Coach Marla Beck

A Writers’ Prayer for You

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With all the challenges of writing, sometimes we overlook just how magical and amazing it is to be a writer.  But thankfulness and gratitude, as Faulkner reminds us, is essential: “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” ― William Faulkner […]

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How Wise Writers Achieve Their Potential

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Your response to last week’s article, Hey, Writer – Your Courage is Calling, was phenomenal!  Thank you for your messages, and I’m glad my ideas resonated for you.  Many of you wrote me to say that the article helped you believe in your voice, and be more courageous with writing. One writer shared with me a […]

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Hey, Writer – Your Courage is Calling

writer

I haven’t been able to put into words how I’ve been feeling the past few weeks.  Then I came across this quote, from the Buddhist teacher, Jack Kornfield: “Now is the time to steady your mind and open your heart.  Listen to your deepest values, and find your own unique way to stand for them. […]

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How Sara Got Unstuck with Her Writing

frustrated writer behind laptop

Every day, I talk with writers who secretly struggle. Perhaps writing for-hire is killing their passion to focus on and write what really matters… Perhaps they’re good at their craft but, no matter how hard they try, they can’t seem to create habits and systems to spark fresh ideas and intentionally grow their careers… Perhaps […]

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The Critical First Step in Achieving Your Writing Dream (It’s Not What You Think)

writing dream

If you’re like many of the writers in my community, somewhere deep in your heart dwells a writing dream that’s dear to you. Like many writers, you think you’d love… …becoming well-known for your book, essays or stories …making more money with your own ideas …earning book contracts, critical acclaim, and invitations to speak, write, […]

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This kind of writing progress? It’s absolutely possible for YOU, too.

writing

Hello, and welcome to September! It’s an exciting time of year. Are you feeling ready to get organized and serious about your writing dreams? If so, today I’ve got a treat. First, a bit of backstory. Several weeks ago, I welcomed several new aspiring writers to my practice. Although they have different goals and plans […]

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From the Heart?

creative practice

In the deep earth of many women’s lives dwells something nearly magical:  a truthful, powerful river of longing, creative power and passion. You might not see this creative energy when you glance at the woman across from you in the produce section.  You might not sense that underlying passion when she’s passing you with the […]

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Reclaim Your Creativity and Create a Regular Writing Habit

creativity

A few months ago, I spoke with an aspiring writer who spent most of her waking hours doing many good things.  Except writing. This woman worked full-time, and was accomplished in her field.  She paid attention to her body, and invested time and energy in regular exercise.  She was attentive to her children, her spouse, […]

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The Path to Productive Writing (Even in the Summer)

productive writing

Summer.  Is this time of year frustrating and destructive for your writing?  If so, let’s chat. Some days, I experience summer as a languid and almost sensual force of flow and ease.  This midyear season can be quite lovely as it cloaks us with heat, warmth, spaciousness, and an unmistakable invitation to have fun, take […]

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Bad Writing Day? Or Big Writing Problem?

angry cat

At a Portland farmer’s market years ago, I once picked up a brightly-painted greeting card with this text on the front: “Not every day can be a feast of lanterns.” I bought several copies of the card, and shared them with a few friends through the years. Except for one.  That one, I keep for […]

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Your Finished Book is Your Passport

book

“The answer to all writing, to any career for that matter, is love.” -Ray Bradbury I’ve had the good fortune to coach some pretty accomplished men and women to finish their books and create a sustainable, happy writing habit. Know what I’ve noticed? Many of these men and women have turned personal illnesses, setbacks or […]

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Born to Write?

write

I still remember the first time I saw my husband on a skateboard. Years ago, he was still my boyfriend, and one day I drove towards the road he lived on for a visit. As I rolled up to a two-way stop sign in his neighborhood, I saw Jon speed by in front of me […]

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Overwhelmed? Here’s Why Your Writing CAN’T Wait.

writing

WRITING & OVERWHELM So many writers I meet struggle with feeling totally overwhelmed. Partners, friends and family need attention. So do clients and bosses! It takes TIME to do life in a way that supports all of you:  relationships, finances, professional attainment, health and wellness, spirituality, creativity and fun. And way too often, when we […]

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When You Don’t Follow Up with Agents, Editors or Readers

follow up

Not long ago, I met a writer who desperately wanted cut through the clutter of her busy schedule and inner resistance so she could finally focus on writing. She had a book to finish. Her book was personally meaningful and commercially viable.  Not only was its concept well-developed and the book half-written, she’d successfully lined up people […]

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Are You Uninspired and Stuck with Your Writing?

writing

How’s your writing going these days? When you sit down to write, do you sometimes find that you have nothing to say?  No new ideas? No curiosities to explore?  No exciting insights or creative energy? Then what happens? Do you start to doubt yourself as a writer?  Lose faith in your project?  Do you force […]

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