Writer for Hire

    A fantastic human—a real force of nature—recently asked me to become her writing partner so she could try to get her memoir published. She’d been referred to me by a former memoir client who told her that while we worked together, she felt like I could have written the story in her stead. You see, as I sought to help my former client learn one of the most essential writing skills (show, don't tell) I occasionally brought short parts of her story to life in written form, providing her with an example of how to avoid using exposition. When I did so, she often marvelled at how accurate I was. She said I not only managed to capture what she had felt at the time but that I also intuited her actions during the events.

    I was deeply touched by my client's observation. She made me feel seen, and I knew she was telling me something about myself that I often take for granted. Putting myself in other people’s shoes feels natural to me, as does imagining the specifics of their circumstances, their psychology, and worldview. My vivid imagination, sensitivity, and acting training, all help with the task. Combined with my writing and coaching experience, I’m well-situated to help make people’s dreams of writing books a reality.
    Even so, I was at first hesitant to try co-writing someone’s memoir. I’d seen some of the tripe produced by companies that churn out superficial, sentimental books for naïve customers. I knew I could never do something like that, which meant I’d have to charge higher rates than they did, to do the story justice. I didn’t want this potential client to end up with a disappointing product. I was also worried, as sensitive people often are, about being overwhelmed by someone else’s life experiences and feelings. It’s one thing to coach someone through the process of writing a book. It’s another to jump into the trenches with them and grab the shovel.
    But my client’s friend eventually won me over. It didn’t hurt that she had a fascinating story, was a hard worker, and could readily supply me with the details and information I needed to do the work. She also understood what the work was worth and was happy to invest in the project.
    So, I devised a system, something similar to the coaching I was already doing, whereby I could help get her story on the page. And I'm incredibly grateful that she opened my eyes to this new avenue.