Richard Goodman

Creative Services

Richard Goodman has over thirty years as a professional writer and teacher of writing. He offers insightful, specific feedback about your work with a variety of possibilities for working together--from a general overview to line-by-line editing. Feel free to contact Richard at richardgoodman711@gmail.com.

Richard will teaching a workshop in memoir writing from August 2-6 in Rockport Maine.

Selected Works

French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of France

"I possess a deep prejudice against anything written by Anglo-Saxons about their lives in or near French villages. So, Richard, I thank you for breaking the spell. I like very much what you wrote."

–M.F.K. Fisher

"Goodman borrows a plot of land on which to grow a garden, a project that his neighbors view first with curiosity, then with sympathy and a deepening sense of involvement. There's a genuine sweetness about the way the cucumbers and tomatoes bridge the divide of nationality."

-Francine Prose, New York Times

A New York Memoir

"One can learn much from this man who feels tender toward cobblestones and old women, nostalgic about a daughter's childhood, frightened at the prospect of dying alone—a rare individual who, with honesty, sensuousness, and keen observation, turns yearning and remembrance into art."

–Susan Vreeland, author of Girl in Hyacinth Blue

The Soul of Creative Writing

"Richard Goodman’s marvelous book, The Soul of Creative Writing, will instruct, delight, edify, challenge, reassure, and guide any student of writing to a personal best."

–Molly Peacock, author of Cornucopia: New & Selected Poems

"Richard Goodman is one of the most generous and astute literary guides I've read. This book is a gift to writers."

–Rebecca Walker, author of Black, White and Jewish

"This book is not just for writers then, but for lovers of words and writing. For renewing my excitement about what I've chosen to do for a living, this book deserves thirteen exclamation marks".

–Stephanie Dickison, The Writer

Quick Links

The Book That Changed My Life

Third Wednesday Series, University of New Orleans (video)