Last Dash to the Finish Line
10-week coaching group
Is a 2021 writing goal hanging in the balance?
Are you wondering how you’ll make it happen?
Lots of writers enter the final quarter with lofty goals, but few actually make it to the finish line.
For the first few days—or even weeks—you show up to your desk and write—really write—about this fantastic idea.
Then, all of a sudden, your happy-dance-worthy project goes from AMAZING to MEH.
You ditch your desk for Netflix and a bottle of wine or the grout in your bathroom which definitely needs to be cleaned.
Guess what? You’ve just entered THE SLUMP—a completely normal part of the writing process that shelves many good writing projects.
If this is you, the slumps you’re facing are completely normal. Every writer faces them.
It’s actually PREDICTABLE. And that’s a good thing.
Because when you know the slump is coming, you can take action to prevent it.
As a writer, the cure for your missing mojo isn’t “more willpower” or gallons of coffee.
What you ACTUALLY need is a proven system for keeping yourself focused, on track, and energized no matter what.
That way, when your willpower (inevitably) runs out, the system supports you in keeping the fire alive.
Sound like just what you need?
Introducing…
Last Dash to the Finish Line:
a group coaching program for writers who want to crush their 2021 goals.
Here’s how it works:
Lash Dash to the Finish Line is a comprehensive system that will keep you inspired, aligned, and working toward your goals.
It leverages the power of mentorship, accountability, and peer-spiration (that’s positive peer pressure + inspiration) to help make your success inevitable.
The program runs for 10 weeks, from 10/5/21 – 12/14/21.
All meetings are on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM EDT to 3:00 PM PM EST
Meetings include six group coaching sessions that will take place on 10/5. 10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/30, 12/14
This group is limited to 6 writers.
What you’ll receive:
- Six two-hour group coaching sessions, including hot seats, workshops of your project, progress reports, group guidance, and strategic advice from Yours Truly
- Five 90-minute peer-spiration sessions where you’ll sit side-by-virtual-side with fellow writers, share your goals, and work on your own project (Trust me, you’ll get SO much done!)
- One 30-minute private deep-dive into your project
- Written feedback on 10-pages of your writing
- Unlimited email access to me.
- Membership in a cohort of motivated, talented writers who will support your success.
Instead of falling into THE SLUMP, you’ll jump into overdrive, knowing you have a system that keeps you accountable.
Showing up to your scheduled writing dates will be a cinch.
Doubts about your project will turn into questions that get answered.
Peer-spiration sessions will make scrollaxing during writing sessions and timewasting eh-hem “platform building,” a thing of the past.
You won’t just write more,
you’ll BUILD WRITING SKILLS,
INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE AND PASSION,
and feel good about CALLING YOURSELF A WRITER.
But don’t just take my word for it.
Here’s what my clients have to say about our work together.
“I didn’t ever think I would finish this book, but now I think I have a chance.”
“Lisa is the best coach I’ve ever worked with. She is wise, compassionate, and insightful.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the coaching sessions?
Tuesdays, 10/5/21 – 12/14/21 | 1:00 PM EDT – 3:00 PM EDT
Does it matter what genre I write in?
Coaching sessions are open to fiction and nonfiction writers with a clear project and goal in mind.
What happens during the two-hour coaching sessions?
During the first session, writers will introduce themselves to the group, identify their goals, amass their resources, and develop a plan for staying on track.
During the four subsequent sessions, each writer will have a chance to be in the hot seat, which includes a 30-minute workshop of your project. When you’re in the hot seat, you can submit up to 10 pages of writing for review and workshop, talk through a story-related problem, explore your resistance, or work through other issues such as platform and querying. You choose the topic and format. I’ll help you stay on track.
Writers who submit manuscripts for review will receive written feedback from me in addition to feedback shared during your hot seat session.
Not in the hot seat? You’ll have 15 minutes to report on your progress, ask for guidance, and receive support from your peers. The last 15 minutes of our session will be open for any remaining questions.
During our final session, you’ll have a chance to asses the progress you’ve made and plan for what’s next.
What are the writer’s expectations?
Writers need to make a clear commitment to their goal by
- attending and participating in all five coaching sessions,
- working consistently on their projects.
- honestly addressing any obstacles, and when appropriate, asking for help,
- and showing up for your peers during our coaching sessions.
You will be expected to read any work submitted to the group so you can participate in the coaching session, but you are not required to provide written feedback to anyone.
Why do I need to read my peers’ work if I don’t have to provide written feedback?
When you read another writer’s work-in-progress, you’ll discover the strengths and weaknesses in your own manuscript. You’ll find yourself simultaneously inspired and motivated to work harder toward your goals.
And, just so you know this not my original idea, see Jeremiah Chamberlin’s Glimmer Train post “This Workshop Is Not for You.”
How do I show up for my peers?
Writing the occasional one-sentence note of encouragement to a peer who’s struggling.
Attending the three peer-spiration sessions and sharing any tips you’ve learned through your creative experiences, and modeling success by staying on track and working on your project.
If I’m trying to meet my goals, why in the world do I need to show up for someone else?
We learn best when we give a little of ourselves to others. Your peers are highly motivated, talented people who are as committed to their projects as you are. Giving a little of your time will remind you that we succeed together. This is how you develop a support network that lasts well beyond our coaching group.
What’s a peers-piration session?
Peer-spiration sessions are largely independent work sessions you will attend using a secure Zoom link.
During the first 15 minutes of the session, you’ll discuss your intentions and what you hope to accomplish. You can also ask for encouragement.
During the next hour, you’ll turn off your Zoom video and audio and work independently on your project knowing your peers are doing the same.
During the final fifteen minutes, you’ll report on what you accomplished, share any struggles, and offer suggestions and inspiration to keep the whole group moving forward.
When will I receive my 30-minute individual coaching session?
Individual coaching sessions will be scheduled based on what works for both of our schedules and when you think you’ll need that individual help. This could be at the beginning, middle, or toward the end of our sessions.
So, what’s the cost?
$750 per writer for the 10-week session.
Why this price?
Ever blown off a webinar you paid $20 for because you had a headache? Let’s not talk about the free seminars you’ve signed up for and “forgotten.” We invest in our projects based on what we think they’re worth.
This is an investment in you and your project. This is about what you think you are worth.
The money you’re paying is not just for my guidance. It’s a form of paying into your accountability bank.
Are there any payment plans?
If you pay in advance and in full for the sessions the total cost is $750, or you may elect a payment plan. If you choose the payment plan, the total cost is $775.
For the payment plan,
- Your first payment of $255 will be due when you sign up.
- Your second payment of $255 is due on 11/1/21
- Your third payment of $255 will be due on 12/1/21
A contract will be required for payment plans, and a credit card will need to be kept on file.
Are there any refunds for this program?
When I work with writers, I’m a hell yes, all-in kind of coach. I want you to be a hell-yes all-in kind of client.
As a result, there are no refunds for this program.
However, given the fluid nature of our pandemic world, I am willing to discuss alternatives if someone experiences extenuating circumstances beyond their control.
Ready to Proceed?
The cost for this program is $750 per person (or $775 if you choose a payment plan).
Remember, this is an investment in you and your success. And, the benefits from this program, like membership in a cohort, are priceless.
Send me an email confirming your interest in this program and the goal you would like to pursue.
I will send you a contract and invoice for these sessions.
Invoices must be paid promptly. If they aren’t paid within one week of the issue date, I will offer the slot to another writer so I can ensure the group gets filled.
Interested but not currently a hell yes?
If you’re interested in joining a future group, let me know and I’ll put your name on my list of those who will get a priority notice regarding upcoming sessions.
Questions?
Send me an email. I’d love to talk to you about how we might work together.