How are your New Year’s resolutions coming? Are you harnessing the energy of the New Year to write a book? Are you using it to get started on (or heck, restart) your memoir or nonfiction book?If not, what are you missing? Do you need a better system? Accountability? Support?
The Real Reason People Hire a Writing Coach
I’ll be honest with you—the real reason people hire me is for accountability, support and community. Most of us know already know what we should be doing, as well as how to go about it (i.e.: write every day, or as often as we can). If we need more info, we can find it online. There’s a zillion writing experts out there, and most of us offer plenty of tips, tricks and free advice.
When people come to me, they’re looking for a clear plan and more personalized support. They’re tired of going it alone, exhausted from trying to navigate a ridiculous amount of ideas on the Internet and fed up with the overwhelm that comes from trying to follow too many mentors at once.
We need somebody in our corner—even if that’s only one person. Because even though family and friends want to be supportive, they can inadvertently throw us off track. (Family and friends questioning why you’re writing a book? Check. Family and friends asking how that book is coming every time they see us? Check. Ready to hide from family and friends? Check!)
When you’re ready to move forward with your manuscript, it’s important to get support from a professional, not from a well-meaning friend who doesn’t know the ins and outs of what it takes to create a successful book.
Plus, most of us could use a little help navigating the tricky questions that come with sharing personal stories (i.e.: Will I get sued if I write my memoir? What will my mother say?!).
And we want someone to show us a simple, clear path forward.
This might be the most important consideration of all.
How do we get from point A (when we’re confused, and overwhelmed, not sure where to start or stuck somewhere in the mucky middle) to point B (we’re writing consistently, following a personalized road map for our book and using our trusty inner critic tools to get past those sticky points).
Follow a proven path, my dear, and get support from a professional that you trust.
Don’t thrash around trying some of this and some of that—not this year.
This time, try something different. Invest in your book. Invest in yourself.
Are you ready?
If so, I’d love to be your guide.
Let me show you how to navigate the potholes that arise when you’re past the initial excitement of writing your book. Let me help clear the way. And let me help you stay on track.
These are the real reasons people hire me.
This year, commit to a clear path forward. Get support and accountability. Join a community that calls to you. Find your people. And stop thrashing about.
Three Ways to Get Support For Your Writing
If you’re ready to write, I’ve got three opportunities to share with you.
The first is my signature online course:
Memoir Mastery: How to Write a Compelling Memoir
We’ve start next Wednesday, January 15, and we have a wonderful group coming together, with room for a few more.
What it is:
In this comprehensive 8-week course, you’ll go from feeling alone, confused and overwhelmed to feeling excited and supported in the power of your story, clear in its scope, and confident in the craft and technique of creating a compelling memoir.
What you’ll get:
With 6 online modules, 3 live coaching calls and 2 group writing sessions, you’ll get plenty of support and accountability as well as laser-focused coaching within a wonderfully supportive community. You’ll leave this course with a strong foundation for your memoir as well as a clear set of next steps.
Why it matters:
The 6 online modules address the craft and technique of writing compelling memoir as well as help you clarify your narrative arc. This is huge. I work with so many folks who’ve spent years writing their memoir only to realize they still haven’t figured this out. That’s why we always start with narrative arc—it’s essential when you’re writing memoir. As a new client said to me yesterday, “Where were you five years ago? Ugh. I needed this information then!”
The modules also include weekly mindset tips, which are built around all the sneaky ways we stop ourselves from moving forward. Tricks for working with your inner critic, creating a sustainable writing habit that, gasp, works with your real, human-scale life—it’s all here.
I’ve been teaching writing for 20 years and can honestly say that Memoir Mastery is one of my all-time favorite classes. In addition to the craft and technique of writing memoir (which is what most writing teachers teach), we spent lots of time on mindset as well as practical, logistical tips for writing a book.
And we do it with lots of accountability and support. That’s why I built in 2 group writing calls as well as 3 live coaching calls. Plus a secret FB group where you can real-time coaching and feedback from me as well as your fellow writers. Yum, right?
To learn more about Memoir Mastery, click here for a full description as well as to register. But don’t delay. Seats are filling up! We start on Wednesday 1/15.
This is a good fit for you if:
- you want help setting up a consistent writing habit
- you want to be writing X amount of pages a week but don’t know how to get there
- you’re looking for help distilling your story and clarifying your narrative arc
- you’ve been writing your memoir for years and keep falling down rabbit holes
- you’re looking for help getting started
- you’re looking for help in the mucky middle
- you’re looking for help creating believable characters
- you need help summarizing and expanding
- your story lacks tension
- your story needs focus
- you’re stuck and confused about the way forward
- you want deadlines and accountability
- you want concrete help and support
- you’re looking for a kind and supportive community to cheer you on, help you through those sticky points and keep you on task
This isn’t a good for you if:
- you aren’t willing to set aside time each week to write (even if it’s only 30 min twice a week)
- you’re committed to staying stuck and complaining rather than moving forward
- you’re wedded to the current draft of your memoir
- you’ve already worked with a professional and aren’t interested in learning anything new
If Memoir Mastery calls to you, now’s the time to jump in and join us. Remember, we start next week!
WRITER’S WORKSHOP
A three-month writer’s group to provide you with accountability, community and writing support.
When:
- Feb-April 2020
- Live, biweekly calls on Tuesdays 12-1:30pm MT/ 1-2:30pm CT
- 2/4, 2/18
- 3/3, 3/17
- 3/31, 4/14, 4/28
Where: on Zoom.
What we’ll be doing:
- Writing 10 pages a month (or 30 pages total).
- Getting feedback on 10 pages of writing twice during our 3 months together (or 20 pages total).
- Group writing time (30 min. each time we meet).
- Q&A and/or informal teaching topic each time we meet.
- Weekly check-in with your accountability buddy
Who: Limited to 6 writers
How much: $249
Who is this for?
The Writer’s Workshop is a good fit for you if you’re looking for:
- Dedicated writing time (2x month live writing with our group).
- We’ll be writing 10 pages a month (30 pages total). On the off-weeks, you’ll check in with your accountability buddy.
- Deadlines! You’ll have the opportunity to share up to 20 pages with the group (10 pages twice), receiving feedback on your writing.
- Help discerning what’s working with your manuscript as well as opportunities for growth and help with next steps.
- Teachings built around group needs.
- Community support.
This isn’t a good fit for you if:
- You’re just starting your story and unclear on the basics of craft and technique.
- You haven’t clarified your narrative arc.
- You’re looking for a lecture-style class.
- You’re not able to attend the bi-weekly Zoom calls live.
- You don’t want feedback on your writing.
- You’re not willing to show up for the other writers in the group as well as yourself.
- You don’t have the time and/or headspace to commit to yourself and our group.
If you’re interested in joining this round of our Writer’s Workshop, please email me to ensure you’re a good fit as well as to reserve your spot.
Note: Please carefully consider your level of commitment before registering. Since community, support and accountability are integral to the success of our group, there will be no refunds for the Writer’s Workshop.
Private Writing Coaching
What it is:
Private writing coaching is tailored to your needs and expertise level and meets you where you’re at—whether you’re just starting a project, are stuck or are looking for concrete support to help you reach the finish line. Coaching can be helpful whether you’re just starting to explore your story or are writing an essay or a book. Writing coaching typically includes a mix of the following:
- Help clarifying your project’s focus and narrowing your audience and goals.
- Help creating a road map for your project.
- Help setting up a consistent writing schedule that works for you.
- Craft and technique tips and teaching to address
- story structure
- pacing
- character development
- conflict
- setting
- dialogue
- perspective and/or point of view (POV)
- tone/voice
- showing v. telling and
- narrative style and organization.
- Support, coaching and resources for inner critic and writer’s block.
- Accountability and support.
Although I do individual coaching calls, I recommend a deeper commitment for the more serious writer, and offer 3- and 6-month packages to help you get off the ground and create the momentum you’ll need to reach the finish line.
Who it’s for:
Committed writers who are ready and willing to do the work. I currently have space for one or two new clients. Since I only take on a handful of private clients, so this is a higher level of commitment at a higher price point. Click here for more details.
What to do next:
If you’re interested in private writing coaching, contact me here. I offer 30 minute introductory calls to discuss where you’re at with your writing project, what kind of support you need and whether we’re a good fit for working together. There is no charge for these calls.
Your Next Steps
If you’re craving clear teachings and concrete steps forward combined with community, accountability and support, then I recommend the group option of my Memoir Mastery course. It’s got all the bells and whistles of the best online programs with lots of access to me, both in our live calls (5!) and our secret FB group. Remember, we start next Wednesday, January 15.
If you’re confident in the craft and technique of your writing and are looking for communal support to help you get those pages written, then I recommend the Writer’s Workshop.
And if you’re ready to deeply commit to yourself and your book, with no excuses, then I recommend private coaching as the quickest path to get you to a finished book.
If you’re looking for writing support, but aren’t sure which option is right for you, drop me a line and we’ll figure it out.
But for heavens sake, do something. And don’t just do what you’ve always done—or you’ll get what you’ve always got. Reach out and get support.
Join Memoir Mastery.
Commit to the Writer’s Workshop.
Or hire me as your writing coach.
And get that book written!
Warmly,
Tanja
P.S.: Still aren’t clear whether Memoir Mastery or the Writer’s Workshop is a better fit for you?
Here’s the skinny: For help shaping your narrative and getting clear about what belongs in your memoir and what doesn’t, I recommend Memoir Mastery. If you’re needing help with mindset, and/or any of the specifics of how to get your story on the page, this will be the best fit for you. Plus it comes with lots of community, accountability and support, so you’ve got the best of both worlds.
If you’ve already worked with a professional to clarity your narrative arc and feel comfortable with the craft and technique of memoir, then I recommend the Writer’s Workshop. This is a great option if you’re looking for consistent accountability and support and want the support that comes from showing up and hitting consistent deadlines.
P.P.S. I offer 30-minute complimentary consults to help you discern the best path forward as well as make sure we’re a good fit for working together. Email me at tanja@tanjapajevic.com to get on my schedule or contact me here.
