I’ve always thought I would dedicate myself to writing fiction when the right time arose in my life. When I was fifty-five, I realized “If not now, when?” So I started learning to write, and discovered it was a lot harder than I’d thought it would be. I worked on one book for three years on my own, then finally sought out an editor to help me. After writing and rewriting, I came to the conclusion that I really didn’t know what I was doing. I’d learned a lot on that book, but it wasn’t any good. I needed training.

I thought about going for an MFA, but I didn’t really need another degree—I have a Ph.D. in social work and taught college for many years, and I was finished with degrees. So I applied for and was accepted into Stanford’s two year certificate program in novel writing. I quit my job and dedicated myself to learning, and finished that program with a good draft of the novel that eventually became WHO SHE IS.

I’m seventy-one now, I’ve published four novels, and I want to help other people who have dreamed of writing a novel but they don’t know how to begin. If I’d had a coach from the beginning of my journey, I wouldn’t have floundered for the first three years, and I might have published even more novels since then.

I want to help other people not waste their time in floundering. In typical fashion, I decided to take the Author Accelerator course in book coaching for fiction. I’m nearly finished with the program, and I’m ready to start taking clients.

If you:

• Have always wanted to write a novel but you don’t know where to start, I can help you get started and write that all-important first draft;
• Have completed a draft, but you know it needs to be revised (they all need to be revised, more than once), I can help with that;
• Tend to procrastinate or need help developing good writing habits, I’m your person;
• Have a deadline you need to meet, check with me. I’m good at cracking the whip;
• Are ready to query agents or publishers but you want fresh eyes to look at your work before you submit, I can help;
• Want an evaluation of the first chapter, the first thirty pages, or the first fifty pages for not much money, I’m happy to do that.
• Want a full developmental edit, I’m your woman.

If you are interested in learning how coaching can help you, please contact me at diane@dianebyington.com.

We can discuss what you want and come up with a service that will work for both of us. Because I’m new at this, my fees are lower than others. As I gain experience, the fees will increase, so now’s the time to call.

If not now, when?