When I took an online workshop with Doug many years ago, I knew I wanted to work with him one-on-one. Back then all I wanted to do was write. I recall sitting in a coffee shop in Steamboat Springs one day when my friends were all skiing, and I was talking to him about being stuck in my first novel. At the end of that very cold afternoon, I was on my way to understanding not only the craft that had me stuck but what I needed to do. At some point Doug introduced me to his Story Map and all the many things we had talked about were there on the map getting me across a huge moral arc in my first novel Blind Eye and then later to my hard-fought theme in Across the Narrows. I wrote these novels, but I hear Doug’s voice as I look back at my words. Doug has been a teacher and mentor to me. I like to say he pushes and pulls me ahead to find the story and he is doing that now as I continue to do what I love.​

Martha Burns, New Mexico Book Award winning author - Blind Eye - Across the Narrows

The Story Map is the ultimate game changer. By filling it out during the drafting process, understanding its concepts and how to apply them, I gained the confidence and the skill set needed to complete the story I've always wanted to publish. My book has depth, meaning, a unique voice, all thanks to the Story Map. Without it, I'd still be stuck in workshops, struggling alongside writers just as confused as me. With it, I know how a story works, and I never feel overwhelmed or lost in the process.

Dan Manzanares - The Last Technology

Doug's comments on my novel were tremendously helpful, providing me just the sort of insights and motivation I needed to plunge into another revision. He pointed out which scenes were working and which weren't, and his thoughts on the big picture—structure, plot, subplot—were especially perceptive. Doug showed me where to heighten the subplot during moments when the main plot was quieter, and helped me think of ways to deepen character motivation. His comments gave me a map that guided me toward a more successful book.

Jenny Shank - The Ringer

Doug helped me turn a compelling premise and 25 pages into a 300-page novel with a developed plot and emotionally rich characters. He was instrumental in everything from fleshing out backstories and structuring scenes to staying on track when life tried to derail my writing goals. Since finishing the novel, I’ve received interest from numerous agents including a manuscript request from an agent who has represented three New York Times bestsellers.

Suzanne Moore - The Y Factor

I am a writer/author because of Doug's coaching. It began when I sat in on a novel-writing workshop he facilitated. So impressed I was with his knowledge and style, afterward I sent him my first completed MS draft (a complete mess). The way he patiently provided insight into restructuring the storyline/plot foundation was invaluable. But he also praised the strengths of the writing. I've worked with other editors since. None have been as detailed, thorough, or knowledgeable as Doug. Any writer, new or experienced, seeking advice, opinion, or ideas from a first-class pro should reach out to him. Not only is he a brilliant editor and novelist himself, he’s a great guy.

Chet Baker - Bloodline Run - Natalie's Way

I’ve worked with Doug on two novels now, for several years. I believe his patient guidance has been largely responsible for my growth as a writer and observer of humanity. My understanding of what makes an idea become a story is due to his astute insights on all levels of the creative process. When I look at my writing when I began working with him, and compare it to the direction I’m traveling now, there are no doubts the goals will be realized. I cannot imagine having accomplished this without his mentorship. Doug is a great teacher and dedicated friend through the good times and the rough patches. I feel fortunate he chooses to be a personal writing wizard, to guide these challenging journeys.

Phil Jensen - Moab's Queen of Diamonds

Eventually I realized the idea of a writing coach didn’t sound crazy at all. So my ego and desire for some expert structure around my writing reached agreement. The experience with Doug Kurtz has been absolutely redemptive. Doug knows his craft, the doubts and dedication involved, and he knows people. A naturally inquisitive and eloquent guide, his support and knowhow have been instrumental in my development as a writer and thinker.

Chris Loeffler - Leading With My Thin Chin

I loved the Story Map! It helped me frame up my memoir, what belongs and what doesn't, and helped me find clarity on where to go next. I left with a renewed energy, a clear sense of direction, and lots of ideas for content.

Chris Monnette, Seeing Clearly

As a teacher and coach, Doug is that rare combination of support, intelligence, creativity, and kindness. Under his guidance, I’ve just had my first story accepted for publication.

Lynne Stoecklein - Stone Lake

I tried a few classes and writing workshops, but ended up more confused by all the conflicting advice I was getting. Then, I met Doug. At first I didn’t want to put in all the work he was demanding, but I trusted him and I trusted the process. As it turns out, it was the best decision I ever made. You see, I was writing a novel about a very dark period in my life—one filled with addiction, debauchery and isolation. And because I was still ashamed of all my past transgressions, I did everything I could to avoid telling the story truthfully. But Doug challenged me to dig deeper and deeper. Through months of hard work and revision after revision, he helped me drill down to the heart of what my story was really about—Me. My own self-forgiveness. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today—the son, the friend, the brother, the writer—had I not put my faith in Doug.

Andrew Seaward - Some Are Sicker Than Others

My project would not be where it is today without Doug's guidance. His grasp of literary constructs and tools, his knack for divining what the author is trying to say, and his ability to bring it all together in a clear, concise message is invaluable. He is a talented, enthusiastic coach.

Nancy Kern - Light and Shadow

I had no intention of hiring a writing coach until I took one of Doug’s courses. He was such an inspiring teacher that I thought I’d give it a try. I’m really glad I did. I’ve been working one on one with Doug on a historical fantasy project. He has been with me every step of the way, offering encouragement, reality checks, and real solutions to so many stumbling blocks and frustrations. I highly recommend this process in general and Doug specifically. His feedback is honest, straightforward, and kind. I always know when I have done well and when I need to do better, and I’m certain that regardless of the outcome of my project, I’ve become a better writer.

Andrew Mong - Thunder Slays the Dragon

How was I to sort through hundreds of pages of research notes and scene sketches, much less uncover the story they had to tell? Picture Doug – calm, curious, guiding my thoughts as a sculptor guides the hands of an apprentice, confident we would reveal the underlying shape of the thing. Channeling the joy of creativity, bolstering my sagging confidence, sprinkling written comments throughout my chapters that invited depth, clarity, and, yes, censorship. Who would have thought coaching was the mixing bowl for the ingredients, the safety net under the trapeze, the arms ready to catch the wobbly skater as she inched along the ice?

Ginny Purvis-Smith - Greenwood Riven - Nisei Resistance and Resilience

The Story Mapping workshop blew my mind! I have an MFA, but what I learned took my writing to a whole new level.

Evon Davis

I recognized immediately that Doug was a perceptive reader, able to pinpoint the exact location where my writing was stuck. I was so amazed by his abilities that I signed up for coaching. But before our first session, my life turned upside down. My wife announced she wanted a divorce, and I quickly lost everything that I loved, other than my passion for writing. Doug offered heart, unwavering support, and tools to help me cope, while also encouraging those first few tentative steps forward. He has shown me a new way of living based on honoring the person I am, allowing life to provide opportunities rather than trying to force it to conform to my demands, and having the courage to step out of fear into the wider beauty of the world. Less than two years later, I have finished my debut novel, built a new community of friends, found love again, and feel more alive than I have in years! Doug is a truly a special person, a gifted coach, and I am honored to call him a mentor and friend.

Matt Moore - All the Ravens - Everything We Have Forgotten

I first met Doug as a participant in his novel course, followed by hiring him as a coach while completing my fledgling novel. His skilled instruction to hone my writing skills has been invaluable, coupled with his unending support while I’ve worked to “get it right." I couldn’t have come this far without him.

Anastasia Johnson

Doug helped me take my writing to the next level. He's one of the finest instructors I’ve ever had - including undergraduate and graduate school.

Will Sullivan

My writing skills soared. Everything is more focused, flowing and readable. You're a damn good teacher, man. You brought it out in me. Once my writing took off after your classes, it never stopped. You made the difference.

Drew Filchak

I’ve always wanted to write and had looked forward to writing being one of the pillars of my retirement activities. Six years ago I started with a blog, attended numerous writing courses, made an attempt at a novel, wrote a short story. In spite of all that effort, I knew that I was flailing around. An arrogant writing instructor brought me to the brink of giving up. I wrote nothing for almost a year but there was and still is the desire to write no matter how modestly. That's when I reached out to Doug. His coaching brought me back to realizing my dream.

Mary Welker Haddock

From helping me maximize tension and conflict on every page, to asking the right questions that unlocked necessary plot and character changes, Doug was such an integral part of my novel's journey. He encouraged me, inspired me, and wasn't afraid to give me a swift kick when I needed it. I'm certain his guidance led to me securing an agent.

Beth Christopher - Wrectify