About
Nanou has been helping writers achieve their goals for more than thirty years, including fiction, screenplays, academic books, memoirs, newsletters and more. She holds an undergraduate degree in literature and film from UC Berkeley and worked as an editor at UC Berkeley's Institute of International Studies. She earned a masters degree from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television. She has produced five feature films and written, directed and produced multiple short films. Her films have won awards across the country at numerous festivals. She has consulted on scripts for dozens of screenwriters and taught screenwriting in the States and in Europe. She taught creative writing classes for many years, working with groups and individuals. Nanou believes that story is a blueprint for life and loves coaching people to express their story.
The Results
Nanou’s attention to detail is second to none. She has a well-honed sense about what makes stories work and the rare ability to communicate those things both clearly and with positivity. She, quite simply, brings out the best in everyone she works with.
Sam Hancock
Screenwriter, Filmmaker
Working with Nanou will be transformational, both for your characters and for you as a writer. She believes deeply in the power of story and understands how to bring it forward in a line, a scene, or in three-act structure. I was lucky enough to have her serve as script consultant for my Crashing America screenplay, a film now in development, and I can testify that she will be resolute in her determination to help you understand, shape, and refine the story that you, and only you, are meant to tell.
Katia Noyes
Writer, Screenwriter, Poet
The depth and breadth of Nanou Matteson’s knowledge in writing, story and film is unmatched. On top of that, she will help you be the writer you want to be. Can’t think of anyone more fun or inspirational to work with!
Heather Haggarty
Screenwriter, Filmmaker
Nanou is a supportive and experienced mentor and a complete joy to collaborate with. Her feedback on structure, theme and editorial notes are always relevant and actionable. Working with her gives me the confidence to put my work out in the world. I'm very thankful!
Maria Leon Lacampagne,
Writer, Filmmaker
Nanou was an amazing coach. Affirming, and supportive, full of valuable ideas and suggestions while never implying any criticism. I feel so fortunate that the timing and circumstances were right for me to have Nanou as my writing coach. Not only was my book much improved by her guidance, but my skills as a writer as well. I think one could search far and wide and never find a better writing coach than Nanou!
Joyce Scott
Writer
Nanou Matteson's writing coaching enabled me to write more effectively and complete the book.
Catherine Ceniza Choy, PhD
Writer, Professor
Nanou Matteson helped me kickstart my creative writing career some years ago and since then I've gone on to write a memoir, novel, and numerous blog posts and articles. I credit her with inspiring me to take my writing seriously. She always had thoughtful suggestions and feedback that helped me to grow as a writer. I highly recommend her as a writing coach.
Tony Rocco
Writer
. From writing classes to writing coaching to life coaching, I know I can always count on Nanou and I always feel better and more confident after I meet with her. Nanou has the best energy of anyone I know and it is contagious. Everyone who crosses her path is lucky!
Elisabeth Gruskin, PhD
Writer
Nanou is a fantastic teacher and mentor. She supported me and my writing with unflagging enthusiasm from draft to edit to publication.
Patrice Kavanaugh
Writer
If there is such a thing as a glowing endorsement, mine for Nanou would be incandescent. I have worked with her for over fifteen years. Nanou is the best writing mentor I have ever had, and I'm old enough to have had many. She not only combines great skills as a writer and editor; she possesses the tact, patience, and warmth of a born teacher and a congenial coach. All this, she leavens with a delightful sense of humor. So has she any faults at all? Yes, she has somehow coaxed the minutes to whip by faster in her office than anywhere else.
Ruth S.A. Hanham, PhD
Writer