Are you traveling over the holidays? Wondering if you should try to write or not over your break? “Ask the Writing Coach: Should I Take My Computer on Vacation?” Catherine, a freelance writer, asks, “I leave town for two weeks tomorrow and I’m debating: should I pack the laptop? How do I decide if I […]
I recently welcomed a vibrant, ambitious writer to my practice. During her complimentary “Get Acquainted” Call with me, she mentioned she’d been following me for a few years online – reading my blog, etc. “What took you so long to get in touch, then?” I asked her. She replied, “I really didn’t think I needed […]
Every day, I help writers step through the painful struggles that hold them back from creating fulfilling writing habits and careers. And every day – as a vocalist, musician and writer, I am traveling on this path, too. This weekend I found an old journal and I discovered a very clear intention I’d set, at […]
I’m a late-adopter when it comes to media. (Case in point: my husband and I waited until 2014 to “discover” The West Wing — a full eight years after the series ended.) So imagine my surprise when I found myself binge-watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix this past week. Have you watched it? […]
I’ve been happy this month, watching my clients grow and thrive as writers and busy, passionate people in the world! There have been big wins. For instance, Pamela Toler, a woman who’s authored more than a few books to-date, just published an important book, one that’s infused with her wit and voice and squarely centered […]
It’s not easy to be courageously creative. Breaking through resistance is absolutely worth it though. Here’s a recent story from my own creative life. I hope it fires you up to be more brave and committed to your writing. A few months ago, I began surrendering to my passion for music. As my daughter began her new school […]
This Thanksgiving, I gave my 11-year-old daughter a gift I’ve been dreaming of giving her for years. I didn’t give a pony, a fancy trip or a camera. I gave her a song. After studying a songwriter I admire, I composed a bit of new music at the piano one day. I liked it, and […]
In any given week, I spend a minimum of 3 to 5 hours focused and engaged in creative work. (That’s 3% of my waking hours. Not much time, right? Never underestimate the power of a focused half-hour or hour of writing, though. I get a lot done. Even better, this modest investment yields so much good […]
Last Sunday, I spent the day with eight talented singers in a daylong Vocal Improv masterclass. (If you like Bobby McFerrin, then you can imagine the kinds of sounds and songs we improvised together.) Setting a full day aside for myself wasn’t easy. Even your coach occasionally struggles to prioritize time for writing, art or […]
When I became a mother, something inside me blossomed. You see, before I became pregnant with my daughter, I wasn’t sure that “mothering” was the right thing for a woman like me. I had a list of reasons why, reasons that sounded something like this — “I’m creative, and I absolutely savor my alone time.” […]
About this series: Lots of blogs will tell you how to take charge and get serious about your passions. I’m here to share with you a different path, and it’s one that won’t resonate with everyone. In the next three weeks, I’m going to show you how to finally get serious about your passion project. […]
As I wrote to you last week: Lots of blogs will tell you how to take charge and get serious about your passions. I’m here to share with you a different path, and it’s one that won’t resonate with everyone. In the next three weeks, I’m going to show you how to finally get serious […]
I like to think of my creativity as a living thing. When I intentionally care for and nurture it, my ability to solve problems, think outside the box and create beauty improves. When I tend to this living force inside me, my creative ability thrives! Watch today’s video for two very simple practices you can […]
Just over a month ago, I stood onstage with my guitar and a friend in an intimate, legendary bar in Sausalito, California. For nearly an hour, my modest but meaningful dream unfolded, one that I’d been pursuing for quite awhile! True to coaching form, I set a few performance goals for myself. I wanted to: […]
