Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Baker
Hi Morgan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi
When I graduated from college. almost 45 years ago. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew I was sad school was over and I couldn’t take any more classes. After a couple of years working at an ad agency, and taking writing classes around Boston I realized I wanted to be a feature writer so I could continue to learn about different people, jobs, issues. I went to graduate school in Boston to figure this out. There,I had the opportunity to teach which I never thought I’d like. I was too shy and never spoke in class as a student, but I surprised myself and fell in love with teaching.
Now many years later. I’m still teaching at Emerson college, but I’ve also started my own business coaching writers and running workshops privately. It is really fun. I work with a lot of Emerson alum and other writers who have found me somehow.
My other dream was always to write a book. I thought if I had a book I might be able to move from adjunct professor to full-time professor. My timing was off. I wrote a lot of essays or Creative Nonfiction, but the book remained a dream.
In 2010, we had a litter of puppies and my oldest daughter went to college – saying goodbye to her and the puppies undid me. And a couple of years later when I was healthy, I started writing about it. Emptying the Nest: Getting Better at Goodbyes was published the day after I turned 65 – May 2 2023.
It was not a clear cut path, and there were times I wanted to give up. But I couldn’t be more proud of the work I’ve done and am excited to work on my next project.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think because the road was bumpy, I appreciate where I am more. The struggles included having to work (teach at Emerson) a lot so I didn’t have as much time to devote to writing. Plus I was a mom. I’m still a mom but with a lot more time for me. Believing in myself was often a challenge. It took much longer than I would have wished, but in the end, the book tells the story I wanted to tell. I learned a lot along the way. Having a support team is critical. My husband has always been my champion. Starting my own business (teaching and coaching) has been up and down also. Sometimes I have full workshops (6 people), and sometimes I don’t have enough to run one. I have and continue to learn not to take these things personally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself a writer and a teacher – I’ve been told to call myself a professor.
Writer me works mostly with Creative Nonfiction, although I do love writing profiles for alumni magazines – I write personal essays and I wrote my memoir, Emptying the Nest: Getting Better at Goodbyes – I am most proud of that. Really proud. I didn’t give up, I plodded along and wrote something I think, and I’ve heard from others, connects with readers.
I’m also proud of my teaching. I was honored with an award for my teaching at Emerson. I think what sets me apart besides my feedback to students, is that I work hard to create community, and a safe, non-judgmental space. I love seeing my students supporting each other.
I’m also the managing editor of a website, thebucket.com. I am very proud of that role. I was brought on at the start six years ago, and have stayed through some high points, and rocky times. I’ve learned a lot and connected with so many writers, from whom I’ve learned so much.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First, I have to say my husband, Matt Brelis, has been my number one cheerleader. He reads my work, he believes in my writing and teaching.
My daughters have been great. They believe in their mom and are impressed with my successes at this (late) stage of my life.
My sister-in-law, also a writer, has been a cheerleader.
I have a writing friend locally who I depend on for feedback and community and friendship. She’s invaluable.
When I was in graduate school, Dick Duprey (deceased) mentored me.
When I did my book launch in May 2023, I looked out into a room of more than 50 people and saw all the people – friends, family, students, colleagues who believed in me. That was an amazing feeling. I will never forget.
In terms of my business – my students, both Emerson and others, have been instrumental to my success. I couldn’t do what I do without them.
My bigger world of new writer friends is also key to how I feel about my work.
Pricing:
- Coaching – $125/hr
- Workshop – $500 for 8-weeks
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bymorganbaker.com
- Instagram: @mmorgbb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgan.baker.737/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-baker-01446aa/
- Twitter: bymorganbaker
Image Credits
Kristin LaFratto Photo
Jay Brelis-Farrell