Embracing the Creative Ebb and Flow: A Book Coach's Summer Insights

From book idea to publication and beyond.

Do you regularly find yourself reading Women Writing? If so, upgrade to paid. Book Coach Writes a Book is a biweekly feature of Women Writing in which I offer insights from my experiences as an author and book coach, craft ideas, tips, writerly news, and events.

Happy Saturday! In today’s newsletter you’ll learn:

📚 How summer is changing how I work

📝 What my clients are working on this summer

Photo by Meghan Mosser on Unsplash

How is your summer going? Are you meeting the goals you set for yourself? I mentioned in a Note recently that summer has altered my usual schedule and required me to pivot in my plans. It’s a bit discombobulating, but it’s also a little freeing. Needless to say, I feel like I’ve slowed down a little. Maybe it’s the heat. Or the rain. Or the fact that my husband is on holidays and hanging around the house while I’m trying to work. Whatever the reason, I’m learning to embrace the new pace and adjust my expectations.

Much of my personal writing happens with writing groups, such as my Women Writing Circle, and the in person writing groups I attend on a weekly basis. Outside of the writing groups, I’m finding it harder to make progress on my own at this time of year.

While my own work is crawling along, I am fiercely protective of my time for client work. As I reflect on their individual progress over the last few months, I am both inspired and motivated, and wanted to share with you. As a book coach, I’m awed at their individual projects and their commitment to their writing. As a fellow author, I understand the struggles and doubts they face.

One of my clients is working on a sci-fi novel that has lived with her for decades. With every submission, she’s both sharing the wealth of knowledge she has about this story, and also discovering new things about it. It’s fascinating to see how her ideas are forming to create a compelling story.

Another writer is working on a modern western screenplay. Last summer, I worked with her on a historical play. We have so much fun discussing characters and storylines, and hammering out issues that arise. I love how she approaches outlining with solid research and ideas, but an open mind and willingness to consider suggestions.

My third client is working on a very personal story, a memoir about herself and her son. Writing a memoir is a journey of exploration that involves so many emotions, sometimes seemingly all at once. It’s a great privilege to guide her through this process as she discovers how she wants to tell her story.

I’m also working with an experienced author who is revising a previously published book for its tenth anniversary, updating it with current information and research. She has specific deadlines she needs to meet and having regular submission dates works to organize her revision process.

As you can see, my clients’ projects are unique, as are their needs. They are also at different stages in the creative process and in their creative lives. My role alters depending on what they need as writers and what their project demands. At times, I’m a project manager, cheerleader, editor, mentor, and sounding board. Sometimes, I’m a shoulder to cry on.

As a book coach, I feel so privileged to work with these writers. As any writer knows, sharing your work with someone else is an act of courage and requires trust. I take my role seriously. I’m excited to see their projects develop over the coming months. They may not realize it, but they inspire me every week.

If you’re struggling with making progress on your creative projects, know that there are ebbs and flows in our creative lives. Perhaps summer is a good time to make progress, like my clients are doing, or perhaps you need to naturally slow down for a time, focussing your attention on other things in your life. Whatever path you choose, own it. Celebrate your successes and enjoy your moments of rest. Find inspiration in the people and places around you, and channel them into your work when you are ready.

The Women Writing Circle meets biweekly for 90-minute writing sessions to set writing goals, participate in writing sprints, and receive support from other like-minded writers. Why don’t you join us? We all need some inspiration and scheduled writing time.

Happy writing!