PRINTED MATTER VANCOUVER

If you are looking for writing coaching, editing/manuscript review, or information about poetry and memoir classes, send Christopher Luna an email via printedmattervancouver@gmail.com.

JANET SMITH

Writer in both the poetry writing and memoir writing workshop at Multnomah Arts Center

I appreciate the work you put into your teaching. The prompts have been more than just helpful. I came in many Mondays thinking I wouldn’t be able to write anything today but by 12:30 had at least started three poems. Eventually I stopped worrying on Sunday nights and just trusted the magic. Your approach to the workshops has made me more aware of the poetry in and around me. I find myself frequently composing poetry at odd times. Just today it was in the shower. I hope I can continue writing without your input each week. Thanks for everything!

GRACE TEIGEN

Writer in the Tuesday afternoon Zoom memoir workshop

[The workshop has been] a really life supporting, life changing experience for me.

BRITTANY MISHRA

Poet and participant in the Tuesday morning Zoom poetry workshop

I’ve attended many poetry workshops, but The Work stands out for its creative constraints and consistent inspiration. Chris’s passion and his workshop materials create a safe space to be vulnerable, take risks, explore new ideas, and find joy in the writing process.

ANNIE LIGHTHART

Poet and featured reader for both Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic and Birdhouse Books

The first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning was the reading. I suddenly realized I could name what I felt in that room, what was palpable: community. And I realized I had felt that before—at the Ghost Town reading years ago. Here it was again: community. And it’s because of you. You create vital, warm, living, creative communities. It’s incredible, and rare. You make these communities possible. And you and they make the world a better place.

KATHRYN WELLS MURDOCK

First-time memoir workshop writer

What an inspiring, motivational, and enthusiastic group! I’m so glad I came today. Thank you for creating such a space–physically, metaphorically, academically, creatively and emotionally.

KATHLEEN HUBER

Writer working on her first novel

I have been waiting it seems for just such a moment like this. I have kept the book at bay for some time. I felt unsure of what I had done, wanted to do, my writing, in general. But when you patted those pages and actually said I could call myself a writer, I just felt free. Free to explore and take journeys with words and ideas and stories and thoughts. Thank you. You’ve made such a difference.

RULE BRAND

Poetry Student (Multnomah Arts Center & Zoom)

Your class has been a refuge, a crucible, a weekly reunion of sensitive minds, a relief from the outside world, a deep delve into the receptacle that holds thoughts needing to be given air, a chance to let go, an acceptable purging exercise, etc. So much gratitude for carrying us forward, opening the “doors” to your house of poetry, & most of all sharing your encouragement & insight.

LUCINDA SISSON

Poetry Student

Christopher Luna has an extraordinary gift of validating others. In teaching, this is invaluable. In life, a precious force.

MORGAN PAIGE

Poetry Student and client who worked with Christopher on her first chapbook

I have taken several classes and workshops with Christopher Luna over the past six years and after every session, I walk away richer from the experience, developing personally and professionally on many levels.

Christopher’s approach to teaching is accessible and open minded, offering honest critiques and suggestions in a safe and compassionate container. Through unique and thought provoking prompts and discussions, Christopher helped me dive deeper into poetry, consciousness through poetry and developing an authentic approach to expression of self.

I had the opportunity to work with Christopher recently through Printed Matter Vancouver for editing services for my first chapbook, Lick the Psychic, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the process and the final results of the book. He went above and beyond offering not only editing services, but included further research and reading that would help me on my poetry journey for years to come.

With his extensive experience in the craft, his lifelong commitment to poetry and serving others through poetry and his inclusive and humble personality, I highly recommend his services and Printed Matter Vancouver to writers of all levels.

LORI LORANGER

Poet who attends The Work

I heartily recommend Christopher Luna — he’s a kind and devoted teacher who gently leads students to do a better job of creatively expressing as their unique selves.

MARI GONZALEZ

Working on a book of haiku

I’ve only just started working with Christopher, but what I know already is I feel cared for and seen. I feel more like a painter of words than a writer at times, throwing up my words and phrases, unsure of how they weave together. Christopher has taken care with my work, piecing it together so I can raise it even higher. I’m still in the beginning stages of my manuscript and looking forward to what’s to come.

JENNIFER PRATT-WALTER

I have been spinning my wheels for over a year trying to create a poetry chapbook that was both well-written and relevant to who I am as a person. Christopher and Toni of Printed Matter reviewed my early draft and helped refine my choices and intent as well as my focus on how to approach this large project. They gave me timely and valuable advice about the sensitive topic of reviewing poetry without coming across as patronizing or opinionated. I felt their review was sensitive and nurturing to this rather shy poet, and I very much recommend their services for both emerging and experienced writers.

MARIA HECKINGER

I have wanted to write my memoir since 1984 but never felt I had the skills to tackle such an important task. I signed up for Chris’ memoir class and ended up staying for eight semesters. I didn’t know much about writing, but I do know good teaching, and Chris is the best. He was patient, kind, and encouraging to students of all skill levels. I felt safe and valued in his classes. His skillful teaching helped me overcome my fear of what seemed to be a daunting task. I finished my memoir, Beyond the Third Door, in two years time and then hired Printed Matter Vancouver to edit my manuscript. Both Chris and Toni are extremely knowledgeable and proved to be a valuable resource.

Read more about Maria’s amazing story in the Columbian.

SHAVAUN SCOTT

When I have an important essay for submission and I want to be sure it’s flawless Toni is my go-to for a second set of eyes. I want to submit things as close to perfect as possible, and Toni has helped to ensure that. She is delightful to work with, and is highly professional. She has a heart for the kinds of topics I write about and offers insightful feedback. I highly recommend Toni’s editorial services.

MAUREEN MONTAGUE

I had the good fortune to work with Toni on the review of a manuscript I’ve been writing for years. Toni gave spot-on critique and useful suggestions. Her keen eye spotted issues with my writing technique that I had gone blind to over years of solitary efforts. I am so pleased with the outcome of my work with Toni, which has resulted in the improvement of the story and a clear vision for next steps for completing it. When the manuscript is ready for review again, I hope to work with Toni. I highly recommend Toni’s services for writers seeking a supportive and accurate editor for their work.

RAE LATHAM

Student in Christopher Luna’s Poetry Writing class at Multnomah Arts Center

Poetry, a longtime friend, was mostly on the shelf until I began this class. Coming here took me on a dive into a deeper pool, a place where I would float wide-eyed at what swam by, a skiff laden with poems peeling off in the wind, language that was edible, satisfying hunger, calming the spirit, honoring the breathless, the mystical and mysterious.

Here was the breadth of human experience in snapshots, tiny home movies of distilled experience. Before me the essence of whole worlds, of memory and dreams laid bare — a marriage, a ruptured childhood, a calling, blinding wonder and profound reverence. Within a few stanzas I sank into my own emotional ocean where feeling, knowing and connecting and reconnecting moved in the eddies of poems Christopher brought to teach us, in those of my fellow students and, ultimately, in words that arrived from within me.

Poetry gives us a container for our voices, a bridge to one another that is so quick and so deep it’s almost impossible not to see yourself in the other. In this class, Christopher creates this bridge between students, supporting each person’s writing and voice, gently evoking responses spoken with respect and care, and most remarkably, building true community that each of us recognizes as a rare gift. To be in this class is to learn, to wonder, to laugh, to cry and to want more poetry in your life.

Christopher is the poetry alchemist who helps us discover gold.

GINNY McPARTLAND

Student in Christopher Luna’s Memoir Writing class at Clark College

Christopher creates a relaxed and nurturing classroom atmosphere for his memoir writing students. He offers constructive criticism without judgment and encourages others to freely and kindly provide feedback to their fellow students. As a result, students learn to trust Christopher and one another to help guide their writing progress.

Without a doubt, participation in Christopher’s class has helped me to become less self-conscious, freer and happier in telling my stories.

DARLENE ZIMBARDI

Student in Christopher Luna’s poetry and memoir writing classes

I love taking classes with Christopher. From the moment you walk into the room, you see and feel his passion for literature. His zest transfers to his students. It doesn’t matter where you are on your writing path, he encourages and challenges you. Christopher holds a safe space for writers to share their work.

FRED BARRETT

I wanted to publish a hardcover book of my favorite poems for family and friends. My first step was to retain Christopher and Toni as editors. Along with comments on almost every poem, their most valuable contribution was, in my opinion, to point out the “weak” ones. There were five and I deleted all of them. Deep December was published by lulu.com in January 2018. In addition, Christopher’s guidance, encouragement and example were invaluable. Thank you so much.

PENNY SIMPSON

Memoir Student

Thank you so much for the support and professionalism you have given me on this three year journey writing my memoir. Your compassion was always in evidence, but it never overshadowed the gentle prodding in regards to pace, structure, grammar and content that was required to make my piece the best it could be. The fact that you both are great writers yourselves certainly didn’t hurt. My proof of your ability to balance empathy with critique is obvious. I have finished the memoir.

Now, on to the fine tuning!

Thanks again Christopher, Toni, and Printed Matter Vancouver.

JANE ARNAL

Memoir Student

I surprised myself by writing a 300-page memoir with encouragement from Christopher in his Memoir Writing class. I needed help with editing and I wanted feedback, so I enlisted Toni and Christopher to help me with the manuscript. They were very flexible and clear as to what services they could provide. I appreciated that as I had no experience with editing at all. Also, as we worked together, they were diligent about asking me if I wanted additional help or needed other input. It was easy to communicate with them and ask questions; they are not nit-picky. Finally, their general enthusiasm made me feel as if my writing efforts were worthy. I wholeheartedly recommend their services.