Accolades

After taking a summer fiction writing class with Kevin, I asked him to be my mentor for a lengthy memoir project. His care and thoughtfulness in working with me were invaluable and rare. I am unquestionably a better writer for having Kevin as a teacher. Isaac Weinberg Chicago, IL	Working with Kevin is a joy. His writing is creative and thoughtful and he helps us tell the stories of our work in rich, compelling and moving ways. He shares his ideas and words easily and quickly understood and captured our voice as an organization. Always attentive to detail, Kevin listens deeply and takes great care to stay true to the storyline. We’ve been very pleased with his writing and copyediting services and recommend him highly to any organization or individual. Rachel Saunders Director of Communications and Community Affairs The Big Sur Land Trust Monterey, California
Kevin is not only a skilled teacher but an experienced and mindful one. The time he has spent with me has been most valuable. It is clear that he understands me. His trust in my work motivates and inspires me. Kevin gives great insight and encouragement to the process of writing, and to life as well. I am delighted and honored to recommend him as writing instructor and coach. Mary Mulligan Felton, CA	Kevin’s writing and editing work for Chamber Music Monterey Bay is consistently excellent and subtle. I don’t know how he does it, but the final product always flows better and has just the right words. He is our wordsmith of choice! Amy Anderson President Emeritus Chamber Music Monterey Bay Carmel, California
It was a privilege to study with Kevin at the University of Iowa. Most of my undergraduate classes have blurred together by now, but Kevin’s stands out; I think of what I learned from him often. Kevin created a space that was safe for creativity and that also demanded growth. In his class, a workshop-based fiction writing seminar, I read novels I wouldn’t have come across otherwise, writing that has stayed with me. Learning from Kevin was a unique experience that has had an even greater bearing on me as a writer and a reader than I realized at the time. Ameena Chaudhry Iowa City, IA	C. Kevin Smith is a wonderful collaborator. I worked with him on research and story development for my award-winning PBS documentary “Emile Norman: By His Own Design.” He also wrote the copy for the film’s PBS Arts Web page. Kevin was a pleasure to work with, taking direction when I knew what I wanted and offering insightful suggestions when I was unsure of myself. He shared his knowledge and creative ideas with grace and style and made everyone involved with the project look good. Will Parrinello Producer and Director The Mill Valley Film Group Sausalito, California
We worked closely with Kevin on our PBS documentary film “Emile Norman: By His Own Design,” and on the companion PBS Arts Web site. His work is always honest, insightful and beautifully crafted. We recommend him without reservation. Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker Actors and Documentary Film Producers New York, New York	Kevin is capable of helping any writer reach new levels as an artist. His guidance provided me with the perfect balance of hands-on and hands-off encouragement. As his student, I always felt that my creativity was respected, while at the same time he made sure I had clear and precise next steps for my writing journey. Wyatt Billingsley Ramona, CA
Kevin is one of the most insightful writing mentors I have worked with. His ability to assist writers at every level, from novice to professional, is striking. He was my introduction into the marvelous world of writing that Iowa City hosts, and his teaching had a significant impact on my education. He has an investment in storytelling that is both deep and dynamic, allowing him to provide meaningful feedback on a wide variety of ventures. The value of his workshops and collaboration is truly rare, and I am forever grateful to have worked with him. Laura Schwager Iowa City, IA	In workshop, Kevin fostered an environment in which I was encouraged to engage my own writing urgently, with empathetic ears. As a tutor, he is a dependably calm, able guide through remarkably diverse works of literature. Alex Iowa City, IA

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