Are you writing a memoir?
Are you building a blog?Need some help with focus, narrative arc, voice?
Need a cheerleader to egg you on?
Need a gentle dominatrix to hold you to deadlines?
Could you use help just getting your ass in the chair to write?
I can help.
I've been teaching writing to students of all ages-- from little bitty to damn near ancient-- for decades. I've worked with folks from all walks and backgrounds.
I've had lots of success in my own writing career.
My work has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, Real Simple, National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian, Elle, GQ, Playboy, Self, Cosmo, Seventeen, The Christian Science Monitor, The Austin Chronicle, The Austin American-Statesman, The Austinist, Edible Austin, Fiber Arts, INTERWEAVE Knits, Texas Monthly and many other publications. I'm a former lifestyle columnist for the Dallas Morning News. I've had six books published-- three memoirs and three research-based books. And way back in 1995 I was hired to write one of the first blogs ever. I continue to blog in various forums including my catch-all personal blog and my wedding blog. In 2006 Austin Chronicle readers voted me Best Writer in Austin.
How does writing coaching with me work?
Easy-- first we set up an initial meeting in person or via Skype. This takes about an hour. It's a chance for us to get to know each other to determine if we're a good working fit. And, if so, it's a chance to outline next steps and set goals. Coaching is done primarily through email with occasional in-person or Skype check-ins. You send batches of pages -- 10 - 30 at a time-- and I read, assess, line edit and offer big picture feedback.
How much does it cost?
I ask students to commit to monthly contracts at an hourly rate of $60, with a minimum of four hours per month. If you're working on a big project -- a full length memoir or creating a concept and content for a new blog-- please know that I offer a discount for students who sign up for ten hours or more per month. A ten-hour package is $500. A twenty-hour package is $800. Fee is due monthly in advance of services.
