Soleil Writing Coach Services
Coaching helps writers
to articulate, strategize, and reach their writing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Working with a Writing Coach
A writing coach facilitates at each stage of manuscript development. . .

Some writers find it hard to get organized and keep to a schedule.
Some can't seem to get that first draft on paper.
Some can't face the challenge of rewriting.
. . . helps you to establish realistic goals and expectations and supports you as you meet them.

. . . applies the benefits of years of experience to your writing project, your creative expression.

Throughout the stages of producing your manuscript, your coach will keep you on track--

  • when your enthusiasm flags
  • when you find some changes discouraging
  • when you need a new approach or technique
  • when you're full of ideas and eager to get them on paper
  • when you feel lost in the middle of the project. . .

Working with a coach, you'll meet your goal to write the very best book you can!
WRITING COACH INFO | LOGISTICS | COSTS | e-mail: coach@turningmemories.com

What is a writing coach?

A coach is part cheerleader, part teacher, part hard-nosed editor.

A coach guides your writing project through uncertainties and problems.

A coach creates the structure you need to keep writing.

A coach gives you helpful feedback on how to strengthen your story.

A coach offers the objective response of an outsider-- with the encouragement of one who wants you to succeed.

A coach empowers you to bring your project to completion.

When should you work with a coach?

Many writers recognize that they are at their most productive when they work in close association with an experienced writer who can guide them.

  • If you're serious about wanting to write

    but don't know where to start or how to keep going, you will find that working with a coach can free you to concentrate on telling your story--

    by providing the framework for success.

  • If your energy and enthusiasm ran out
    before the project was finished, you will find that working with a coach can rekindle the creative spirit that first inspired you--

    by giving you the tools to succeed.

  • If you feel the need to test what you've written
    against the objective scrutiny of an impartial reader, you will find that working with a coach can give you the confidence to continue--

    by offering supportive, practical feedback based on professional standards.



    How does coaching work?

    You and your coach will maintain an on-going conversation on the subject of your project.

    Based on your mutual preferences, it will be carried out by

  • tele-conferences.
  • e-mail correspondence.
  • letters.
  • notations on your manuscript.
  • handouts of writing and memory jogging exercises.
  • suggestions of reading lists and other resources.


    COACH FAQ | LOGISTICS | COSTS | e-mail: coach@writingcoach.info



    Call
    207-353-5454
    to talk with us about how a coach
    can help you realize your dream
    of writing your book!

    Soleil Lifestory Network
    Eveybody's got a story. Isn't it time you wrote yours?
    95 Gould Road Lisbon Falls, Maine 04252
    tel - 207-353-5454 |  fax -207-353-7570
    		• What is the process of coaching?

    Every coach - client working relationship is individually tailored to needs and working style.

    Here is an overview of what a coach will keep in mind while working with you to bring your book to life.


    Getting started: motivation and organization

    Your coach will help you
  • to believe in yourself and in your ability to succeed. We know first hand that many people have done what you may be only dreaming of now!

  • to embrace the importance of your writing project.
    We are dedicated to life story writing as legacy-making, as personal growth, as an affirmation of family and of life itself!

  • to identify your audience.
    The fact is, there is an audience for your work-- even if that's you: the most important audience of all!

  • to articulate clear goals.
    Envisioning, then planning with a coach who knows the way will bring to your destination.

  • to define the scope of your project and to set intermediary steps you can take one at a time.

  • to voice your theme and bring your characters alive.


    Setting the stage for success

    Your coach will help you
    to set up the writing supports necessary to succeed.

    They're simple to implement, but the supports for maintaining a creative project are often neglected.

    Your coach will encourage you to establish the props of a writing life--
  • to use a computer.
  • to arrange an orderly writing space.
  • to ask the cooperation & support of the people you live with.
  • to set a realistic but challenging writing schedule.

    Your coach will assign helpful pre-writing tasks such as
  • to compile a full memory list for the relevant era(s).
  • to collate memorabilia: photos, historical documents, objects.
  • to talk with people "who were there."

    Your coach will provide support as you write your first drafts. Leading you
  • to recognize fragmented bits and pieces as the raw material he'll help you to evolve into a unified manuscript.

    Your coach will share short cuts and tips for getting past dead-ends and rough spots.
    From a lifetime of writing and thinking about writing, your coach knows the short cuts--
  • changing the point of view
  • using action or dialogue to move the story line
  • uncovering character traits and motivations . . .


    The rewriting and editing stage

    When you have produced a first draft, your coach will take on the role of editor.

    At this stage, you will learn
  • to identify and develop areas or elements of your story that are weak or missing:
  • to focus on the core storyline and characters and eliminate or relocate distracting side stories or
  • to edit for mechanical elements such as grammar, spelling, sentence structure.
  • to enhance stylistic elements such as tone, diction, voice, pacing metaphor, image, point of viewin order to lend depth and interest to your manuscript.