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Award-Winning Story Writing Tutors

Meagan

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Meagan

AM
Meagan's other Tutor Subjects
SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
SAT
ACT
SAT Subject Tests

Every compelling story hinges on tension — between characters, within a scene, or across an entire narrative arc. Meagan's background in rhetorical studies gives her a sharp eye for how pacing, dialogue, and point of view work together to keep readers invested. She walks students through drafting an...

Education

Syracuse University

AM

The University of Alabama

AM

Gabby

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Gabby

Undergraduate Degree
Gabby's other Tutor Subjects
10th-12th Grade Writing
Evolutionary Biology
ASVAB
SAT Reading

Every story needs a reason the reader keeps turning the page, and Gabby zeroes in on that element — whether it's building tension through conflict, creating characters with contradictory desires, or knowing exactly when to withhold information. Her own background spans journalism, fiction writing, a...

Education

University of Oregon

Undergraduate Degree

Caresse

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Caresse

Doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Caresse's other Tutor Subjects
9th-12th Grade Writing
6th-12th Grade AP English Literature
6th-12th Grade AP English Language
6th-12th Grade AP English

As a passionate educator with a Doctorate in Comparative Literature from Princeton University, I have over 10 years of experience in both tutoring and classroom instruction. My expertise spans AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, Creative Writing, and more. I b...

Education

Princeton University

Doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

Princeton University

Master's/Graduate

Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Jai

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Jai's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Electrical Engineering
ACT Writing

I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35
Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jeffrey

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Rice University

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
34
Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36
Erika

Certified Tutor

Erika

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Erika's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...

Education

Harvard University

Master of Public Policy, Public Policy

Test Scores
ACT
32
Quinn

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Quinn

Bachelor in Arts
Quinn's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
ACT English

I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I ...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
ACT
35

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Pinelopi

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)

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Zachary

Trigonometry Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies to excel in both general academics and standardized tests.

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MaryAnn

Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to the nonprofit sector. Hobbies: reading, cooking, writing, books, music, art, travel

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Charles

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best describe my tutoring style as one that adapts to each students' needs. For example, I have always tried to frame questions in a different way so that the student can better understand the question. Some students need visual representations of numbers and systems to understand them, and others benefit more by understanding the concepts behind each formula. I prefer to tutor in math and physics, and especially with real world application problems. I hope to help students improve their standardized test scores and their understanding of the math and sciences so that they can achieve their academic goals! Hobbies: art, books, running, reading, music, writing

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Samuel

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice president of my school's NHS chapter where I ran our tutoring program, and I, myself, tutored. I also was a teaching assistant in the summer of 2020 for a class in discrete mathematics through a program called PACT (Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking). I love learning and hope to make the process enjoyable for you!

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Annie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am currently a second year medical student. I was a Physiological Sciences major at UCLA (class of 2015), and pursued research during my gap year between undergrad and medical school.

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Sharon

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classroom with middle-school students who were in approximately the 10th percentile for math (meaning they score lower than 90% of students). One-fourth of those students were able to grow around 15 percentile points by the end of the year! Hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, music, art, nature, books, writing

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Tony

Calculus Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, English, history, and Mandarin Chinese part-time with a DC-based tutoring company. At Yale, I worked as a freshman counselor to provide academic and career advice to incoming freshmen. I have taken both SAT and MCAT test prep classes and am familiar with both tests as well as the preparation necessary to score well. My personal career goals include attending medical school to pursue either immunology/infectious diseases or psych/neurology, teaching biology at the university level, and working in public/global health with either the CDC or the WHO.

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Tiffany

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects

I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.

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Samantha

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my students become confident and self-sufficient learners! Hobbies: photography, travel, reading, music, writing, running, art, books, traveling

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Frequently Asked Questions

Story writing focuses on narrative elements—character development, plot structure, dialogue, and setting—rather than persuasion or information delivery. While essays argue a point and informational writing explains facts, stories immerse readers in experiences through vivid descriptions and meaningful character arcs. Story writing also emphasizes "showing" rather than "telling," using sensory details and actions to reveal character motivations and emotions.

A tutor can help you break through writer's block by working with you to identify what's causing it—whether it's perfectionism, unclear plot direction, or character confusion—and providing targeted strategies. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to ask probing questions about your story idea, help you develop a loose outline, and encourage low-pressure writing exercises that build momentum. Many students find that talking through their story with a tutor clarifies fuzzy ideas and reignites creative confidence.

Your first draft should prioritize getting the story down without self-judgment—focus on plot, character actions, and dialogue rather than perfect grammar or polished prose. During revision, shift your attention to structure, pacing, and consistency; then tackle sentence-level refinements like word choice, tone, and grammar. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can guide you through each stage, providing feedback on different elements at the right time so you don't overwhelm yourself.

Strong characters need clear motivations, internal conflicts, and growth throughout the story. Rather than listing traits, show character through their choices, dialogue, and reactions to challenges. A tutor can help you explore your character's backstory, stakes, and emotional arc—asking questions like "What does your character want?" and "What are they afraid of?"—so these dimensions feel authentic. Personalized feedback on your character scenes helps you identify what's working and where you need deeper development.

A compelling plot typically follows an arc: exposition (introducing the world and character), rising action (obstacles that build tension), climax (the highest stakes moment), and resolution (consequences and change). However, different story types—flash fiction, fantasy epics, literary short stories—may vary this structure. Tutors can help you understand classic frameworks like the three-act structure or the Hero's Journey, then adapt them to fit your unique story and genre.

Dialogue is crucial—it reveals character, advances plot, and breaks up narrative exposition. Realistic dialogue doesn't mean transcribing how people actually talk (which includes "um" and repetition); instead, it captures how characters speak while remaining purposeful and engaging. Pay attention to voice differences between characters, use action beats and dialogue tags effectively, and cut unnecessary small talk. A tutor can review your dialogue scenes and help you distinguish between characters' speech patterns while maintaining readability.

Your story is ready to share when you've revised multiple times, the plot holds together logically, characters feel distinct and motivated, and you've edited for clarity and grammar. Have a trusted reader (or tutor) provide feedback on whether the emotional arc lands and if any scenes feel confusing or dragging. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can give you detailed, constructive feedback on your complete draft, helping you identify remaining gaps before you share it more widely.

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