Do you need a coach?
You are the final authority on that question but let me provide you with a few reasons you may need a coach. Here is a partial list: You are
- new to writing
- hitting a wall
- Unsatisfied with the book
- thinking about quitting
- dejected because your book has been rejected
- in need of direction
- not seeing your books sell
- frustrated
- are aware of what’s wrong with the manuscript but you don’t know how to fix it.
- experiencing other reasons
I have written over 12 books over a 19-year period. Do I need a coach? You might be surprised at my answer.
The answer is yes.
Why?
There are a number of reasons, but the primary reason is that when left to myself I get very critical. I have a lot of knowledge regarding writing, editing, and publishing, but not all of it is good or agreeable.
That produces anxiety which in turn causes temerity, hesitation. I determined several years ago that I needed help. I didn’t like the way my career was going nor did I know how to change it. Thus began a repeated prayer, Dear Lord, I need a mentor. A short prayer but a correct prayer.
Earlier this year I came in contact with another author who is also a coach. We connected and he started coaching me. Someday, perhaps soon, I will go in to the many ways he has coached me, but right now I just want you to see that though I had written over 12 books I still needed a coach.
Coach Assets
Does he know more than I do about writing? Perhaps, but that is not necessary.
Does he know more than I do about editing? Perhaps, but that is not necessary.
Does he know more than I do about marketing? Perhaps, but you get the picture.
When you watch a football game or a basketball game or any sport, your eyes are focused on the athlete. But if it is a professional sport then you can bet there is a coach involved. Is he more talented than the athlete? Most coaches of professional sports that I have seen are out of shape.
But his skill set is to draw the best out of the person he is coaching. And that is what a coach is for a writer.
More on the other side of this break.
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Check us out and get your career moving.
Now back to the article.
Christian Coach
So, it can be argued that we all need coaches. Speaking as a Christian, I recommend that if you are a Christian, you should have a Christian mentor. Please note, I did not say Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, or any other denomination. It helps if you and your coach are of the same denomination. But the primary thing I am emphasizing is that your coach be as committed to Christ as you are at a minimum.
That can be difficult to learn, but if the two of you are talking to one another, then you should determine the fit rather quickly. I knew nothing of my coach’s denominational connection or his spiritual maturity. But as we talked about writing, I learned a great deal about his spiritual maturity simply by talking to him. I have since learned we are not the same denomination, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that he loves the Lord Jesus, is committed to serving Him, and operates within biblical boundaries.
Coach’s Advice
Another facet about an author is the advice he or she provides. I have greatly benefited from his advice. In case you are wondering who he is, his name is Tom Blubaugh and Christian Authors Community is the writers club he founded.
I will write more about the organization in the future.
VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.
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Company information:
T&R Independent Bookstore is a division of T&R Independent Books founded in 2014 by R. Frederick and Tess Riddle. TR Ministry, aka Ministry Services, is both a charge and an exciting outreach to the Christian Community.
