Writers, You Asked Me to Coach You

Now I'm all set to deliver.

Are you and your story lost in the woods? Imagine a mentor who guides you toward the path with a clear eye, an attentive ear and a sure instinct for what your story asks of you.

Exactly what I deliver as your personal story coach. Until now, you had to know me well to book this service. By popular demand, you can engage me right here.

If your standard of success is a six-figure book deal, I’m not the one you seek. I can’t help you nail a proposal, find an agent or break into Modern Love. My sole focus is bringing one story from your heart to the reader’s through mindful choices that will stretch you as a writer.

“Woman Writing” by the Italian Impressionist Federico Zandomeneghi. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The story knows the way

I’ve been bringing stories home for more than 60 years—my own and those of countless writers I’ve mentored in workshops or published as an editor for Canada’s leading women’s magazine.

In the stories closest to my heart, memoirs and personal essays, I discovered a pattern: The story knows the way. The writer, maybe not. The writer can’t silence the nattering voice within: “Who cares about this story? It’ll never sell. My family will hate it.”

I listen to the quiet voice of the story. And I’ll be right beside you as its power and potential unfurl. Don’t be surprised if you can’t wait to dive back in.

What I do

I work where I shine, with memoirs and personal essays of 2500 words or less (sorry, no fiction or book projects). My style leans toward questioning, not critiquing.

As the advocate for your story, I’ll consider key moments you’ve scanted or left out. You wouldn’t be the first to lavish hundreds of words on curlicues readers tend to skip while the crux of your story calls, “Hey, what about me?”

I have a sharp eye for fine details and a reverence for word craft. Once upon a time, I’d zero in on every little thing that could be better. Now I focus on the most important thing: how to move your story forward with grace and purpose. We’ll look at what you’re doing well so you can do it more often. If one or two bad habits are tripping up the story, I’ll call them to your attention.

I’ve worked with writers at all levels from beginner to award winner. I love watching writers gain courage and conviction.

How I work

Everything depends on the fit between us. We explore it in a free, 20-minute Zoom call. If we’re not both certain I can help you, I may know of someone who can.

My introductory rate is $200 an hour with a two-hour minimum. Paid subscribers get a $25 discount on the first booking.

Two hours of my time could be all you need (typically one hour of reading and mulling, another hour of Zooming). My goal is not to charge you for draft after draft. It’s to plant a little of my learning in your head so that you need me only now and then or not at all.

Annotated Google docs and “fix notes” are not a smart use of my time or your money. They ossify an editor’s first impressions, which rely entirely on the writer’s draft. When we meet, we discover what you haven’t yet written and where it can take your story. That’s where the magic happens.

Book your free Zoom call here. If your job or time zone rules out these windows, shoot me a message: ronamaynard@substack.com.

I can’t wait to hear from you.

Clients say:

“Rona clearly articulated how I could make my story stronger. Her insightful, supportive comments zeroed in the key elements. She made me feel eager to revise.”

Frieda Wishinsky, award-winning author of more than 80 books for children

"Rona heard my writer's voice and made sure I could hear it, too. She helped me zero in on aspects of the story that needed more: more heart, more guts, more me. This is a priceless opportunity to work with the best. Go for it—you won't be disappointed."

Nan Tepper, writer, The Next Write Thing