Every travel writer needs a little assistance from time to time, to help us stay on track. Most often we just need someone – another writer perhaps – to bounce ideas off of, to brainstorm with, or just to draw inspiration from. Informal writers’ groups, whether online or offline, can be a great solution.
Sometimes though, we need help that is more structured, more directed, more focused.
If you find yourself derailed to the extent that your travel writing career seems stalled, or you’re experiencing a serious case of writer’s block, it may be time to consider working with a Writing Coach.
A good Writing Coach is equal parts teacher, therapist, and drill sargeant.
A good Writing Coach will help you discover the root cause of any problems you may be having, such as a lack of inspiration or enthusiasm, an inability to stay focused or to follow through with writing assignments, or any fears or self-doubts about pitching story ideas, sending Query Letters, or promoting yourself and your writing.
A good Writing Coach will also teach you new methods for dealing with any problems, new ways to structure your writing process, and new techniques to improve the quality of your writing.
And lastly a good Writing Coach will work with you to develop goals, define and outline the steps necessary to achieve those goals, and should — if they are really a good coach — ask you to commit to taking those steps, and hold you accountable for your committment.
Finding a Writing Coach that is right for you is critical. Most Writing Coaches will offer 30 minute “complimentary” sessions. This is the best way to see if you and the coach are compatible.
Many Writing Coaches have flexible hours and work via the phone, email, or in person. You can work with a coach weekly or monthly, depending on your needs.
If writing feels like a struggle or you feel stuck hire a writing coach to help you find out why. The benefits are enormous and it could be the “extra” boost that your travel writing career needs to take you to the next level.
~Rebecca
How could a writing coach help you with your travel writing? Share your thoughts.
Maybe I could use a writing coach to help me decide if going back to school for journalism is right for me. Thank for this post.
This was really interesting Rebecca – I used a writing coach back in the late 90’s when I was very new to travel writing, but it wasn’t until the 3rd coach that I found someone I really clicked with – the first two were very nice people but we just didn’t seem to communicate well.
The one I eventually stuck with for about a year really did help me in a lot of different areas, but most valuably with finding ways to get ideas. I almost never lack for ideas, my biggest issue is finding time to write about them all! I wonder if a writing coach could help me find more time in my day :)
The good news about finding a coach is…most coaches give “complimentary” 30 minute or even 60 minute sessions because they want to work with clients that resonate with them just as much as the client wants to resonate with the writing coach.
A writing coach can help you find time to write! Most coaches will ask the question “…may I suggest something (whatever it is) that will help you.” It’s up to the client to say Yes or No.
Where do you find a writing coach? Is there a professional association? Also, how much should a person expect to pay for a writing coach once the complimentary session is over?
Do a Google search for: writing coaches or life coaches for writers. Many websites will come up. You could also visit the International Coaching Federation’s website @ http://www.coachfederation.org. The writing coach I worked with is Martha Zlatar, here’s her website http://www.artmatch-coach.com. Most coaches work by phone, email, SKYPE, in person, or a combination of these.
Just like writers, writing coaches fees vary. Some will charge by the hour or session. Fees usually range from $50/hour/session or more, it depends. Ask the coach if they provide a complimentary session so you can sense if you can work with the coach and vice versa.