Despite being told by my guidance counselor that I would never be a writer, I’ve built a life around writing, editing, and coaching aspiring writers. I’ve held editorial positions on the staff of magazine and book publishing companies.

After being asked multiple times what I did for a living and answering, “I’m a writer,” I’d hear the response, “I’ve always wanted to be a writer.” That prompted me to begin mentoring aspiring writers. After completing my master’s degree, I began teaching writing, technical writing, and marketing for authors at several colleges and universities.

My love of storytelling runs deep, and I believe lives are changed by blogs, books, and other forms of writing. It’s my passion and intention to assist others in positively transforming the lives of their readers.

What are some of the biggest challenges your clients face when writing and publishing a book?

Many of my clients are business owners and entrepreneurs and so their days are full. They often find it difficult to carve out time to achieve their goal of writing a book on their own. I provide accountability for them to bring their ideas to light, and in many cases, through the collaborative ghostwriting process, I make it possible to birth their book with less angst and more flow.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned in a professional sense?

I can name three which hold equal weight.

1. If an idea to write a book, a blog, or create a course comes to you, the Universe is tapping us on the shoulder to be the channel to bring the project to life.

2. That idea will likely follow us until we act upon it, and if we don’t, it will hang over us and drain our energy.

3. A writing project doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We can “chunk” it down by committing to a consistent writing practice, even if only an hour a week. And I often advocate for the 15-minute practice by setting a timer on our phone and carving out 15 minutes a day.

When not working with authors, what are some of the things that bring you joy?

During the week, I love taking walks in my neighborhood, doing yoga, and going to pilates and hot cycling classes. Exercise is important to me, and I often receive insights about my projects when I’m away from my computer. I also love sitting on the balcony with a novel on weekend afternoons.

My evenings are spent with my partner, dining on the delicious meals he prepares for us (yes, I am spoiled). We engage in conversations about our days, our families, and our travel plans. We have a few shows that we love to watch. We’re now devouring Madame Secretary and recently finished Succession.

I’m also a fly fisher, and while I don’t fly fish as often as I once did when I owned a fly-fishing lodge, being out in nature, embracing the challenges of catching fish on salt or fresh water, and enjoying the dance with my fly rod soothes my soul and rejuvenates me.

Visits with my children and grandchildren are important and frequently revolve around adventures in nature.

What are your hopes and dreams for this year?

I’ve set the intention to bring more balance into my life––giving myself the space for self-care (exercise, meditation, relaxation) so that I can be more present for my clients, my partner, and my family. I’m also setting aside time for my own projects––writing more blogs, beginning the sequel to The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout, and creating online courses to support my clients in their writing and publishing journey.