Curious about book coaching? I’ve got answers + a free book-planning exercise
Sign up for Summer Coaching Q&A Session this Friday | PLUS My client released her book with great optimism!
Hello! Dropping in today with two short announcements and a free download. I’m hosting a live Zoom call on Friday at noon EST to answer questions about my summer book coaching sessions, so if you’re interested, find out how to register below. And very exciting news: One of my clients released her book last week, and I’m thrilled for her!
In the meantime, I’m working on my next edition of 3 Small Items of Great Delight, coming your way soon, and an article about how you can make the meaningful memories of your memoir meaningful for readers too. I’m working very closely right now with a client on his memoir and thinking about this genre a lot.
Okay, scroll on down for the details. Back soon!
Summer Coaching Q&A on Friday
Only six summer coaching spots remaining.
Two openings for next week: July 15-16 and July 17-18
Still sitting with your book idea? Still wondering if this is the “right time” to start? Or worried you won’t get anything done on your book this summer? Let’s talk it through.
I’m hosting a free, casual Q&A session next week for writers who are curious about book coaching, summer writing, or just need a little clarity before diving in.
📅 Friday, July 11 at noon EST
📍 Live on Zoom — Free to join
💬 Ask me anything:
What exactly is book coaching?
How do I know if I’m “ready” to begin?
What can I accomplish in just a few sessions?
How do I choose between 1:1 and group?
Whether you’re actively considering The Summer Spark Writing Plan or just want to talk shop about writing, you’re welcome to join.
As a bonus for showing up, participants will get first access to my new free download, The Book Spark Test — a worksheet to explore your book idea and test your readiness.
Come with questions, or just come to listen. I’ll bring the answers (and possibly a cold drink). Hope to see you there!
My Client’s Optimistic Book Release
This is exciting! Wendy J. Schwartz has published her book The Optimism Code: Grab the Keys to Unlock Your Best Self.
I was honoured to work with Wendy in the early stages of the book, and I was so impressed with her focus—and what energy! She hit every single writing deadline and jumped into revisions without hesitation. Plus, I loved talking to a fellow optimist about what works and why.
The Optimism Code invites readers to try new strategies to manage stress and anxiety and approach situations with a new outlook. You can build your own set of optimism keys out of the exercises and strategies Wendy shares. I love The Sunshine Gaze exercise, a super simple and quick way to shift your mood.
What I like most about this book is how reader-centered it is: Wendy writes with approachability and humor, a great way to keep readers’ minds open to change.
If that sounds like a book you need on your bookshelf, it is on sale now.
I hope to bring more of Wendy’s experience as a first-time author to you here later this summer.
“I wanted critiquing, guidance, and accountability and got all three. We worked as a team and Dinah was always considerate of my needs and polite with her suggestions. The feedback and the deadlines were invaluable. She was encouraging, and that made me less afraid as a first-time author.” —Wendy J. Schwartz
Free Coaching Exercise
A first step towards a transformative nonfiction book
Are you writing nonfiction? I have a freebie for you today... Download my "From Here to There" worksheet—straight from my book-planning workbook. It’s designed to help you name the transformation your nonfiction book offers.
It's perfect if you’ve been stuck wondering: “What is my book really about?” or "How do I start?" Sure, you can explain what you do, but audiences want to hear about the transformation. What happens as a result of your solution or approach? That is what makes a good story and a good book.
What is the transformation you want to describe? Follow the prompts to see what you can uncover. Once you have that transformation defined, book planning becomes a lot easier.
When the document opens, just click the download icon and save it to your files. (It’s a fillable PDF.)
Use these prompts as a reset or as your first step toward a coaching session that takes you further. If you’re ready to get personal feedback and a full plan, reach out to talk about coaching.