What I Do as a Story Coach
I love my work as a story coach, but what I do in that role isn't always easy to explain. Today I'm going to try. And I'm also going to let a couple of videos speak for me.
Others have referred to me in different ways: story whisperer, story guru, story healer, or cheerleader. I think of myself as a creative guide, and, yes, a cheerleader, sometimes a taskmaster, and as a kind of "partner in story."
I deeply believe the desire to write comes from one of the truest places in one's heart and soul. Whether I'm working with groups or individuals I support turning this underlying desire to write into actual writing. After all, writers feel best while writing or after having written. So my deepest encouragement is focused on getting words on the page and chosen projects completed. Fulfilling such goals makes writers proud.
Working one-on-one, the story coaching process is entirely customizable. (Generally, it works well to meet every two weeks to keep a project in flow.) Because I can track the micro and macro elements of storytelling, I can really be with a writer in the midst of their creative process. Together we play with ideas, address problems, and come up with solutions. I can also edit material as we go, if that's needed (and it often is).
Last year, I was part of a Masterheart group with George Kao (I highly recommend George and his resources to any sensitive, heart-based solo-preneurs out there). One of the group tasks included creating a business framework, presenting it online, and fielding a few questions. I've included that 10-minute video below. It does a decent job of explaining some of what I do in the group programs I offer.
The other video (about 4.5 minutes long) contains the words of three writers who attended a retreat I led in France in 2019. Sometimes other people can describe elements of what I do better than I can.
As I continue to find ways to articulate what I do--which, of course, is always a work-in-progress as I refine and enhance my skills with each group and client I have the privilege to work with--I am open to receiving any feedback you might like to offer. (Just hit reply to this email.) I'll keep working on my website's story coaching description and testimonials page too.
With or without a thorough explanation of what I do, I can say whole-heartedly that I love what I do as a story coach. I love immersing myself in a story's potential and helping to guide it toward its valuable manifestation.
Write to make yourself proud.
