Coaching for Fiction & Nonfiction Writers
Are you struggling with any of the following?
- A lack of confidence in your writing
- Perfectionistic habits that harm your craft
- Getting that fantastic story idea on the page
- Rejection, comparison, distractions, and other obstacles
I know the feeling. I’ve pursued writing and editing for most of my life. And while I’ve honed my skills, become a published author and poet, and experienced other joys and successes along the way, I’ve also dealt with the many challenges of being a writer.
You and I aren’t the only ones. All writers experience fear, insecurity, and setbacks during their careers, especially when they first start out. Sadly, some quit before they realize their full potential. Others never put that incredible idea they’ve been thinking about for years into words.
But your story doesn’t have to go unfinished and untold.
In fact, you have more strength, courage, and determination than you might think. You have what it takes to overcome your doubts and make your writing dreams come true.
You just need some support and clarity from someone else who’s been there. Someone who knows the importance of balancing the practical and mindful sides of the writing process.
That’s why I created Heart of the Story Editorial & Coaching Services: to help writers like you.
In addition to my editing services, I offer one-on-one coaching for writers, poets, and other storytellers seeking extra guidance and a boost of self-esteem. So whether you’re stuck on how to bring that story idea to life, build a secondary world for your fantasy novel, or regain faith in yourself and your craft, I can help you.
And the timetable? Or frequency of sessions? That's totally up to you. I'm available for a one-time 90-minute session or a regular program of 60-minute sessions once or twice a month for at least three months. We’ll work together using live coaching calls, goal-setting, and fun “homework assignments” like writing exercises, specially crafted worksheets, and curated online reading.
By the end of our time together, you’ll have a good chunk of pre-planning or first-draft writing completed, depending on your needs. You’ll also feel more empowered and motivated than ever before to continue writing and make further progress toward your dreams. Maybe you'll even discover something amazing about yourself!
Here are some of the areas where I can help:
- Developing a stronger understanding of storytelling elements (e.g., plot, characters, worldbuilding, dialogue)
- Starting or finishing the first draft of a manuscript
- Establishing a consistent writing practice that fits your lifestyle
- Cultivating the right habits and mindset to fuel your process
- Workshopping your areas of concern or improvement
- Gaining clarity on what you want out of writing, and developing accountability so you’re consistently moving forward
- Reigniting your creativity if you’ve been away from writing for a while
- Nurturing your talents in novel writing, poetry, and other types of writing
Ready to become braver, more productive, and more mindful about your craft?
Then let's schedule a free call to talk about it!
Just to recap, here’s what you’ll get when you hire me as your writing coach:
- A one-time 90-minute call OR at least three months' worth of 60-minute calls once or twice a month via your choice of Skype, Zoom, or phone
- Incremental goals (or “stepping stones”) for continued progress on your project
- Customized writing exercises, worksheets, online reading, and other assignments I’ll send after our call(s)
- Email support for questions, accountability check-ins, meltdowns, breakthroughs, and so on
- A 30- to 45-minute catch-up call OR an email check-in one month after our time together ends, plus a long-term plan you can follow so you can keep moving forward on your project
Also, if you choose the three-month program, we can extend your program beyond that timeframe if you feel you need continued support or accountability.
What have other writers said about working with me?
Read their testimonials here.
"But What About Books on Writing? Or All the Free Advice That's Online? Can’t I Read That and Do This on My Own?"
Well, you could. And there’s nothing wrong with reading books or blogs on writing, because so much valuable information is out there. (Trust me – I’ve read lots of those books, followed several blogs, and written some of that online content. So I know what’s out there.)
But what happens after you’ve absorbed all that information? Do you put it into practice right away? Or do you shelve it away for future use . . . and then forget about it?
For writers, this action stage can be the most difficult part of the process. Maybe you haven’t integrated this advice into your practice soon enough, or aren’t sure how to integrate it. Maybe you don’t feel motivated, confident, or supported enough to implement what you’ve learned. Or maybe you've taken the right steps, but you’re still stuck on your story, getting rejections, or seeing little to no improvement in your craft.
And when this happens, what you really need is . . .
A Fresh Perspective from a Seasoned, Compassionate,
Insightful Author and Professional
Someone who understands your struggles and recognizes the underlying reasons behind them.
Someone who will challenge and encourage you to try new techniques and change how you think about yourself and your writing.
Someone who will hold you accountable for your progress, will celebrate your big wins and breakthroughs with you, and is committed to helping you become a more confident, productive, and mindful writer.
“But How Do I Know Coaching Will Work for Me and My Writing?”
Ultimately, you won’t know until you try it. Our free call is just the first step, and it's only meant to help us figure out whether we’ll work well together. But I can tell you this much:
If you make a conscious effort week in and week out to work on your craft, and if you’re willing to open your heart and mind to the possibility of succeeding at and feeling proud of what you love doing most, you’ll make amazing things happen.
Maybe you'll finish that first draft and create a plan for what's next. Or maybe you'll finally start writing that story that’s been in your head forever and go well beyond the first chapter. Or maybe you'll notice that your characters act more like real people, the dialogue sounds more natural, or your prose flows more smoothly.
Again, this will all depend on what struggles, challenges, and other aspects of writing you think you need help with. But because you’ll be working on your craft and mindset consistently, persistently, and mindfully, you’ll build a stronger, longer-lasting foundation for your writing practice – and in time, you will succeed as a writer, on your own terms.
“Well, Maybe This Could Work . . . "
I understand if you’re still skeptical. But if I’ve learned anything about the craft of writing (and about life in general), it’s this: To achieve your goals and be who you want to be, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith.
You have potential. You have novels, poems, and other kinds of stories inside you, waiting to be unleashed. Let me help you nurture them so you can share them with the world. And while we’re at it, let me help you nurture you, too.
So what do you think? Why not take that leap and see how far it takes you? Just remember that you won’t be alone. I’ll be there every step of the way as your partner, guide, and cheerleader.
Ready to get to the heart of your story?
Click here to schedule your free call, and we'll go from there!
