
"I so enjoyed meeting you and attending the Jump Start workshop on June 17. Thank you for the inspiration and guidance. My sister Wendy, daughter Miranda and I attended a writer's workshop in Culver City over the weekend. The presenter was Ina Silvert Hillebrandt. We walked away with new connections, ideas and inspiration that are helping us to focus on completing various writing projects. A bonus benefit to the day was spending time together, which we love to do! Thank you so much to my hubby, Mike Hunter for hanging out with my son Jason so we could have a girls day out."
Cheryl Hunter, Peer to Peer Program Coordinator for Operation SafeHouse Greater Los Angeles Area
"Excellent seminar. I especially liked: having the participants seated in a circle; your warm and competent manner; your experience-based knowledge of the topic; giving time for individual intros and targeted feedback; and always staying on topic. We came away motivated."
Flo Selfman, PR Consultant, Proofreader-copyeditor (www.Wordsalamode.com), immediate past president (2003-16) IWOSC -- Independent Writers of SoCalif. (www.iwosc.org)
"IWOSC is a delight. Just FYI - this evening's panel was outstanding. As Steven Sanchez said, it was like a graduate seminar in contemporary YA and children's lit. I learned a lot, took eleven pages of notes, and wanted to thank you again for letting me in.
Greg Laskaris, attendee at virtual panel led by Coach Ina on Children's adn Young Adult Literature, for IWOSC (Independent Writers of Southern California)
"Thanks for a great panel. Even though I no longer write romance or fantasy or supernatural, I enjoyed learning about the authors who do, and their work. I will even look for their books...Also, it was an interesting discussion about self-publishing versus traditional, and agents."
My best to all,
Erika Fabian, professional writer and photographer. Attendee virtual panel discussion produced and moderated by Coach Ina on Romance and Women's Literature, IWOSC
"After seeing you do this workshop, I feel I can trust you, Ina. I look forward to working with you."
"I really got my money's worth!"
Attendees, later clients at Memoir Writing workshop for IWOSC
"You should give Ted Talks! You have so much information, and it was fun!"
Attendee at Redondo Beach Library Memoir Writing Workshop
This is a fan letter from that old man with the guitar. I want you to know how much I admire not only what you’re doing with Pawprints (now Footprints) but your enthusiasm (and patience) with the participants. You obviously stimulate them to write things they’d never have gotten around to. Your 'Weird Prompts™' are a clever idea—and they do stimulate. (Matter of fact, I was so intrigued I wrote a story on the black-cat prompt when I got home, just for fun.) Thanks for the book; I’m enjoying it. And I was delighted to have a small part in your presentation Wednesday. Congratulations on helping a lot of people have a great deal more fun than they otherwise would. Cheers, Harrison"
Harrison Stephens, guitarist, Navy veteran, prolific writer of books, and editor/contributor to a variety of newsletters. Harrison graced with his lively and expert musical performance at the UCLA Living History Wrap Party
On Editing
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"Ina and I have had long knockdown, drag-out, battles over as little as a single word. She keeps trying to rope me in when I am obscure. I might think a description is clear because I have actually lived it, but she correctly knows better because she hasn’t. Eventually we find a solution and it is always an improvement. Ina has done her job well and I believe this work shows her deft hand and excellent advice. Amazingly, we remain very great friends. Thanks, Ina.
Chester L. Richards, author of From The Potato to Star Trek and Beyond, Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist, available for pre-order now. |
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"When I’d come to a thudding stop in restructuring my memoir, Broken Whole: a California tale of Craziness, Creativity and Chaos, I had Ina read the manuscript, and meet with me for just one session of feedback. It’s hard to believe, but during just that short period of time, Ina gave me the insight I needed to refashion my book into a much stronger, leaner narrative, and, inside of six months (after a period of two years doing the early drafts), I’d not only finished a much improved manuscript, but had also gained a publishing contract! Ina was able to step aside from my own myopic perspective and identify that the impact of the memoir, as written, was getting drowned in the initial chapters of turgid – but what I thought of as necessary – back story to the main events described in the book. Her ideas were to the point, well-stated, and delivered with wit and intelligence. Thanks so much, Ina!"
Keith Adams, author of "Broken Whole" |
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"I would like to thank my editor, Ina Hillebrandt. Without her help, completing this book would not have been possible." Alon Mintz, author, Wine, Women, Whispers, edited and published by Pawpress |
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I offer special thanks to my editor Ina Hillebrandt. Her insight, guidance, friendship, support and expertise were critical in making this dream a reality. She is a Pro in every sense of that word.
Chrystine Julian |
A poem by Alan Tichenor, Bishop, CA, author of Go East, Young Man, Go East
Edited by Ina and published by Pawpress
Edited by Ina and published by Pawpress
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I sing no praise for Georgette or Wilhelmina. My accolade is for Ina... She gave my heart a sudden cause With her writing theme of squirrely paws. She led the group Just like a maestro. And pulled out ideas to flow and flow. Did I say she is a real pro? I could go and go On her expertise and skill. How much time do you have to kill? |
On helping memoir writing teachers
"Ina --My first day as a facilitator was an absolute success!! There was lots of positive energy, enthusiasm, and participation. I, as well as the 10 people in attendance, can't wait for next week. Thanks again!"
Ronda Armstrong, Cleveland, Ohio (coaching sessions by telephone and e-mail)
"If we isolate ourselves, our later years can feel like an indeterminate sentence. Ina invites us all to lighten up. Instead of languishing away the days, stoke up your creative fires and get those juices flowing. Share the story of your life in your unique voice. Reach into your past. Then write from your heart. Put a smile on your face and dazzle your loved ones with your wit and your wisdom." Michele Nuzzo, lifestory and wellness coach, from the article entitled." REINVENTING RETIREMENT, Writing from the Heart, in her blog, Midlife Menu
See more about Coach Ina's Educators Services
"Ina --My first day as a facilitator was an absolute success!! There was lots of positive energy, enthusiasm, and participation. I, as well as the 10 people in attendance, can't wait for next week. Thanks again!"
Ronda Armstrong, Cleveland, Ohio (coaching sessions by telephone and e-mail)
"If we isolate ourselves, our later years can feel like an indeterminate sentence. Ina invites us all to lighten up. Instead of languishing away the days, stoke up your creative fires and get those juices flowing. Share the story of your life in your unique voice. Reach into your past. Then write from your heart. Put a smile on your face and dazzle your loved ones with your wit and your wisdom." Michele Nuzzo, lifestory and wellness coach, from the article entitled." REINVENTING RETIREMENT, Writing from the Heart, in her blog, Midlife Menu
See more about Coach Ina's Educators Services