Support for writers – Why a writing coach can help
Writing is usually considered a solitary practice and there’s an unmistakable truth that sitting alone at a computer for hours is the only way to truly get those words down. But not all of us are designed for solitude and the rushing sounds of our own thoughts. It might be time to consider a writing coach.
Sometimes we need to speak out loud to drill into what we really want to say, to hear our thoughts and make sense of them, develop insights and truths in our writing that make whatever we are working on authentic and in our own voice.
Many writers seek out the support of writers’ groups, or a writerly friend, and this can be a significant act of self-care and support. But often the things we need support with as writers aren’t always clear, or aren’t always in the ‘scope of works’ of our trusted writerly friends.
When people abandon writing projects its usually or one of two reasons (sometimes it’s both).
- They lose confidence and tell themselves they lack the skills needed to keep going or even finish.
- They arrive at difficult material that is perhaps triggering, or they need help to make sense of.
This is particularly true for starting-out writers, and for people writing their own stories (memoir or autobiography).
There is a reason why writing a journal is considered an essential tool in the healing arts. The simple act of turning our swirling thoughts and timelines into words requires us to go further, dig deeper, find renewed honesty and to own our stuff.
Writing, like many other endeavours – creative or otherwise, cannot be taken for granted. The support of a professional can be a life-affirming, word-affirming choice that sees you to the project end with a measure of grace and perhaps even a better person for the process!
A writing coach can:
- Keep you accountable, and support you with check ins
- Provide editorial support and problem solving along the way
- Help you finetune your manuscript (for publication)
- Help you with tips for overcoming procrastination and other blocks along the way
- Be an important and independent sounding board for your ideas and developments
- and even more…
But when it comes to life story writing, a writing coach who has the appropriate training and skills can also support you on an emotional level as you process difficult memories, problematic relationships and all the other rumination that sometimes tries to derail us (hello Imposter Syndrome!).
The unique combination of writing coach for the words, but also for the emotions, is a space I have been developing for the past three decades. And it feels like the heartland of what I am here to do. I help women (and men) tell their stories, and I do it from a place of empathy, wisdom and the belief that you have a life story that needs to be told. And I do it anywhere (virtual, face to face, hybrid) but I most love to have nature guide our way.
There’s a bunch of qualifications under my name [Grad Dip Arts (Writing), BComm (Marketing, Management), Dip Professional Writing and Editing, Dip Counselling, Dip Art Therapy, Equine Therapist] but I’ve learnt the most through lived experience and from the amazing clients that have trusted me along the way,
How can I help you? Send me an email so we can set a time for a complimentary, no obligation chat about your project and how we can work together. I have capacity now.
Email lindy@lindyschneider.com.au
Lindy is an accredited Full member of Life Stories Australia
