Working The Plan
In my last post, I outlined some next right steps for me regarding my writing – editing my book and finishing my journal coaching classes.
Right Step #1: I am happy to report that I am about half way done with editing my book. The process is going so easily that I’m wondering why I ever postponed this to begin with. Oh I remember – I am not all that crazy about this project any more but I’m no quitter. At the very least, this project is helping me tread water until I figure out what Book 4 will be. If I continue at my current pace, I will be done with this round of editing by Independence Day. After that, Round 2 will begin.
For my projects, I usually put the work through at least three rounds of edits. Sometimes I will use an outside editor, but I usually do the work myself as I also have an editing background. I may also get outside feedback. I did this for my last book, and my reviewers offered valuable changes that made the book much better. After all this, I will submit it to my current publisher as it has the right of first refusal. So, if all goes according to plan, the book may be ready for submission by Spring 2025.
Right Step #2: I am two weeks away from completing my course in journal coaching. I don’t think I have gone into much detail about this endeavor, so I’ll do that now. Since April, I have been taking lessons in “The Art of Journal Coaching” via the International Association of Journal Writing. I’ve been learning the ins and outs of coaching using a journaling approach and now we are learning the nuts and bolts of building a business. Although I do some coaching in my therapy sessions, I want to go full into journal coaching separate from my therapy practice.
What is journal coaching? Well, it is a method of coaching that uses journaling as the primary tool. Clients are asked to use writing prompts, visualizations and other writing-based activities to find solutions, gain insight and discover what the next right step would be. I’ve done this type of writing off and on throughout my life but didn’t have a name for what I was doing until recently. I do now – journal coaching. This next career pivot makes the most sense to me because it marries two passions of mine – helping people and writing.
So with this journal coaching, I hope to offer 1:1 sessions, workshops and eventually, retreats. The last offering is my true dream – to offer retreats on a regular basis. Soon I will be adding a page to my website about journal coaching, so if this is something that may interest you, stay tuned.
Write & Rise, my friends.
