I’m thrilled to share with you a guest post from Lauren Minkoff.
Lauren is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and novelist who I’ve had the pleasure of coaching over the last year. In this post, she shares some of her lessons learned from our work together.
Take it away, Lauren:
What do Olympic athletes, professional musicians, and renowned artists all have in common? A coach or mentor. Most of the people that are at the top of their careers have at least one mentor or coach, but most will have several. People at the top of their field need fresh goals, accountability, and the accumulation of new knowledge or techniques to stay there. Being a writer is absolutely no different.
Being at the top of your game (whatever the ‘game’ may be) requires learning as much as possible about the game and how to play it. When I started the first draft of my novel, I wasn’t even a novice. I was something that comes before you’re a novice; basically, I was utterly clueless. I wrote based on interesting ideas and gut feelings about what should happen next, and when the adrenaline rush of writing 18,000 words in a weekend ran off, I realized that if I was going to continue, I needed help.
I investigated online workshops and programs, but all of them fell short for me. I didn’t feel that the value would be worth the cost, and most of them weren’t offering what I was really looking for anyway. I didn’t just want to write my book; I wanted to learn how to write a book, but I didn’t think hiring a writing coach for myself was an option. I thought it was only something professionals did, and I heard the voice in my head telling me that hiring a coach was silly. I tried to convince myself I could figure it out on my own, but after another month of getting minimal writing done and feeling more confused than when I began, I knew it was time to hire a professional.
I was determined. I knew there was a lot that I needed to learn, not only to write a story that made sense but one that would be interesting and thoroughly enjoyable to read. I sucked up my pride and started interviewing coaches until I found Kevin Johns. Despite my preliminary hesitancy and resistance to investing in myself (but, hey – I’m worth it), I immediately knew I made the right decision in hiring a writing coach. I initially hired Kevin because of his energy and knowledge of the craft, but I continue to be a client because of those qualities combined with his dedication and compassion. I feel as though I could list hundreds of things that I’ve learned from working with writing coach Kevin Johns, but I won’t go on that long.
Here are the top 4 things that I have learned from working with my coach:
1. I learned the craft of storytelling
Writers, this is a big one. Whether you’re a pantser, a plotter, or you fall somewhere in between, knowledge of the craft is essential to your story. Craft encompasses everything from genre, acts, story arcs, scene structure, and more. Learning this piece has been foundational to my success as a writer. I’m able not just to write what I want to write creatively but do it in a way that readers will also enjoy. Craft ensures that I satisfy my reader all the way through my book. Craft helps dig me out of holes when I’m stuck on a scene or having writer’s block. Understanding the craft of writing and storytelling is number one on this list because, once you internalize it, you can write nearly anything.
2. I learned how to navigate challenges
Experienced and novice writers both run into challenges during the writing process. Writing is a practice, just like a physical sport. Most practice involves a ton of repetition. Having a coach to guide me through getting unstuck over and over again has helped me internalize the process. When a scene isn’t working well, or I’m not quite sure how to get characters from point A to point B, Kevin has helped me curate a toolbox I can lean on when I feel stuck or I can’t decide where to go next. Kevin has coached me through the process so often that I can now access and triage problems in my story before they make their way into my weekly writing submissions. It’s a great feeling to confidently navigate challenges within my work instead of banging my head against the wall for answers.
3. I learned to get it written
If there was one thing I learned that I want to scream from the mountaintops, it’s “Get it written!” The more I learned about writing as a craft and creativity and art in general, the more I learned ideas do not come fully formed. Stories take time to unfold and develop, but you can’t develop anything that isn’t written. Can’t decide which direction to go in a story? Just pick one and write! If you don’t like it, you can always redo it, but you won’t know that the scene or idea will or won’t work until you try it. Sometimes, trying involves three or four attempts at the same thing, but it’s all a part of the process. Write it down, let it stink, and then make it better (and it does get better every time).
4. I learned productivity, goal setting, and project management for writers
Without having a writing coach, it easily would have taken me ten times longer to finish the first draft of my novel. Having a coach instilled routines and rituals within my daily and weekly schedule that helped me stay on top of my novel while simultaneously working on other projects. I learned how to set and stick to realistic word count goals for myself, and how to work without burning out. For any writer trying to balance working on a novel with other career priorities, family, and personal life, working with a writing coach tremendously helps keep you focused and on track.
*Bonus* 5. I learned how much difference support makes
Whether I was stuck on a scene, clueless as to what should happen next in the story, struggling with depressive flare-ups and low energy, or any other thing you could think of, my writing coach supported me. As a writer, you spend so much time alone with your thoughts, and it’s not often you’re surrounded by people who want to read your book and who can give you constructive feedback. Having someone to talk to who understands the process of writing, who can validate the wave of emotions you are likely to go through, encourage you, and who can give you actionable advice or a compassionate ear is invaluable. I had never been a person who asked for help but working with a writing coach has allowed me to accomplish more in less time and flourish in my craft.
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From the day I began working with a writing coach to now, I have grown so much as a writer. My ability to translate exciting ideas and heartfelt emotions onto the page has consistently improved with each week. I love being able to walk away from each session with one new nugget of information that dramatically improves my writing the following weeks. Building upon those skills session after session is where the real magic happens. Because of the progress I have made as a writer, I find myself continually renewed with energy and excitement for my story every week.
I know that I will continue working with a writing coach because there is always something new to learn in the craft or within the writing process itself. I’m hungry to continue developing my skill and creating worlds, stories, and characters that I love and readers will enjoy.
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Lauren Minkoff is a full-time freelance writer specializing in non-fiction writing, specifically self-help and leadership books, memoirs, and autobiographies. Lauren currently spends her free time drafting her first commercial fantasy novel, cooking delicious food, and hiking in Upstate NY, where she lives with her two pups & partner.
