Writing is most often a solitary business. All too often we writers have to motivate ourselves, isolate ourselves until our pages are done, pat ourselves on the back when things work out and console ourselves when they don’t. But it doesn’t have to be, even if you’re not part of a writing team. You can work with someone like me. I’m a writing coach.
I never planned to be a writing coach, even though every professional turn I’ve taken—whether working as a teacher, as a national magazine editor, as a writer (of both articles and books) or as a book doctor—has paved the way. I fell into the role when a literary agent-writer hired me to help her with her book. Her problem? An obsessive tendency to re-write her first paragraph instead of moving forward with the bulk of the text. She also admitted to procrastinating when it came to hunkering down in front of the computer.
I know all about the lure of cleaning a toilet (!) if it’ll keep the act of writing at bay. Facing that blank computer screen or piece of paper is almost always daunting.
Whether the problem stems from not knowing what to write or not knowing how all your ideas fit together, a writing coach can help. Instead of tormenting yourself when you hit a roadblock or can’t get started, you can talk out your ideas until they take shape. After five years of working with writers, I firmly believe that brainstorming allows each of us to tap into a different part of our brain than the one we utilize while writing. In addition, brainstorming is like a dynamic mental jungle-gym, allowing the participants climb to heights neither would have achieved alone.
Thanks the author for article. The main thing do not forget about users, and continue in the same spirit.
Great ideas and advice. However, How does an aspiring writer, who is broke, pay for the great service being offered?.
I’m working on that. Please stay tuned, and thanks for checking in.
Will do.