Writing Coaching

Writing can be lonely. It doesn’t have to be.

As the author of three books and many articles, I know that writing is often a lonely, challenging practice. Writing a book honestly the hardest thing I’ve done beyond giving birth! Just like having a doula during labor who reminds you to breathe, a writing coach is part cheerleader, part counselor, and part practical mentor.

I provide accountability, resources, new perspectives, feedback, and exercises. You provide imagination, stories, and determination.

People I’ve worked with say:

  • What I love about working with Jennifer is she meets me where I am. She helps me explore and get to a deeper understanding of what is driving my story by asking just the right questions. She sees the me underneath my words and compassionately reflects my authenticity. I feel completely held by Jennifer as my best writing bubbles to the surface. There is never any pressure to produce only gentle encouragement to keep going and be true to myself. She’s the perfect writing coach for me.

    Dyanne - Best-selling author, therapist, and coach

  • Working with Jennifer has exceeded my expectations. She’s helped me move deeper into my project, identifying underlying ideas and structuring my work in ways that are interesting and effective. Each hour with her flies by, and the feedback that she provides in writing after each session ensures that I have all the tools that I need to make progress between sessions.

    Amy - Academic developing personal essays

  • Jennifer helped me rethink the organizaton of my book and pointed out approaches to storytelling that made it clearer and more compelling. My material is difficult, and I was so appreciative of her gentleness and assured confidentiality.

    Kalli - Business owner writing second memoir

Be accompanied on the journey from idea to manuscript.

I love working with authors of creative nonfiction, including memoirs, art, spirituality, and nature. My own writing is in these areas, buoyed by a lifelong passion for the arts, a deep Buddhist practice, and concern for our planet.

I am also a good fit for academics who are turning dissertations into books or who want to transition an academic project into a commercial one. As the former associate director of a major university humanities center, I’ve helped many scholars translate their research to wider audiences.

What to Expect

For this process, you bring a project (or linked group of projects, such as a series of related articles) that you want to complete. We meet every 2-4 weeks.

Before each session, you send me writing (up to 20 pp) and some questiions.

Among the things we might discuss:

  • your process: what’s working and what’s not

  • time: how can you be more efficient; how to prioritize projects

  • self-talk: taming the inner critic

  • content development, including narrative flow and/or the forward movement of an idea

After our call I’ll send you an email with your stated goals and homework.

Pricing is for 6 sessions + an initial free meeting of 30 minutes

Note: If your’e an academic, you may be able to get this paid for through development funds.