It was a privilege to listen to Oomen perform some of her literary works. Upon introduction, I was instantly in awe. Her voice was genuine, and she relayed so much passion through her writings. Oomen read from her memoir Love, Sex, and 4H.” I liked how she used specific voices within her literature and during her performance. Each author has a “voice”, yet Oomen clearly has many; one for each character. Her inflections and silent pauses presented as if she was reading each piece like a poem. Also, in my Creative Writing class, we have read “From a High Place” and “Keep Clear of Me.” Both I fell in love with their prose. Through her writings which express a humble and poetic outlook, Anne-Marie Oomen has inspired me to continue to write. I cannot be more grateful.

- Sara GehanStudent

Anne-Marie Oomen is the consummate professional whether she's leading a college level workshop or giving a wonderful reading of her own stunning work. She connects with her audience in the most tangible way-- with all five senses engaged in a unique dialogue between the written and spoken word.

- Linda Nemec FosterFirst Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Founder of the Contemporary Writers Series at Aquinas College

Her beautiful language and elegant images lead us to a clarified sense of our yearning to belong—to a people and to a place.

- Debra GwartneyAuthor of Live Through This

Not many teachers of writing bring the kind of intelligence, compassion, creativity, and sense of fun to the classroom that Anne-Marie Oomen has to offer. As a director of an MFA program and as a writer myself, I am repeatedly awed by the way Anne-Marie brings out the best in her students, leading them down paths they didn’t even know existed inside them. Every time I have a chance to take an Oomen class, I do, and come out a better writer for the experience.

- Meg KearneyDirector, Solstice MFA Program, Pine Manor College

She teaches with knowledge, wisdom, and heart. She taps the elusive writer in every student and teases the muse within until it blossoms on its own. She is masterful, genuine, and inspirational

- Marilyn BrooksCo-director, Saginaw Bay Writing Project, affiliate of the National Writing Project