Reading time: 3.14

766 words

Hey Reader,

Halfway up Cader Idris, I ran out of everything: energy, patience, my breakfast, and the ability to form any coherent thoughts to solve the problem in front of me.

The problem was that I hadn’t eaten enough breakfast and I hadn’t brought enough proper food and I really hadn’t thought the whole thing through. Good job my base level of fitness was high, ey?

I stopped for a moment and considered: I could turn around and go back the way I came, which was mostly downhill and would really irritate me. Or I could take a beat, drink some water, eat an apple, and carry on.

Turns out the apple had some kind of magical powers because that apple got me to the top of the mountain to make a little cheerleading pyramid with my friends on the trig point, and most of the way back to the car where a dirty chai latte with oat milk was waiting for me.

If I’d listened to the ghouls in my head telling me that I was an idiot and unfit and one of those embarrassing people who get airlifted off the sides of mountains because they decided to climb in flip-flops (I was not wearing flip-flops) I would’ve had a little whimper and gone back home again.

But I didn’t. Mostly because Joe was there to point out that I was hungry and maybe an apple would help.

He showed me data that I couldn’t see because I was, honestly, too busy feeling sorry for myself and being embarrassed.

Sometimes we just need someone to show us something we can’t quite see ourselves.

My client, this week, told me she’d stalled in writing her book because, in her words, “I don’t want it to be that kind of book.”

She was encountering resistance all over the place and was worried she was “getting it all wrong.”

I don’t think you can get it wrong at this stage (or any). It’s all part of the process. It’s all data — not a stop sign.

Feeling resistance? Dig into it.

Going in the wrong direction? Explore why, then turn left. Or right. Or upside down.

Pissed off with your words? Write yourself an angry note and be really specific.

They’re not miracle cures but they’ll get you moving again.

You can do this yourself, but it’s even better if you do it with someone else because they’ll see things you don’t. They’ll ask you questions you wouldn’t think of. You won’t like all the questions, but they’ll be helpful.

This is just one of the small but powerful benefits of working with a writing coach. A tiny part of the way I work to unfck people’s writing process and help them build confidence.

I could do this — and much more — for you, too, if you’re banging your head against a wall.

I’m taking bookings for June now and here are your options:

• ​1 VIP Day spot for massive and rapid quantum leaps on your book. One client had been agonising over his book for two years before he came to me, ready to abandon it completely. In one day, we fixed every problem, restructured it, and gave him a plan. In 6 months it was a bestseller. £5,000 (+VAT where applicable).
• ​2 Book Breakthrough: Unlocked sessions. These are for future authors who are ready to start but don’t know how or why or what happens next. By the time we’re done, your idea is crystal clear and embedded in your writing and/or business plan. You’ve got a picture of your ideal reader and their journey. Your outline is ready. You have a plan to write. One client I worked with last month got the clarity she needed, put out ONE social media post, and has had 200 people email her to tell her how much they need this book. £1,450 (+VAT where applicable).
• ​1 Book Breakthrough Lab 3-month coaching spot. This is for writers who want ongoing coaching, editing, and support to get their first draft finished and ready for polishing. I’m working with someone at the moment who never thought she’d be able to write a book. One month in and she’s not only writing, but she’s doing something else she has struggled to do for years (I can’t tell you what but I’ll share when she’s done). £7,500 (+VAT where applicable) — broken into 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.

Not sure which option is best for you? Book a chat with me here and let’s find out.

TTFN,

Vicky 🫡

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