When asked as a child, “What do you like to do?”, I always answered with the same three things: reading, writing, and drawing.
Drawing didn’t work out for me. Fun hobby, but that is not where my talents lie. Just ask my former students. Much laughter ensued when I had to draw a diagram for science or a map for social studies.
However, to this day, reading and writing are still at the top of my list. I was the kid that would sit inside reading for endless hours- Babysitters Club and R. L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series, to name some favorites. You could also find me hunkered down at my desk with my Lisa Frank notebook (all the feels if you are an 80’s or 90’s kid), writing story after story. After being chosen to go to the Young Author’s Fair in second grade with my very cheesy, rhyming Halloween story, and listening to authors tell me that I too could be an author...it was a done deal. My love of writing was anchored in place at the ripe old age of seven.
Me holding my Young Author's Fair story, My Haunted House
Watching as a REAL LIVE AUTHOR signed the book I was buying. Swoon. I now wanted to be an author.
It should be no surprise that I was drawn to work that involved reading and writing. When I became a teacher, I was constantly reading my students’ work and helping them to discover their stories. In my free time, as a “writer friend”, I would review my friends’ works-in-progress and give feedback and support.
One of those friends sent me an article to read: “What is a Book Coach? An interview with Jennie Nash.” MIND BLOWN. There existed a career that could combine my super powers?
I am a teacher. I thrive on helping others reach their goals.
I am a reader. Books have always brought me so much JOY.
I am a writer. I know that the written word has the power to engage minds and influence generations.
I am a coach. Through teaching students, coaching sports, and mentoring kids, I know how to help people realize their full potential through a potent mix of cheerleading, accountability, and tough love.
Book coaching seemed like someone had taken all of my passions, threw them in a blender labelled “Career Creator”, and spit out THIS EXACT JOB!
I signed up for the “wait list” to get the news about the new book coach training program. Since then, I’ve completed the courses and become an Author Accelerator Advanced Certified Book Coach. My dream job has come to fruition, and I can’t wait to share my passions, expertise, and enthusiasm with you and your story- especially if you are writing middle grade or young adult fiction.
I can help you write a story that will change someone’s life.
With the rest of my life? I live with my husband, three kids, and a dog in Minnesota. I enjoy spending time outdoors, boating, walking, yoga, and chasing my three kids to their wide array of activities. My favorite writing/editing snack is Dr. Pepper and dark chocolate covered Himalayan salted almonds. (Mmmm…) Some of my all time favorite books are Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, Harry Potter (all of them!) by J.K. Rowling, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, For the Love by Jen Hatmaker, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, and Wonder by R.J. Palacio.