With the school year starting, many of my recent coaching conversations have focused on writing.

Some conversations have addressed genres of writing related to schooling: assignment design, teaching portfolios, tenure and promotion materials, cover letters, dissertations, and grant applications.

Some conversations have focused on prioritizing research during the school year, especially how to write in the midst of burnout and productivity pressures.

Some conversations have reached far beyond the school context with attention to websites, business plans, book proposals, podcasts, creative memoirs, poetry, blog posts, social media, and the popular press.

Whatever writing might mean for you now, I’m here to provide writing support.

I’m grateful to Dr. Elaine Richardson for inviting me to create this flyer for the Columbus Women & Girl’s Fest, which you can support here.

Writing Support Takes Many Shapes

As writers, we need such different things—at different life stages, with different projects, and for different reasons. There’s no one-size-fits-all writing support. Here are a few forms of support I’m able to offer now. And I’m open to requests for what you want and need.

For ongoing support:

The weekly writing group meets on Fridays 10am-1pm ET. We are a small group who builds relationships and supports each other around writing. The group opens for new enrollment every two months. Luckily, there’s a lot consistency in the group and shared investment in relational connectedness, writing accountability, and even mentoring. I’m so grateful for how colleagues are contributing to and building this shared space. Learn more about the weekly group here.

For as-needed support:

One-day writing retreats are scheduled a few times each month. These days include time to connect with others and to write on your own. I offer guided meditations, and I’m available to connect one-with-one. Review upcoming retreat dates here.

For individualized support:

The conversations I described above typically happen through one-with-one coaching, which is personalized, emergent, and responsive to each person and situation. Sometimes in coaching, we address blocks to writing and foster the longing to write. Sometimes we review drafts and talk about ideas, structure, form, genre, audience expectations—big picture stuff. Sometimes we’re strategizing about how writing fits into everyday life and how to move projects forward. Sometimes we’re cultivating reading practices or reviewing past feedback or healing the trauma of graduate education. There are many possibilities.

For grounding support:

In addition to real-time writing support through writing groups, retreats, coaching, and workshops (I facilitate a few workshops throughout the year), I also offer support asynchronously. One way to connect is through a monthly subscription. Other ways include blog posts about writing, contemplative writing practices, journal prompts, and guided meditations for writers. My hope is that these offerings nourish reflection and getting grounded as writers.

If you’re interested in learning more about writing support, reach out. I offer free consultations to meet, answer questions, and discern if we’re a good fit for coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Writing Support

 1. Are you available for editing?

I regularly do what’s called developmental editing—offering reader feedback and revision suggestions. This involves getting into big-picture matters. It can bring attention to particular words, sentences, and paragraphs as well. Developmental editing is also different from copyediting and proofreading. I keep a list of editors I recommend, if that’s ever helpful.

2. Can I use professional development funds?

Yes, absolutely. I regularly create custom invoices and work with program administrators and financial officers. We can talk about what you need in order to use professional development funds.

3. Do you offer discounts or payment plans?

Yes, absolutely. My commitment to striving toward justice includes working to make offerings widely accessible, being creative with money, and recognizing that a range of approaches is needed.

There are options to join writing groups and writing retreats for free. No questions asked.

Similarly, if the cost of coaching is prohibitive, let’s talk about a fair price for you.

And if you’d like to contribute scholarship support, consider subscribing via Patreon. The sharer and sustainer tiers are focused on sharing to keep registration free for anyone who finds offerings cost prohibitive. The goal is for graduate students, adjunct faculty, and community writers to join writing groups, retreats, and workshops without paying.

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This post is written by Beth Godbee, Ph.D. for Heart-Head-Hands.com. Subscribe to the newsletter for additional resources and announcements.