Testimonials & Reviews
(Washington, D.C., November 2017)
Working in the National Archives, doing research for my biography about two former members of the United States Congress.
“I just wanted to let you know that my book is finally out and available for purchase, thanks to you! None of this would've been possible without your help and guidance… It's been a long time coming, and I think it's just the start of my writing career. I never would've been able to do it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Words cannot express how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for me and helped me with. I remember being so on the fence about reaching out to you those years ago. The fact that you took a chance on me means everything to me. I’d always wanted to be a writer and now, I’m a published author. You’ve helped set my life on a course I would’ve always considered a pipe dream. I wish I had the words to properly express the gratefulness I feel for you, but all I can really say is THANK YOU. With everything in me, THANK YOU.”
—Valentin Mings (October 2024)
First Time Memoirist
“Thank you for being such an inspiration to me, Christine. Your support and encouragement has been amazing!!”
—Client (May 2024)
First Time Memoirist
“I feel like Goldilocks because in the six years since I started my memoir, I've had four coaches — and working with Christine is just right. There is a warmth and compassion that I require when being vulnerable with my story, and Christine offers that. I feel safe with her emotionally. As a first time memoirist at age 64, connection is key, and the one I have with her is important to getting my story out to the world. In short, Christine gets me. What I lack is the assembly work skills, and Christine has an impressive resume qualifying her to help me cross the finish line to be published.”
—Lucinda Bunn (April 2024)
First Time Memoirist
“Your feedback was incredibly helpful. You helped me see the value of focusing on my own story to build trust and interest with my readers. You also helped me clarify the purpose, vision, and direction of the book's narrative, which is now a memoir with reporting sprinkled throughout. Your mix of encouraging words and clear feedback was just what I needed. I felt excited to make the changes after I read your notes. I thoroughly revised my proposal and sample chapters, many thanks to your guidance. I am feeling much more confident about the project now. Thank you for inviting me to be more vulnerable in my writing and clarify the intention of my pages. I appreciate you!”
—Jenna Jonaitis (March 2024)
Writer, Journalist, Memoirist
jennajonaitis.com
“I have no words to express how grateful I am for your expertise, guidance, amazing suggestions, and your very kind and extensive praise. I feel so honored to be on this journey with you. Thank you, Christine.”
—L.G. (December 2023)
First Time Memoirist
“I just received Christine's comments back after her review of my first manuscript. They are spot on and I couldn't have asked for better feedback. Her advice is solid, warranted, and more than anything, exactly what I need to get my manuscript to the next level. Christine spent several hours talking with me about my book, and her sensitivity and empathy left me feeling so empowered to let my vulnerabilities out. Having her in my corner throughout this process — emotionally and technically — will no doubt allow me to be a published author!”
—Renee Bruns (August 2023)
Guinness World Record Holder, Motivational Speaker, Wheelchair Traveler, First Time Memoirist
reneebruns.net
“Thank you so much for your generous and heartfelt support and your amazing help with getting my thoughts organized and the beginnings of a plan in place. I felt supported throughout our consultation and I’m excited to get to work.”
—D.S. (May 2023)
First Time Memoirist
“Christine's ability to inspire and motivate a memoir writer is nothing less than amazing. Her consistently positive, encouraging responses energized me to keep writing and to believe in my story. I unequivocally recommend her coaching to all aspiring memoir writers.”
—Heather Smith (May 2023)
First Time Memoirist
“Meeting Christine is possibly one of the best things that could have happened to me as I began my memoir-writing journey for my PhD. With her guidance, she has helped me open my thought process and gain confidence in my writing skills. Her revisions and edits are more than helpful — they open my mind and help me better appreciate my readers’ perspectives. You can trust Christine to ask honest questions and offer authentic feedback. With Christine’s guidance, the memoir journey is amazing. She is a very dedicated person who not only gives her all and makes sure I don’t lose sight of my story’s core, but she also helps me refine and elevate my work to new and even higher standards.”
—Roshni Marath Jairaj (March 2023)
Doctoral Candidate, University of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, U.K.
“I am a published suspense novelist who was clueless about how to write a memoir. I had the good fortune to retain Christine Wolf, a foremost expert in the field, who became my teacher, editor, friend, and most amazingly, my partner in the project. She is intelligent, skilled, creative, generous, sensitive, and ethical.”
—John Martel (November 2022)
Lawyer and New York Times Bestselling Author
johnmartel.com
“Working with Christine was one of the best things I've done as a new writer. She helped me pull my story together and encouraged me from the very beginning. I would've been lost without her guidance and support. She pointed me in the right direction and asked thought-provoking questions that made me a better writer. I'm so grateful that I got to meet and work with her, and I'm definitely walking away with a new friend and the memories of an amazing experience!”
—S.K. (August 2022)
First Time Memoirist
“In addition to being super excited about working with you as a coach, I couldn’t be happier to spend more time with someone as empathetic and wise as you are. It all just feels so perfectly aligned.”
—Prospective Client (August 2022)
First Time Memoirist
“You are the nicest person in the world and I'm so glad my Google research led me to you! I have no idea what I would've done without you, you have been a tremendous help and a good friend!”
—Client Email (June 2022)
First Time Memoirist
“Thank you from the center of my open heart. As usual, you have surpassed my vision of what I wanted. Your summation and the way you bring to light the healing journey —not only that I have taken, but what is in store for my readers if they choose to invite these ideas and processes into their lives—is fabulous! I love it! I will send my manuscript over to the publishing team now, to do what they see fit. It’s all so exciting. I so appreciate the editing tweaks you’ve suggested, and I’m going to implement them before sending the manuscript back to the publishing team. Christine, I feel incredibly blessed to have your friendship, your brilliance, and your expertise woven throughout my experience and this beautiful book that I am delighted to share with the world. I can’t thank you enough.”
—Client Email (December 2021)
Published Author and First Time Memoirist
“I had a chance to visit some of your stories and presence on the internet and love that you are so passionate about writing and about helping others experience the craft and find their voice too. There is so much heart in your writing! Christine, I am grateful that you are involved with this effort. You are helping me with this in more ways than I will ever know. Your contribution makes a difference!”
—L.K.R. (August 2021)
Published Author
“I’m so grateful for connecting with you, for your faith in me and my book’s message. Thank you for being part of my life.”
—Client Email (July 2021)
Published Author
“Thank you for spending time with me and helping me with the eulogy for my dad’s memorial service. Your patience, help, support, and expertise mean so much to me. It is so important to me that I deliver a message that my dad would be proud of. Your help and guidance is making that possible, and I am forever grateful. I am also so grateful for your help in opening the door (for me) to begin writing with purpose. It is exactly what I need to be doing right now and I am so looking forward to working with you!”
—Katie Smith (July 2021)
First Time Memoirist
““Christine, I so appreciate you. Working with you is truly inspiring for me. It’s great to feel we are in sync and have a clear picture of what to do next. I want you to know what a blessing it is for me to work with you, Christine. Your vision, and insight has been invaluable. Thank you again for every precious little detail of your work with me and my manuscript. I just sent it off to the publisher…”
—Danét P. (June 2021)
Published Author and First Time Memoirist
More about Danét Palmer
“After writing 50 pages of my story, trying to navigate my way into my memoir, I knew I was in dire need of a mentor, a coach — someone to get me through this mentally. I think every writer needs someone. So, I started my hunt and it was not easy--scrolling through the Internet night and day trying to find that needle in a haystack. It was quite the project, as I had 3 ZOOM calls with coaches, an email exchange, and a phone call with someone in Canada. After every session, I actually sat and wondered if that perfect person was out there, because none of these coaches got my story or my vision. A few days later, it was Saturday morning. I got up early and sat in my chair, and again Googled ‘memoir coaches.’ I scrolled down, and there you were, staring at me. I stared back for a few seconds and read your bio, then read it again, and again. I sat there in thought, then said to myself, ‘I have found my memoir coach’ without even meeting you. I had this gut feeling. My partner was like, ‘You haven't even met her yet!’ Yeah, but words on a website can be powerful, emotional, and eye-opening...and deep down in my heart, I knew it was destiny. Right place, right time. And it just worked. I felt it. It was…the perfect fit. I still can't describe it. Maybe someday :) So, thank you for everything so far. It's been an incredible journey, and I’m looking forward to many many more sessions. We will find the right literary agent. When that connection happens, I will know, just like I knew with you. Have an awesome day and keep editing...you are simply amazing!!”
—Client testimonial after working together for five months (May 2021)
“Christine is a remarkable editor, writing coach, and human being. Throughout all of our conversations and correspondence, she has been warm, insightful, and generous with her time. I can be open and vulnerable with her, secure in the knowledge that I will only ever get her support and honesty in return. It is obvious to me that she cares deeply about her clients and their work, and I am happy to have found in her a person who truly believes in my writing and in the importance of the story I want to tell. I believe that with her expert critique, encouragement, and finessing, I will be able to birth the book that I have always dreamed of writing. If you are considering working with Christine then I highly recommend that you get in touch with her. You will not regret it!”
—Emma V. (May 2021)
Writer and First Time Memoirist
“I can’t imagine myself with any other mentor/coach. THANK YOU so much again for your support and guidance.”
—Tom M. (Feb 2021)
Writer and First Time Memoirist
“Christine, it was delightful to meet and talk with you just now! Thank you for your time. I already appreciate your support and feel that you’ll be able to give me very valuable insights and direction, and look forward to hearing everything you have to offer.”
—Client Testimonial following our free, 20-Minute Consult (Feb 2021)
“It was such a pleasure meeting and chatting with you, and I can already feel how exciting it is to be able to TALK to someone about what I’ve been working on for so long!”
—Client testimonial following our initial, one hour consult (Feb 2021)
“I Googled writing coaches in Evanston. When I read Christine's bio I saw that she had worked with a range of topics, that appealed to me. I write about psychology and human experience and didn't want my work to be too academic (even though it’s for an academic/professional context), and Christine’s range of writing interests seemed like a good fit.I wanted a professional to support my first experience of writing a chapter in an edited volume of essays. Christine is really great. I felt comfortable with her right away. We sat in front of her fireplace and talked about my project. She was very interested, and had intelligent and encouraging thoughts about it right away. She is very smart, warm, authentic and enthusiastic. She offered her ideas, but respected my knowledge and preferences. She was willing to play with thoughts and ideas. She also has expertise, and knew just how to work with a project such as mine — its structure, process, etc. That helped me to feel comfortable and more confident since this is new to me. Throughout the journey, she supported and encouraged me. She really helped me to feel confident about the direction I was going. I also trusted that she would tell me if it was not going in a good direction. I would definitely take advantage of the community Christine has created.”
—Britt R. (May 2020)
Writer of professional and academic essays
“Christine Wolf is marvelous for many reasons, and her apt naming of Writers' Haven is just the first. A haven is exactly what she's created. The space is perfectly curated to make writers feel cozy and welcome while at the same time spurring the creativity and productivity that is so hard to find in day to day life. I started coming to WH a year ago. In that time, I've made so much progress on my novel that I doubt I would have without weekly, day-long sessions in this space. If more coworking spaces had freshly made cinnamon rolls, unlimited coffee, and someone as vibrant as Christine to greet you in the morning, they'd all be packed! I can't stress enough how invaluable Writers' Haven is for writers looking to power through their latest project or just enjoy themselves.”
—Tessa Constantine (April 2024)
Novelist
“Hi Christine. I had my first visit to the Writers’ Haven today and all I can say is that it certainly lives up to its name. I was completely blown away by the environment you have created for writers. Everything about the day and your home worked for me — right down to the slippers! In fact, especially the slippers. I want those slippers! Seriously, where did you get them? After 40 years as a journalist, I am just now shifting into fiction writing. I really enjoyed all the writing-related decor, from the manual typewriter to the paper flowers and wreath made with newsprint. The 3-D sculptures climbing the wall are magnificent. All these details were inspiring and encouraging to me. It was as if the whole house was saying, ‘You are a writer. This is where writers write. Go ahead and write!’ And I did. I had the most productive day of writing that I can remember. It was so easy to be focused in this lovely, quiet, comfortable setting. I didn’t want to leave! Thank you for the snacks — that toffee!!!! And the coffee. Everything about the environment felt like it was of service to me and my writing. It made my writing feel important. Thank you for that. I can’t wait to come back. Thank you.”
—Janie Gabbett (Apr 2022)
Journalist and writer of fiction
“Thank you for opening your beautiful home to us! I have struggled to make time for my writing lately, so having a dedicated time and space for writing was exactly what I needed to reconnect with my writing, and with my writing friends. I appreciate the room, the light, the variety of spaces in your house, but most of all, I appreciate your hospitality.”
—Paula Mikrut (Feb 2022)
Writer of memoir, visiting for a full day with her writing group
“I spent a day at the writing retreat of my dreams, and it was a 30 minute drive from my house. @tinywolf1 runs the Writer’s Haven out of her gorgeous old Victorian home in Evanston, and when I found out you can rent a desk for an entire day here, I jumped on the chance. Since it’s pandemic times, I had the entire third floor to myself, and it was a DREAM. I wrote 5500 words in my second novel (!!), drank complimentary coffee, ate complimentary chocolate, and moved around but mostly settled in this amazing window seat overlooking the street. I’m so grateful Christine created this space for writers in Chicago and the surrounding area. I will *definitely* be writing here again!”
—Melissa Baron (Jan 2022)
Author of speculative fiction, romance, and fantasy — with a dash of paranormal or horror
“This is the ideal space for both groups and individuals to work, as there’s space on the main level for smaller groups to gather to write and discuss — as well plenty of other space in the house for quiet work in individual rooms. The floor plan is flexible and open to accommodate both writers in a group and writers working alone, but wanting to feel part of a community. First of all, it's a gorgeous, sophisticated space to work. Feels like home -- with a fireplace, a comfortable couch and chairs, and access to a kitchen -- but without the distractions one has at home. The house has a "retreat within the city" kind of feel, with calming blue and green colors, and thoughtful touches that make one want to settle in to a cozy spot for a long time to think, read or write. Perfect place to get away for a couple hours or a day, and work on a special project. It's a pleasure to have such a space conveniently located and easily accessible. Christine has taken care of all the details! It's just dreamy!”
—Julie L. (Feb 2020)
Writer of creative nonfiction, memoir, flash, and poetry
“I appreciated the comfort of the space, natural light, available variety of spaces (table, couch, shared space, alone space), access to kitchen and available drinks. Was looking forward to enjoying the outdoor space when the weather improved. Liked availability of parking and how easy it is to get to. Liked the level of welcome, service, and care from Christine! Thank you! Hope to be back at Haven soon!”
—Jeannine B. (Feb 2020)
Writer of short stories, comedy & storytelling for performance, interviews, and essays
Feedback on Christine’s “Expressive Writing for Emotional Healing” Workshop:
“I found a way to understand and release some very trapped feelings that were taking a mental and physical toll. As a writer, it would seem natural that I would have considered doing this, but I hadn't, for whatever reason. The workshop gave me the framework, tools, and maybe permission to let some stuff go, and it's been amazing.”
—Workshop attendee, December, 2023
Feedback from the inaugural Write to Heal Retreat, May 9-13, 2023 at Civana Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona:
“I'm so glad I got to have this experience. It has been the highlight of my year and it was such a special week to devote to my own self-care and healing. The resort was amazing and I loved everything I learned --- so much I wasn't even expecting. I also really enjoyed the structure of the retreat --- how flexibility was encouraged and how it was a mix of group activities with alone time and the wellness activities. I felt so refreshed and energized when I got back home. But by far, the people I met made this so special. I subscribe to several of their Substacks now and love keeping up with their writing journeys. One of the best retreats I've ever attended.”
“I wanted to reach out and extend the depth of gratitude I feel for whatever financial magic and tender hearted grace that you made happen to allow me to say yes to the amazing retreat. As you know, it was a stretch for me in more ways than one. I was literally shocked by how capable I was while there, and it literally felt like parts of me that had gone dormant (that I honestly thought were gone for good) came back to life. In my recovery process over the last 4 years following my car accident, I have been so focused on my own healing that I thought I had lost the healer part of me ( being able to be there for others in a meaningful way), especially in regards to being engaged with others and being of service. On the plane back from the retreat, I remember thinking “I’ve still got it.” Coming through the fires of the last 4 years, there is now a depth and embodiment that I didn’t have. Thank you for helping me to reveal and remember my usefulness again. I know it’s only the beginning.”
“I want to share today that I normally come back from vacations feeling super drained and tired. But I feel so energized today! I'm sure the lovely, peaceful Civana environment had a lot to do with it, but I think most of it is because of the community we made. I feel so propped up by everyone I met and the friendships. We gave each other power. And I feel beyond motivated about my writing. Thanks again, Christine, for this retreat. I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this trip.”
“All day I’ve been reflecting on what writing has given me. It’s given me confidence in my voice and belief in my own worth. It’s helped me heal when I felt sure I’d be broken forever. It’s given me opportunities to help and support others. And now, it’s given me the privilege of meeting all of you. If not for our writing, we would never have all met to share this remarkable experience. It was by doing the ‘big scary thing’ of writing my story… something I never would have dreamt of doing a mere few years ago… that I found myself in Arizona. So, I’m making a promise to myself to keep being brave and (to quote Angie Stewart) ‘show up on the page’, because the ways in which writing has rewarded me never cease to amaze me.”
"Knowing Christine, I knew it would be amazing, but it was beyond my expectations, in large part due to what each of the women brought to the experience. I’m enormously grateful to have had the time with each of them.”
"Gratitude doesn’t seem like a big enough word to encompass what I am feeling right now. So proud of myself and all of us for taking a risk and for showing up in our true selves and being vulnerable. Thankful to Christine for envisioning and accomplishing this and bringing together a great set of facilitators and participants. I learned something(s) from each one of you. So blessed by the financial creativity that made this experience accessible. Feeling cared for in ways I didn’t know I was craving. Deeply nourished by Vitamin C (community) and Vitamin S (sisterhood). My well feels so much more full than before Tuesday. I truly feel alive and cannot believe how many new things I tried. Hoping to stay in connection outside the retreat bubble…”
“This experience has been giving in so many layers. I keep using the word magical but that isn't right. Magic implies we don't know how it happened, but I do. Christine brought us all together and everyone showed up as active participants willing to listen, engage, trust, and go deep and uncomfortable with women they have (in most cases) never met. And we got to take a bunch of fun classes and pampered by staff (none of whom have agreed to come home with me to fluff my pillows and feed me). I am filled with gratitude for Christine and all the presenters who came to share knowledge and actively participate, and for all of the attendees. I hope you are all able to keep this experience with you in some way as we head back into the wild.”
"Christine, I cannot thank you enough for offering this for us all. I know that many of us also benefited from your generosity in making it financially possible...as one of those humans, I am forever grateful. I didn't know what to expect when saying yes to this, and I honestly couldn't have guessed the many gifts that came from being here. I have spent so much time feeling alone in my grief. I don't mean unsupported...I have an incredible support system of friends and family back home. But here, I felt community in a different way. Community of writers who have been through shit and are here, showing up, offering voices and vulnerability. I felt seen in a different way. There are practical take-aways and good info to come back to, but I think the greatest gifts for me were being seen and heard... and hearing and seeing others who I might not have come across otherwise. I received something from my connections with every human here, and I treasure that. Christine and team, you created the space for all of this to happen. Thank you.”
Things attendees report leaving behind as a result of a Write to Heal Retreat:
"Shame”
"Guilt”
"Imposter Syndrome and Imposter-ness”
"Not Enough-ness”
"Self Doubt”
"Self-loathing”
"Belief that I must do everything by myself”
"Making decisions from a place of fear”
"The lie of scarcity”
"Giving a shit about someone shitty”
"Judgment”
What attendees of a Write to Heal Retreat report taking home with them:
“Hope”
"A new lease on life”
"Friendship”
"Honesty”
"The power of writing in community”
"The feeling of being in community with all these amazing women”
"Empowerment”
"Connection”
"The knowledge that self-abandonment is not an act of love”
"Empowerment”
"Connection — and the knowledge that I’m not alone in my journey”
"Hope that I can keep an open heart in times of adversity”
"Freedom”
"Curious stillness”
"Voice”
"Friendship”
"Belonging”
"Belief in myself”
"Awareness that I am a writer”
Politics,
Partnerships,
& Power
Reviews of Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church by Jay Pridmore and Christine Wolf (Masterwings Publishing, December 2023)
“[A] delightfully evenhanded style… an immersive portrait of the political landscape over a considerable stretch of American history, brimming with ‘lessons of service, heart, and advocacy.’ An engaging and instructive history.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“A fascinating window… enrich[es] our understanding of women and politics in midcentury Washington, a topic that has been overlooked for far too long. A deeply valuable contribution.”
– Melissa Blair, author of American Women: A New Narrative History
“It’s a fascinating read!”
– Ann Marie Cumming, Executive Director, The Congressional Club Museum & Foundation, Washington, D.C.
“Rich in historical context and well-researched detail, illustrating how this long series of events shaped the landscape of Chicago and national politics… Reading at times like a novel, this comprehensive work of history feels like an inspiring allegory about the American Dream, resulting in a historical work that tells a far greater story than local politics, and one that reveals the country’s collective potential.”
– Self Publishing Review
“I may have expected a book about 1950s politics and the U.S. House of Representatives to be dry, but authors Christine Wolf and Jay Pridmore pack a punch from page one. Ralph E. Church, a longterm U.S. Republican incumbent from Illinois, died suddenly during a congressional meeting in 1950, less than a month before the primary election. Ballots for his 13th district, centered in Evanston, Illinois, were already printed. As fate would have it, voters re-elected their dead Congressman in the primary by a landslide! Soon after, Republican committeemen appointed Ralph’s wife to run for his seat. Although she had never harbored political ambitions of her own before, Marguerite Stitt Church had, for years, been described as the “political and legislative teammate of her husband.” Marguerite, who’d graduated from Wellesley College and earned a Masters Degree from Columbia University, was a psychologist, a worldwide traveler even in her youth, and a social activitist; she was solidly qualified to assume her husband’s responsibilities at the Capitol. Voters agreed and elected her in November 1950 to join just nine other women in the U.S. House. For the rest of this engaging book, one that often zips along like a novel, the authors narrate Marguerite Stitt Church’s six congressional terms as she evolves into a powerful advocate for women’s rights, civil rights, and equitable foreign policy. Later, Marguerite continued her worldwide travels when President Kennedy appointed her a congressional delegate to the United Nations. Margeurite turned out to be a natural politician and a strategic planner, always rooting her policies in a self-stated conviction that “the most important part of the job was taking care of the people.” After reading this expansive and interesting history of a modest but strong female forerunner in politics, I felt surprised that no biography had ever been written of Margeurite Stitt Church. She well deserves the notice and the authors’ well-researched and beautifully-written narrative do justice to her legacy.”
—5-Star Review on Amazon
“This book is an absolute masterpiece. The amount of care, research, and detail that went into it is so clear. Anyone looking for a story about a badass woman during Women's History Month needs to read this! Marguerite Stitt Church was ahead of her time, shattering race and gender barriers, surviving assassination attempts, and breaking election records. This is a must-read. Kudos to the authors for crafting such a thoughtful page-turner. If I could give this more than 5 stars I would!”
—5-Star Review on Goodreads
"The writing keeps your attention with enough detail to help you understand the characters, but not bore you to death like some political and historical non-fiction books that are great for insomnia. The story is fascinating and Marguerite is a powerful woman with a great sense of humor and moral code that seems to have been lost in today's world. A devoted Republican, she was sent by Kennedy to Latin America, was involved in a serious car accident (suffering a broken leg and fractured ribs), then returned to America to declare herself America's lamest lame duck, lol. I strongly recommend this book. A great view of Washington politics. Wonder if any others died on the House floor? Reads like a character-filled novel. Strong!"
—5-Star Review on Amazon
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