A First look at Your Book: Video Coaching Session for Memoir Writers
You’ve been dreaming of writing your life story for years, and, after putting it off for too long, you’ve finally built up the motivation to start. But, facing the blank page, you can’t find the right words to tell your story so that you’ll never be forgotten.
The clock is ticking; you’re running out of time.
You have so many questions. ‘How do writers come up with creative ideas?’ ‘Why does my writing fall flat?’ ‘What’s a premise, and do I really need one?’ (And, yes, you do!) ‘Am I just spinning my wheels?’
Or maybe you've already written several chapters of your life story, but they’re like a pair of pants that doesn't fit anymore; they just don't feel quite right. Too tight, and your story feels strangled because you’re editing it to death. Too loose, and it meanders, unraveling at the seams.
You’re wondering how your work is resonating with your readers so far--if you even have any readers, that is. ‘How should I tell my story?’ ‘Am I doing this right?’
You’re frustrated with the writing process and unsure of the progress you’ve made so far. You’re completely overwhelmed.
Every time you wake up in the middle of the night with a fresh idea, or a sobering lack of ideas, you lie awake worrying how you’ll EVER finish, you’re so discouraged.
Meanwhile, in the background, the clock is ticking...Tick, tick, tick....
What if memoir writing didn’t have to be so hard, if you had a sense of direction and guidance and felt inspired to tell your story?
Imagine you know what’s working in your memoir and what to focus on improving. Better yet, you know how to fix weak spots to make them stronger and clearer so that you’re able to convey your life story to your family in a lasting, timeless way.
You’re excited to spend more time writing smoothly and easily because you have some successful writing habits in place, and you’ve received some helpful written feedback. You’re inspired because your writing flows freely and authentically. You know how to motivate yourself when you’re in a writing slump and don’t feel like pushing the proverbial pen across the page. Instead of staring off absentmindedly into the distance, you’re tackling your life story, both the hardships and celebratory moments, like a pro. You’re feeling confident about your creative abilities. You know what you’re doing, and you’re satisfied with the way your memoir is unfolding.
You're a full-fledged writer now--no more of this ‘aspiring writer’ nonsense--and you know you are because you’ve conquered writer’s block, and you’re actually writing! You’ve unlocked the door to your beating, creative heart, and you’re stepping out of the shadows to shine your brilliant inner light on the world. What do I mean? You’re inspired, creative and productive. You’re writing from the heart. And no one can tell your life story quite like you.
You’re proud of the work you’ve accomplished. You’re on a roll, and you’re going to keep on writing until your pen runs out of ink, so to speak, or you’ve completed your first draft, whichever comes first! Because your memoir isn’t about just you; it’s about your family too.
With your first draft nearing completion, you’re looking forward to sharing your story with your children and grandchildren, all in your very own words and voice.
Do any of these sound familiar?
When you sit down to write, inspiration deserts you. Your writing feels flat and soggy like a microwave pizza for one.
You want to finish your memoir so that you will be understood and remembered, but you’re afraid you don’t have the time or the expertise to do it yourself.
You’re afraid you’ll pass on without sharing all your memories with your friends and family.
And the clock is still ticking....
I’m a memoir writer and creative writing coach for elders who want to share their life stories with their families.
If you’re afraid the rich meaningful experiences you’ve spent a lifetime building will be lost forever unless you write your memoir, I can help you figure out where you’re stuck and teach you techniques for advancing your work.
When we’re done, you’ll be well on your way to writing and self-publishing memoirs that preserve your history for your relatives, bringing the entire family closer together!
As a result of A First Look at Your Book, you’ll…
Develop writing habits for memoir success to jumpstart your inspiration and learn some basic memoir writing practices to boost your productivity
Receive written feedback on your memoir excerpt so you can solve common memoir writing problems
Create a premise for your memoir to keep your life story on track
Identify ways to write compelling scenes that keep your readers engaged in your memoir
Organize your writing so that it flows easily from start to finish
This package includes:
List of Writing Tips for Memoir Success
When you sign up for A First Look at Your Book, you’ll receive a curated List of Writing Tips for Memoir Success and learn basic ways to accelerate your writing process so that you’ll stop feeling stuck and make progress toward completing your first draft. This list will get your creative juices flowing.
Prep Work
You’ll send me 10-15 pages of your memoir-in-progress for my review. In two days, I’ll contact you to schedule your coaching session.
A First Look at Your Book Coaching Session
During your 40-minute session, you'll receive written feedback on your story, which we’ll explore together. You’ll have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions. This feedback is designed to help you identify what’s working and what needs more work so you can write with confidence.
Together we’ll create your overall premise so that your life story will have an internal compass. Using this premise, you’ll gain insight into what to include in your memoir and what to omit.
In addition, we’ll brainstorm the main themes of your life to create clear and compelling stories with universal appeal, and we’ll polish them together until they sparkle!
Homework
All your newfound writing skills can be executed and honed in your homework--an improved rewrite of your excerpt.
Second Glance, Second Chance Followup Session
In two weeks, we’ll check in during this 30-minute session. You’ll get further feedback and a second chance to ask any questions you might have on implementing your new skills so that you’re primed and pumped to finish your memoir on your own.
Now that you have successful writing habits for memoir and inspiration, as well as a premise, possible themes, and some written feedback with pointers on what areas to fix and how to fix them, you can finally finish writing that draft of your memoir you’ve spent your whole life dreaming of writing. And I can't wait to help you write it!
Are you interested in working on your memoir with me?
Fantastic! Here’s how to get started.
Step 1. Make your payment here (Or by clicking the Let’s Get Started button below.) You’ll receive an email from me with a curated List of Writing Tips for Memoir Success to get you started.
Step 2. Within two days, you’ll receive an email with instructions on submitting your memoir excerpt to me, and once I’ve received your excerpt, I’ll contact you to schedule your First Look at Your Book Coaching Session.
Step 3. Then we’ll hold your First Look at Your Book Session and get you back on track toward writing the memoir of your dreams!
Step 4. During the two weeks following your First Look at Your Book Session, you’ll use your written feedback as a guide to revise and improve your excerpt. I’ll invite you to resubmit your revisions and reach out to you once again to schedule your Second Glance, Second Chance Followup Session, and we’ll see how you’re doing and discuss the progress you’ve made and answer any additional questions you may have.
Investment: $99 USD
Have questions? Email me.
“Priscilla is both analytical and intuitive. When I have blocks, or just need someone to listen, she invariably brainstorms me back into my project. She has never failed to recharge my batteries and right my ship. Priceless!”
~Peter Fulton, poet, autobiographical playwright, singer/songwriter, and novelist.
“Priscilla is a skilled writer with a keen eye and ‘ear’ who has helped me in both developing and editing my work-in-progress memoir. Perhaps even more than her literary acumen, she is a caring person who shares in the celebration of even the smallest accomplishments of her clients.”
~Amanda Murphy, RN, Owner of Wellness Paths-Holistic Health Coach and Educator
