Britt Smith
Writing Coach and Firefly Assistant Director
Britt loves supporting writers through the ups and downs of long projects.
She’s got a knack for getting to the heart of what a piece of writing needs, and knows firsthand the challenges and the rewards of working through resistance and blocks. She believes in the importance of each story making its way into the world and doggedly champions her client’s work. One of Britt’s beloved clients once thanked her for her “relentless cheerleading,” which Britt took as high praise.
Britt’s writing has been published in several magazines and journals at home and abroad including the Humber Literary Review, Broken Pencil magazine, and in the Pithead Chapel and Echolocation journals. She’s got a degree in film production, studied creative writing at the Humber School for Writers in Toronto and has participated in writing workshops all over the world. She’s currently writing a novel and a collection of short stories.
Britt’s not afraid to stray into the darker side of things. She’s spent time working as a bereavement support group facilitator and a hospice volunteer. She’s a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant, someone who specializes in writing and delivering customized funeral and memorial ceremonies. One of her absolute favourite Firefly classes to helm is The Further Shore, a course she developed that uses creative writing to explore death and dying. She’s also a proud cancer survivor.
Britt did her Firefly Creative Writing coach training in 2015 and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2018.
A perfect Saturday for Britt would involve early morning quiet writing time, an almond croissant and strong coffee, hitting a local thrift store for treasures, and then going for a hike with her kiddo Jasper.
What clients are saying…
As much as I hesitate to use a boxing metaphor, it is an amazing thing to have Britt in your writing corner. I started working with Britt on my creative writing MFA applications, and she provided me with the exact support I needed. I stared down my literary (and other) demons on the far side of the ring, and Britt has the spit bucket out and a dry towel ready. She took the time to get to know me and my writing, deeply, and then learned to give me the support I didn’t know to ask for. By the time I’d finished my package with her I’d been accepted into the MFA program at UBC.
Brendon Goodmurphy
Policy Analyst, City of Toronto
Working with Britt was an excellent experience. With a keen eye for detail, an obvious love of story-telling and gently offered suggestions, Britt was an able and willing guide for this first-time novelist. She supported the strengths of my writing while providing thoughtful feedback about possible revisions. Working with Britt helped me improve my beloved story, as she skillfully eased my anxieties and enthusiastically applauded my accomplishments.
Maureen Pollard, MSW, RSW
Writer (in the spaces between mothering and social working)
Last year, while I was looking to get reacquainted with my creative side, I stumbled across Firefly. I had an “almost finished” novel that I had been working on for what seemed like forever. After finishing Keep Your Pen Moving, I got inspired to finally complete my project. I was paired with Britt, and over the next few months, we tore apart my work and then built it back up again. I’m thrilled to report that my novel is now available on Amazon for the world to discover. I know this would have never been possible without Britt’s help and dedication, and the great team at Firefly.
Jason Meller
Fantasy Sports & Fiction Writer