SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW WE WORK

“Working with Jeff is INSPIRING AND CHALLENGING, and his preparation for coaching is meticulous and thorough. He has helped me perfect the construction of the narrative essay and the story telling process in general. His honest comments pound the nail on the head with a velvet hammer." - LESLIE TUCKER, essayist

MANUSCRIPT DEVELOPMENT & CONTINUITY

Several writers, well published and green, set up regular meetings to send me a draft of an essay, a novel section, or a memoir section. We review what the writer needs from our interaction, I review the section ahead of time and prepare notes according to the writer's needs, and we have a follow-up conversation regarding the writer's process, my responses to the section so far, and how the writer might proceed. The meetings' regularity helps writers stay focused and accountable in their otherwise divided writing life (among teaching, parenting, and other responsibilities), and the guidance also can help them hone their craft and sensibility to their own writing process. Rates begin at $110 for a review of up to 20 double-spaced pages and a follow-up 60-minute conversation.

BOOK PROJECT MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

A BUSINESS CONSULTANT has a book idea and 60 pages of rough notes.  He has great ideas but neither time nor knowledge of how to write a book.  From that 60 pages and preliminary conversations, we help the consultant shape a book outline and draft the book chapter-by-chapter.  We review important principles that help him stay authentic to his ORIGINAL INTENTION. Then, we develop a project plan that includes a system for researching, drafting, rewriting, and editing. Ultimately, we help the client prepare the manuscript for publication.

A writer sends us a 200-page MEMOIR manuscript.  After preliminary conversations, the client and coach agree the story can be told more authentically if the writer re-shapes the MEMOIR INTO A NOVEL. Over several months, we coach the client to tap into the SOURCE OF HER CREATIVE IMPULSE that helps her develop complex characters, develop a narrative arc, cultivate an authentic narrator's voice, and more.  Then, when the manuscript is ready, we offer a global critique and help the client ready the manuscript for agent submission.

A client comes to us with 40 pages of personal writing and an outline for a possible memoir.  She's an artist but does not view herself as a writer per se.  Based on THE CLIENT'S NEEDS AND STYLE, the coach and client develop a system that helps the client draft the memoir chapter-by-chapter. Then, we coach the client through re-shaping the memoir for narrative arc, thematic development, characterization, narrator's voice, and more. Gradually, she uncovers her authentic writing voice and style.

Book projects are handled per project.

WRITING PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT & MENTORING

A client approaches us because she has not written for herself for twenty years--since college. She wants to recapture THE JOY AND SURPRISE OF WRITING.  We lead the client over the telephone through exercises that help her delve into her DEEP IMAGINATION and write into the surprising images that surface.  We shape a regular weekly writing routine for her that integrates yogic principles and practices.  Over several months, she gradually discovers themes and ideas important to her.  We help her set and work toward three-month writing goals that involve her overcoming her fear of sharing her writing and ultimately writing articles.

A client calls because she's "lost her center."  A move to another state and a baby later, she feels adrift creatively.  She comes to our studio for a CUSTOMIZED "YOGA AS MUSE" PRACTICE that helps her integrate yogic principles and practices into her crowded life and scarce writing practice.  Rates begin at $80 an hour.

EDITING & REWRITING

A client calls because he thinks he writes well but knows next-to-nothing about editing and grammar.  He wants an on-hands tutorial.  We edit his essay, send him an editorial letter, and confer with him over the telephone to review the principles that guide our choices and corrections.

A client sends us a POLITICAL EDITORIAL for a newspaper that he needs rewritten and condensed by 150 words WITHIN 24 HOURS.  We deliver.  He's happy.

A client wants some perspective on the quality of her novel's manuscript.  We offer a full GLOBAL EDIT, CRITIQUE, and CONFERENCE. We review characterization, scene development, thematic development, narrative arc, voice, and more. Line edits, global edits, and ghostwriting are assessed per word.

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to discuss YOUR NEEDS.