Who I Am
Hi! I’m Jess, a Writer and a Book Coach. I have had a love of writing and teaching for as long as I can remember, and have spent the last decade studying the craft of fiction writing. Aside from training and earning my book coaching certification from Author Accelerator in 2023, I have also studied developmental editing with the Editorial Freelancers Association.
When I was a child, I used to write a play for every family holiday party. I would print out the script, color-code each role with highlighters, and then force my cousins to perform it with me (hehe!) I’m sure my cousins probably hated it at the time, but they still talk about those plays, 30 years later haha! My ultimate goal in life is to write and share all of the stories I have swimming around in my head, and teach others how to do the same!
I am married to a wonderful man (my maid of honor said watching our love story blossom was like watching a K-Drama haha). I am also a believer in Jesus, a Gryffindor, a fellow writer, and in short, just someone who loves to build others up.
My favorite part about being a Book Coach is that I get to be the coach I never had but always wanted; I get to be the person I wish I had in my corner when I was struggling with writing my stories the most. I get to be that person for YOU!
Fun fact:
I am a dragon rider and a scribe, my dragon is a 200 ton airplane (I moonlight as a flight attendant for a major airline hehe! but I’m a Storyteller in my core!)
BOOK COACH
In 2023, I trained and earned my book coaching certification from Author Accelerator where I coached writers as part of my curriculum. I have also studied developmental editing through the Editorial Freelancers Association and through self-study over the last decade. I believe the ability to coach and give feedback are learned skills, and if done improperly, they can crush a writer’s soul and their story. I have been professionally trained in the art of coaching writers AND in the craft of writing fiction as well. So rest assured no Hulk fists here!
WRITER
Being a writer myself, I know the pits of despair that can come with trying to get through a first draft. I’ve tasted the confusion and frustration of realizing my story has no plot, of trying and failing to write my way out; and I’ve also tasted the joy of getting the amazing story in my head onto the page into the hands of my loved ones. My struggles and battles with my own writing and the wisdom I’ve learned from it is a big part of what I bring to every lesson and every session with my writers, so they avoid suffering in the same ways I did, and experience more of the joy!
MY SUPERPOWER
My superpower is the heart of a teacher. My writers don’t just develop their stories, but learn the craft and strengthen their skills along the way, giving them the power to tell all the other stories that they will go on to tell without me.
My Experience
What I Believe
In my eyes, as a book coach, I am here to serve writers; to make their writing journey a little more comfortable.
I believe that anyone can turn their story idea into a novel and write it; all that is needed is the right support, a little knowledge of the craft, some courage, and persistence. Everything else: style, voice, mastery of the craft will come as you write more stories. So that’s why I believe these writers shouldn’t give up; why YOU shouldn’t give up on your story. I believe we would have so many amazing stories, perspectives and representation in the world if every writer were given the power, tools and support needed to finish their novels. I have faith that you are able to do this work of getting your story out of your head, written, and to “The End.”
I believe that each writer has their own natural ability to tell good stories because we spend our entire lives consuming stories every single day whether that be from books, movies, newspaper articles, marketing, songs. Deep down I believe you already know how to tell a good story. You have your own creative compass, and I value and honor that compass; my goal is to give it the space it needs to breathe, create and grow.
I believe writing a novel takes time, learning new skills take time, getting ideas out of your head takes time, getting unstuck takes time, unlearning “rules” that confuse you or that are not helpful take time, getting your story exactly how you want it takes time. And that’s okay! I believe you are able to do this work!
And the world needs to hear your story!
My Mission
I don’t want to just help you finish your current draft; I want to give you the power to write ALL those stories in your head!
My mission is to help fiction writers master the craft, develop their ideas into story elements, and get them through the drafting process. I want to help you learn to wield the craft like a StoryBender, not just do it once.
My desire is that your manuscript be the story you imagine in your head; a story you are proud and excited to share with others whether that be readers, agents, editors, or simply your mom and dad. And I want you to be able to do it again and again for all the other stories you want to tell!
“.... And in a page, that’s me, Book Coach Jess. As always, I’m rooting for YOU!”