Sam Rivera
Portland, OR
Sam is a working writer who coaches other writers and artists through the part nobody talks about: staying in the work long enough for it to get good. Sessions focus on practice, not product.
Author of two novels; has taught creative writing workshops since 2018.
What clients have said about Sam Rivera
Sam didn't fix my manuscript. He fixed the way I was relating to it, and then I could fix the manuscript myself.
— Priya, 2025-01-22
Client of Sam Rivera
I'd rewritten the same chapter four times. Sam's the first person who asked why I kept stopping there instead of what was wrong with it.
— Devon, 2025-03-18
Client of Sam Rivera
Six months of coaching and the biggest change isn't the manuscript, it's that I stopped waiting to feel ready before sitting down to write.
— Robin, 2025-04-02
Client of Sam Rivera
What Sam Rivera has written
Finishing is a different skill than starting
By Sam Rivera
Starting a project and finishing one draw on almost none of the same muscles. Starting rewards momentum and a good idea. Finishing rewards tolerance for a draft that's worse than the one in your head.
Read moreThe desk doesn't need to be tidy
By Sam Rivera
A desk that looks like active work is happening on it is doing exactly what it's supposed to do.
Read moreA practice that survives a busy week
By Sam Rivera
The creative practices that last aren't the ambitious ones. They're the ones small enough to survive the week you didn't have time for them.
Read more