@diannmills

C.S. Lewis did not write behind closed doors and hide his manuscripts from the rest of the world. Rather he and other renowned Christian friends formed the Inklings, a group destined to encourage each other in spiritual and writing disciplines. They read their work aloud and met for almost twenty years. That’s impressive.

Nothing is more difficult than hearing our work read from the lips of another writer or having our work critiqued by a professional writer. But it’s how we learn.

• A serious writer adheres to the following:
• Writes everyday
• Seeks purpose in a prayerful environment
• Studies the how-to books
• Attends conferences and workshops
• Reads in the genre the writer wishes to write
• Views social media as a means of communicating value to others

But where does a writing coach fit? A few things to consider is this:

1. When you decided it was time to drive a car, did you have an instructor?
2. When you struggled with math, did you find a tutor?
3. When you became a Christian, were you given the Holy Spirit and perhaps someone to disciple you?

Doesn’t it make sense to find a coach when the writer embarks upon the journey of publication? Here are 7 reasons why:

1. The writer develops good habits instead of bad ones.
2. The writer learns from a seasoned writer.
3. The writer grows rhino skin in the face of difficult critiques.
4. The writer understands the value of hard work.
5. The writer appreciates a cheerleader in his/her court.
6. The writer understands the writing coach or mentor is a prayer warrior.
7. The writer sees that one day she will be able to help another writer.

The moment a writer chooses to become a writer is the time to initiate a writing coach. Hold on tight until the book is finished, edited, submitted, and feedback is provided. In short, your writing coach I can be your career’s best friend.

Have you experienced a writing coach who refused to allow you to create mediocre writing? How did the coach challenge and inspire you?