Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a Discovery Session through Janice Beetle Books with Charlene Moses of Laconia, New Hampshire. She is working on a memoir about painful events that occurred in her family when she was growing up.

Charlene has taken some correspondence courses in writing for children and teenagers, but she has not had formal training or experience, and as she worked on her manuscript, that fact concerned her. She sought me out to serve as a resource and an objective voice. I told her to keep writing. She is well on the right track.

“I’ve always had the urge to want to write,” she says. “It just never really happened. I’ve written songs or poems in the past, but this book is my first biggie.” 

Indeed, it is.

I am grateful that Charlene took the time to answer the below questions about our Discovery Session. 

What are you working on as a writer at this time?

I am working on my life story as a child and young adult. The dramatic experiences I went through.

What prompted you to have Janice review your memoir-in-progress?

I knew I would need help because of my inexperience. When I saw Janice’s ad in the Laconia Daily Sun, it caught my attention. Her picture indicated to me that there was something special about Janice. She had a spiritual look and honesty in her eyes. My instincts were right on.

What were you hoping to achieve in the session?

I was hoping to feel a sense of accomplishment and to hear that I did have the ability and compassion to continue my journey. The session taught me just that. I received the encouragement I needed to proceed.

What did you learn that was helpful?

I received some wonderful critiques that could help make my story come more alive and exciting for the readers.

Any other specific tidbits that will help you to self-edit your work?

The suggestions that were given were so helpful that I can’t wait to go back and review my work and make it even better.

Did you feel you made a connection with Janice? If yes, in what way?

I definitely felt a connection with Janice. I felt as though we have known each other for a long time. I felt she could actually feel my experiences with me and knew where I wanted to go with my story. Her sensitivity showed she cared about who I am and that she wanted to help me in every way possible.

Anything else that might be helpful feedback for Janice or someone thinking about working with her?

Janice is a very knowledgeable and professional person. She is also very caring and compassionate. She makes you feel right at home and makes you feel that you can accomplish anything your heart desires. Even though I have not had a lot of experience in writing, she made me feel that I was already a successful writer and could reach beyond what I ever hoped for. I can see why other people have asked for her help, and I am so glad that I found her. I wouldn’t have gotten even this far without her. Anyone else would be blessed to work with her.

The post Coaching a Writer in Progress appeared first on Beetle Press.

Note: I recently did what I call a Discovery Session with a writer named Charles Merida. He calls himself Chaz and describes himself this way on his Twitter page: “Published Writer, YouTubist, Actor, MBA, echnoGeek, F/Vlogger, Father, Brother, and Jedi Knight of the Order of Starfleet.” Charles had a dream in 2015 that inspired a trilogy of books. I had the chance to read a portion of the first book recently and provide Charles with some feedback and direction on publishing. When we were done, he told me, “My brain is having a celestial party with all of this information.” I asked Charles to answer the following questions for this blog.

Your name as you would like it to appear in the blog.

J.M. Charles

What are you working on as a writer at this time?

“The 151,” a fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi trilogy.

What prompted you to have Janice review your work of fiction that is in progress?

I work at Fisher Auto Parts in Raymond, New Hampshire, as a shuttle driver, and a colleague of mine, Tom Marden, saw Janice’s advertisement in the Laconia Daily Sun. He mentioned it to me and then scoured the entire warehouse for the newspaper, finding it at the tail end of the work day. I called Janice shortly after and the rest is history.

What were you hoping to achieve in the session?

I have had over 40 beta readers handle various parts of my book, and only a handful had some kind of response. Janice, after reading just 39 pages, provided me with more insight than any of them. She was an absolute joy to talk to you. The Force is most definitely strong with her.

Name three things you learned that were helpful.

#1  I am not alone in trying to make my dream happen. Janice is proof that with effort and persistence, it can and will happen.

#2 I am walking my own path, and, although I have had doubts, my work is really good.

#3 Janice has recommended various resources and the initial steps of moving forward with “The 151.” The Force works in mysterious ways, and I am grateful that Janice entered into my non-linear timeline.

Any other specific tidbits that will now help you to move forward?

I wouldn’t call them tidbits, maybe BigBits. Janice helped me understand that even though the flashlight of imagination can have moments when it stops working, to jiggle it and shine it on another part to re-inspire.

Did you feel you made a connection with Janice? If yes, in what way?

Absolutely! The moment I left the first voicemail when I called Janice, I felt a certain energy frequency with her voice, despite it being a two-dimensional, electronic recording. The following phone conversation would confirm that realization. I look forward to the wonder and magic that will come from our connection.

Anything else that might be helpful feedback for Janice or someone thinking about working with her?

We all have that a moment when anxiety and fear, meet eye to eye with confidence and courage. I felt all that up to that moment I called Janice. Since that call, anxiety and fear have had their ass kicked. Janice’s honesty, and integrity, took center stage of our conversations as we discussed my project. I look forward to hearing about the amazing works Janice will be involved in.

The post Coaching a Sci-fi/Fantasy Writer appeared first on Beetle Press.