As opposed to a cookie-cutter approach, I tailor my coaching specifically to each individual client. Writers’ needs, personalities, and backgrounds range so widely that I see no other approach being effective.
We’ll start with a phone call, a free consultation, where we’ll explore your goals and writing issues, as well as how we might best work together. Then if we decide to continue, we’ll simply keep the conversation going via phone, email, or Skype. I’ll initially ask you a number of questions regarding your writing process and what external factors impact it. Once we get that mapped out (which is often as enlightening for the client as me), we’ll continue by addressing and exploring whatever issues you bring up. Since our work will be designed for you alone, the only way we can know the shape it will take, is to begin. As in writing a story—we’ll have a plan, and a destination, but much of the most meaningful work will be made up as we go. I consider writing coaching a collaborative form. I’ll give you everything I’ve got, but we’ll be finding answers together.
Because of my life-long exposure to writers, musicians, visual artists, actors, directors, dancers, and film artists performing under real-world conditions, I’ve seen the value of using a studio approach, by which I mean organizing my client’s creative efforts through effective and efficient schedules and setting specific and manageable goals. This way we reduce angst and over-thinking by simply getting work done. I also take a holistic perspective. I’ll be as interested in your sleep patterns and exercise schedule as much as your weekly word-count.
Some clients can solve their immediate problems in an hour-long phone call. Some can solve a major issue in six weeks and then want to spend time alone with their work. My perspective, and what I want my clients to fully understand, is I consider these successes. If I’ve helped someone and they don’t need me anymore, then I’m toasting the event. I’ll be here if another issue arises, and I hope they’ll let me know of any news regarding their writing. What I truly love about this work, and what gives me the energy for it, is being witness to this process, to these stories and books, and more than anything else, to these writers and the courage it takes to put pen to paper.
Rates:
$80 an hour session rate.
$45 an hour prep time (e.g., reading and editing your manuscript).
For corporate clients, $80 an hour flat fee.