Matt Pucci

Adventures in writing

Testimonials

It’s always a privilege to be a trusted part of another writer’s creative process; to help nurture their talent. When they turn around afterwards and take the time to write such eloquent and considered testimonials it’s nothing short of mind-blowing.

Thank you…

 

“…his exceptional editorial skills are evident not only in the feedback he’ll give you on your story, but also in the quality of fiction he writes himself…”

 

“I’ve worked with Matt on both sides of the fence – with him as a critique partner in workshops as part of creative writing class, and as an editor accepting his story for publication. Having had this dual experience with Matt, I can say that his exceptional editorial skills are evident not only in the feedback he’ll give you on your story (which will show you your strengths and weaknesses, and fine tune technical issues like grammatical errors and passive voice), but also in the quality of fiction he writes himself. Aside from his technical abilities and gift with the written word, Matt’s also a gracious, engaging man, which goes a long way in this world.”

– Jessica O’Neill, Fiction Editor, Travel & Food Blogger, Columnist at LitReactor

“I’ve worked with Matt on fiction for more than a year now. As a writer, he’s ever-eager to embrace the essence of moving forward in his craft. I’ve watched him take a story and gut it, rework it over and over, and mold it into a thing of beauty and resonance. As a generous and positive member of the classroom, Matt engages with his fellow students in the best way. He shows courage and leadership, and offers a depth of spirit to the process.”

– Suzy Vitello, Author of ‘The Moment Before’ and ‘The Empress Chronicles’

 

“…I learned more in a week of working with Matt than in years of writing on my own.”

 

“Without Matt’s help it would’ve taken a lot longer to get my first story published. From the fundamentals of writing to insightful suggestions he really improved the quality of my work and I learned more in a week of working with Matt than in years of writing on my own. I’ve now had two more stories accepted for publication.”

– Ben Whitfield, Author, Octavius, Open Pen and Popshot

 

“Matt walked me through the editing process with tireless humor and encouragement…”

 

When I first met Matt, more than fifteen years ago, he was fresh out of college, teaching English in France and writing in his spare time. Always writing. He loved to tease me about my accent and strictly American turn of phrase. It was a little game we played. He would correct me, and in turn, I would intentionally use bad grammar to get under his skin. In fact, it’s an unacknowledged game we still play to this day. When I finished my novel, the thought of anyone reading it made me panic, like I was stripping off my clothing in a room full of strangers. “Yes, Jess,” Matt told me. “Now that you have worked so hard on your novel, keep it in a locked drawer, in a room that no one goes in…” So I sent it. And Matt walked me through the editing process with tireless humor and encouragement and a meticulous attention to detail. He was kind and gentle to this sensitive, first-time author. But he never held back when telling me that something wasn’t working. He always explained his edits clearly, and never became offended or put off if I chose to go another route. Matt is unfailingly generous with his talent. He’s a brilliant writer. A supportive teacher. And he’s a damn good editor who fully commits himself to understanding the author’s intentions and works unselfishly toward that end.