Teaching

I teach the Story Intensive at the Sarah Selecky Writing School, which offers an intensive, semester-long program of learning and practice. You’ll be part of a small group of dedicated writers and we’ll read, write, and explore all elements of craft and the creative process.

I also offer private classes in freewriting, revision, and short story workshop, both online and in person. If you’d like to be a part of one of my classes, please reach out for more information and upcoming dates.

Feedback

Have a project you’re stuck with? I offer feedback services for short fiction & creative non-fiction. If you’re currently feeling stuck in your work, it can be useful to have a discerning reader highlight the piece’s strengths and challenges. Always compassionate and actionable, I provide in-depth commentary on craft elements such as structure, plot, characterization, narrative arc, etc. You will be provided with in-line comments, a longer report with feedback & suggestions, and light copy editing (grammar/spelling). 

Rate: $75 CAD per 1,000 words

I’d love to read your work! Please send me an inquiry and we’ll get started. 

From the very first class, Candice’s vast knowledge of the writing craft and her love and passion for teaching was apparent. I hadn’t written in years due to misconceptions that Candice helped me dispel in the very beginning. It was like I was given permission to write! 

Candice is very knowledgeable, yes, but she is a safe place for any writer- new, experienced or in-between. Candice has an ability to meet you right where you are in your writing life and teach to your specific needs as a student.

Candice fosters a warm and inclusive learning environment. She encourages open discussions and values each student's perspective, creating a learning dynamic that is both engaging and respectful.  

I consider myself a writer because of Candice May. I am blessed to have learned from her in the active classroom, and continue to learn from her as I write every day. 

~ Sheilah

Working with Candice has truly been a gift. She is an exceptionally skilled writer and teacher. She has a deep knowledge of story structure, craft elements, and an awe-inspiring attention to detail.

She has a calm presence and is thoughtful and compassionate. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and insightful mentor.

I wholeheartedly recommend working with Candice!

~ Dory

I had the great pleasure and honour of getting Candice’s feedback during the 2019 Story Intensive with the Sarah Selecky Writing School. Her thoughtful and sensitive reflections revealed to me patterns, images and subtext in my writing that I had not seen. And those reflections played a large role in giving myself the permission and courage to say, “I am a writer.”

Thank you Candice!

~ Nancy

Testimonials

Dear Candice,

When I decided to take your writing class, I was unsure what it would mean for my life.

…And there you were, my first teacher of writing, Candice. You provided supreme guidance and protection from the elements of self-doubt. Yes, you said. Always: Yes. And, you said. Always: And? 

There is a kind of insanity that comes with working in a vacuum. It’s the silence. It’s the lack of reverberation. In the presence of your teaching, Candice, I gained an ally who holds the door open. You are impeccably versed in the craft of writing; a skill that just flows out of you unhampered. You deeply respect the fragility of the creative process. You are beyond imaginative, inventive, gracious, and kind.

And may I suggest that everyone reads your work? It speaks for itself. You are a superb sparkling writer who inspires me!

~ Sabina

Candice May writes lyrical stories, and has a knack for providing feedback on what works well in a story, and what might need tweaking. As a reader of your work, she gives you suggestions, but also encourages you to develop and trust your writerly intuition, rather than handing over your revision to an external authority. She is enthusiastic about writing, and is respectful when providing feedback, suggesting passages that could benefit from a rewrite. Her approach to revision is infectious, and rather than moaning to have to discard a piece you may have laboured over for some time, you find yourself willing to examine your sentence from a different angle. She is insightful, respectful and funny!

~ Astrid 

I had the pleasure of receiving Candice's clear and specific feedback on my writing — offering critiques that were both spot on for what I needed to hear as well as gentle and understanding for my sensitive beginner's mind. I thoroughly recommend her to writers of every level. 

~ Edward