Coaching

This passion we carry for writing is like a double-edge sword; it both inspires us to boldness of self-expression while inflicting a self-wounding through the cognizance of our shortcomings as a writer.  After all, our inner critic announces, who do we think we are? We can’t write anything worthwhile or new; and, besides, everything important has already been written! OUCH! And so our inner critic turns our writing sword of creativity and inspiration for genuine self-expression into a weapon of massive self-destruction! Coaching is a way to help tame the inner critic, or, at the very least, learn to pacify it for periods of time while we do our work.

Coaching is also a tool for connecting with our inner writing muse. We learn to court our inner muse through visualization exercises, for example, or daily acknowledgments of praise and gratitude for her guidance and creative fertilizations she inspires in our writing. Our writing muse becomes an ally we seek to hold communion with every day. Writing is hard work because it means we have to sit ourselves down and actually write! In addition, most of us do our writing alone, something that can also be difficult. After all, it’s so much easier to meet up at a local coffee shop and talk about the book or novel you’re writing instead of staying home and actually doing the writing! Again, coaching helps to identify what you want from your writing and supports those aspirations by regularly reflecting and discussing where you’re at with your writing life and making the necessary adjustments to get you where you’d like to be.

Writers who work with me have expressed deep appreciation for the encouraging, positive feedback I’ve given them, but they also comment on the benefits they’ve received from my firm, honest, and sometimes painful, feedback. Along with positive, constructive and honest feedback, I use encouragement as a tool to ask my students and coaching clients to consider other writing possibilities for making changes to a scene, for example, asking what would allow a scene to flow more naturally; or how could a character’s words be changed to allow them to speak in a more authentic voice; or, how might a specific idea be expressed in an entirely different way, such as by using a different tone of voice or more explicit dialogue between characters.

When writing memoir, it is important to know the difference between a novel or memoir and to gain clarity as to which one you are ready to write; through discussion about your “life map”,  insights on how personal essays can be blended into creating a significant slice of life, which is what a memoir portrays.  I often suggest free, relevant web classes and free webinars, as well as professionals whom I’ve worked with who will help you with story development, cover design, website design, and other essentials in bringing your book to life.

And, as much as we’d like to never have to edit or rewrite what we’ve written, coaching will always emphasize the power of revision and scrupulous editing. Whether the writing instruction is to learn how to make a character jump off the page, to create authentic, knee-jerking dialogue, or to keep on keeping on with the sometimes slow process of finishing a story, I am committed to helping you see your writing dreams become a reality!

As your personal writing coach, you have me by your side to help you clarify your writing goals. You’ll have someone by your side who has the expertise to instruct you in writing techniques and guide you to other experts in the fields of self-publishing, creating an e-book or a website as part of building a stand-out writer’s platform; how to submit a query letter to a publisher or find a literary agent; someone by your side who also knows how to help you take care of yourself throughout the writing process and who will support you to stay on-track with what you want to accomplish; and someone to help you navigate through the long, dark corridors of writer’s block to emerge more fully engaged than ever!

Learn more about your Initial Consultation

FEES: As your COACH/WRITING MENTOR, I’ll be there for you over the phone, email or in person if you live near Maui, Hawaii. We can schedule weekly or monthly calls, there is no specific number of times required, during which we’ll share your writing process and any challenges you’re dealing with. Together we can clarify where you’re at with your writing, where you want to go, and map out a plan on how to get there! You may decide you only need one coaching session, which is fine; or, you may decide you want me on board the writing journey with you on a weekly or monthly basis. It’s entirely up to you.

Coaching fees are $85 an hour. A minimum of 3 sessions is suggested. Price for 3 one-hour sessions is $195 paid in full at beginning of session one. Price for 3 two-hour sessions is $330.