SIGN UP FOR A FREE COACHING CALL
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Who am I?
My name is Tananarive Due. I am a bestselling novelist and screenwriter who won a 2002 American Book Award and a 2009 NAACP Image Award. I'm the author of seven solo novels and a civil rights memoir, and my novel My Soul to Keep is currently in development at Fox Searchlight. I am the co-author of the award-winning Tennyson Hardwick mystery series with my husband and writing partner, Steven Barnes, and actor Blair Underwood. Steve and I also sold our screenplay adaptation of my novel The Good House to Fox Searchlight.
I currently teach creative writing in the MFA program at Antioch University Los Angeles. For more information about me, visit my website at www.tananarivedue.com.
What is writing coaching/mentoring?
For a limited time, I am accepting mentees for one-on-one coaching via telephone and internet. My services include a 30-minute telephone call (or meaningful email correspondence) once a week and feedback on 20 pages of text per month. THIS IS NOT AN EDITING SERVICE, but we will focus on CRAFT, PLOT and CHARACTERIZATION. Twenty pages per month is the identical model for my MFA students.
But coaching emphasizes the life of the writer as well as the writing itself. I will help you develop the LIFE SKILLS and HABITS that will enable you to thrive as a PROFESSIONAL WRITER, as well as advice on how to BALANCE WRITING WITH WORK AND FAMILY LIFE.
As a coach, I will help you keep on track with GOALS, self-enforced DEADLINES and give you skills to OVERCOME FEARS that prevent writers from achieving their dreams. You are the sprinter on the track, and I am your coach cheering you from the sidelines, sharing advice based on more than a decade as a full-time writer. I will also help you navigate the struggle between ART AND COMMERCE.
I am a life coach for writers.
To see if coaching will work for you, contact me with the form below for a FREE COACHING CALL.
What is an "advanced writer"?
Unfortunately, at this time I am unable to offer services on the basics of learning how to write--although Steve's Lifewriting year-long course, an audio course and workbook you complete at home, is an excellent resource for writers of all levels.
I am primarily looking for PUBLISHED or SELF-PUBLISHED authors, MFA recipients, or experienced writers who are close to publication. SCREENWRITERS should have written more than one screenplay, had a screenplay optioned, or attended film school and/or classes. I AM NOT A SCRIPT OR BOOK DOCTOR, but by reading 20 pages a month, I can assess your strengths and weaknesses as we DEVISE A PLAN to help you LIVE THE WRITER'S LIFE so you can reach your POTENTIAL AS A WRITER.
How much will coaching cost?
I charge a flat fee of $300 per month. I charge solely by the month, so there is a minimum charge of one month's fees when you first sign up, but there is NO MINIMUM number of months. You might find that your writing life is on track after one month, or it may take six months or longer. If space allows, mentees can renew each month--after four sessions. In the future, the price may increase, but YOU WILL NEVER BE CHARGED MORE THAN YOUR ORIGINAL PRICE.
How can I balance my writing and my other responsibilities?
How can I beat writer's block and take my writing to the next level?
What are the secrets to creating characters and scenes that leap from the page?
Why am I putting off submitting my work to agents and editors?
Would I write more if I had someone looking over my shoulder?
If you have ever asked yourself these questions, one-on-one coaching may be for you.
What kinds of services are not offered with coaching?
As I've mentioned, this is not an editing service. Because I am a working writer with my own deadlines, there is a limit to how many pages I can read. I do not critique entire novels or screenplays, for example. I also cannot promise to refer mentees to editors or agents, although we will certainly discuss stategies for publication.
How can I sign up?
Take advantage of my offer for a FREE COACHING CALL. I want to speak to all mentees before we begin paid coaching services. Simply send me a note below, and I will email you as soon as possible to set up a time to talk.
It's a new year. Do you need a new plan?
Become the writer you know you can be.