Calling All Aspiring Writers! I’m Coaching Again
Designed by Emily Henderson Design; Photo by Sara Tramp-Ligorria
There is no such thing as the singular writer. Sure, the job can be solitary and I personally prefer to write alone in silence than in a crowded coffee shop. There’s usually no other byline beside mine to share the weight of an angle, and the deadline that comes before that is often a solo requirement, too. But here’s a secret of success: A lot of behind-the-scenes people help one person get where they want to go.
I almost always ask a friend to read an essay before it’s published, and I have a group of trusted “coworkers” to proofread important emails before they’re sent. I pretty much never do anything substantial without privately sharing those plans first, and that’s particularly true of my career. I am confident in my work, and stick by my strength in stringing words together, but we’re all out here just trying our best. And when you’re getting started, it’s tough to know where to begin.
While I’d argue that every writer needs a group of peers to depend on, it’s also important that they have a mentor to guide them — I have one of those, too. A few years ago, I put out the call on Instagram for aspiring writers to reach out to me if they needed a coach. It was such a fun experience that I’d like to do it again. Here’s what that means for you:
Are you someone who is flirting with the idea of freelancing, but needs help figuring out how to get started?
Do you have an essay that you’d like to write but can’t quite nail down the idea?
Have you faced a bunch of rejections on a story and you’re not sure why?
Do you want to write about a complicated subject, but it’s super intimidating?
Are you hoping to advance your writing career in some way?
If any of this sounds like you, please reach out. I’ll be coaching a handful of people through the end of the year, and would love to work with you. This is a paid gig — I’ll be sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned over more than a decade in the industry — and by the end of our session(s) I’ll make sure you have a plan.
Here’s a testimonial from writer Allison Kirkland:
I benefited so immensely from my consultation with Kelly Dawson. Her warm and friendly presence, combined with deep knowledge of the industry, made for an extremely informative hour. Kelly has a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for nuance. She's able to distill complex subjects quickly and clearly, and also creates a safe and collegial space for brainstorming and working through ideas. On a personal note, as a disabled professional, it was invaluable (and unfortunately quite rare!) to receive guidance from a professional who also sees the world through the lens of disability. Kelly has incredible insight on the unique but not insurmountable challenges of writing and working while living in a body that's different from the norm.
I’m looking forward to working together!
