“
When you write a book, you spend day after day scanning and identifying the trees. When you're done, you have to step back and look at the forest.
”
—Stephen King
Coaching
Working with a memoir coach is a creative partnership. I don't have a formulaic approach to writing, so the process is different with each writer.
What is coaching?
It's difficult to see our own work clearly. We're always wondering if our ideas and vision have made it to the page. As a memoir coach, I offer constructive feedback and encourage writers to stay curious. What are the possibilities? What does your story want to become? Some writers use writing prompts to get started, some benefit from deadlines to stay on track. Others need help identifying themes or exposure to different writing styles. We all get stuck sometimes. A writing coach helps you stay focused and inspired as you move through the ups and downs of the writing process.
What happens in a coaching session?
Coaching sessions provide guidance, support and a safe place for writers to bring forth their vision. Sessions include:
- —writing prompts and exercises
- —a deep reading of your work
- —honest, incisive feedback
- —creation of a writing schedule
- —exploration of themes
- —suggestions of what to write next
- —discussions of craft
- —investigation of your writing process
- —suggested readings
- —encouragement
“Connie is a writing coach extraordinaire. She keeps me focused and organized, and her insightful questions always take me deeper into my work. Her input has been invaluable in helping me structure my book and find an agent.”
What is coaching?
It's difficult to see our own work clearly. We're always wondering if our ideas and vision have made it to the page. As a memoir coach, I offer constructive feedback and encourage writers to stay curious. What are the possibilities? What does your story want to become? Some writers use writing prompts to get started, some benefit from deadlines to stay on track. Others need help identifying themes or exposure to different writing styles. We all get stuck sometimes. A writing coach helps you stay focused and inspired as you move through the ups and downs of the writing process.
What happens in a coaching session?
Coaching sessions provide guidance, support and a safe place for writers to bring forth their vision. Sessions include:
- —writing prompts and exercises
- —a deep reading of your work
- —honest, incisive feedback
- —creation of a writing schedule
- —exploration of themes
- —suggestions of what to write next
- —discussions of craft
- —investigation of your writing process
- —suggested readings
- —encouragement
“Connie is a writing coach extraordinaire. She keeps me focused and organized, and her insightful questions always take me deeper into my work. Her input has been invaluable in helping me structure my book and find an agent.”
Editing
Revision means literally "to see again," to look at something from a new perspective. Each draft is an opportunity to advance and refine a work-in-progress.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing focuses on the form and content of a book. I work one-on-one with writers at all stages of the writing process. We can work chapter by chapter to generate a first draft, or after the initial draft is done to revise and fine-tune an existing manuscript. We pay attention to structure, pacing and tone, as well as details of scene, character and point of view. Feedback is framed constructively and builds upon the core of a work's strengths.We also address:
- —Overall scope and movement
- —Theme and subtext
- —Writer's intent
- —Narrative style
- —Identification of audience
- —Publication and marketing
“When I completed the first draft of my memoir, I turned to Connie for editorial help. Through her guidance, suggestions and questions, the story found its arc, the characters their lives, the plot its force. As a result of her prodding to dig deeper, not only did themes and layers of meaning appear, but the story found its very soul. She helped me turn the difficult and often baffling job of rewriting into a rewarding effort.”
To schedule a free initial consultation, call 575-779-0484
or email connie@conniejosefs.com
or email connie@conniejosefs.com
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