Horse Services
As an instructor and trainer with over thirty years of experience, I am passionate about educating and helping people understand horses. In 2017, I graduated from the Masterson Method program, and am currently a Masterson Method Certified Practioner. Offering horses bodywork and seeing the relaxation they experience is one of the ways I hope to give back to the horses we've brought into our lives. While I mostly work on horses at clinics, I'm occasionally available here in Colorado. Feel free to reach out and ask!
Indie Publishing Services
Are you a woman (or woman identified) writer who would love to release your book into the world, but feel overwhelmed by all the indie publishing options?
My friend Anna Blake and I started an indie publishing company in 2019, and have helped many women make the leap from writer to author! Come visit us at Lilith House Press and see how simple it can be.
Developmental Editing and Beta Reading
Need a beta reader or developmental editor? I can do that too! Not only do I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, with a minor in German and English, but I'm also the author of four Indie books that are all highly rated on Amazon. I was a contributor for a year to the popular UK magazine, Horsemanship Journal, and have had articles published in Bark, a nationally syndicated periodical featuring all things dog. I've been a beta reader and offered developmental editing services for the past five years. Are you looking for an educated reader who will provide feedback that is kind, clear, and useful? Use the contact form to get in touch!
Testimonials
Crissi McDonald is that rare combination -- both a talented writer AND a discerning editor, critical reader, AND encouraging coach. I know, because she has helped me immeasurably with my own writing. As an author, I've come to rely on Crissi for constructive feedback at every stage of the creative process, from brainstorming those first tentative wisps of a potential story, to structuring the narrative and assessing emotional tone, to banishing every over-enthusiastic adverb. If you collaborate with Crissi, she will help you to shine as a writer, while always honoring your own unique voice. I highly recommend her services.
author of She Who Rides Horses
Crissi has given me countless hours of her time as an editor, writing coach, compassionate critic, and cheerleader of my writing. Her feedback is accurate, well thought out, and gently administered, even when she has insights that I may not want to hear. She guides me by allowing me to answer questions she offers, which helps me to search for my own process. She is a true midwife to the author willing to drop into the places and quandary of deep writing. She is sincere in her enthusiasm when it is deserving, and kind when I have wandered off track.
If you wish for an honest and concise, clear, and compassionate mentor, coach, or editor you will find this and more with Crissi McDonald.
Dianne Adel
Author of the forthcoming novel Path to the Priestess Temple.
Sometimes writing my first novel felt exciting and joyful. Other times doubt and fear urged me to quit. Crissi McDonald’s skillful editing and encouragement guided me through the peaks and the valleys. At key passages, she might ask whether I had considered another angle, offering a perspective that I had failed to see. When metaphors failed to set the imagination ablaze, she would gently point out that the fire had not been lit. From the first inklings to the final draft, Crissi nourished the creation of a manuscript that was ready to venture out into the world. Compassion, clarity, and sensitivity are at the heart of everything she does. Whether you are struggling or soaring, she can help you write a better book. Those who seek her wise counsel will not be disappointed.
Willa Hawk
Author of the forthcoming novel A Pearl for Mercy