tell me
What’s your story?
is uniquely and universally human. We all use story to navigate life, illustrate who we are, and communicate with emotional impact. Our unique stories spark curiosity, and the way our narratives connect to the universal experience of the human condition makes them profound and meaningful, and therefore, memorable and affecting.
Distinctive stories connected to universal themes inspire, change minds, and win hearts. Our legacies – our hero stories – are powerful tools we can use to write bestsellers, create compelling presentations, educate the next generation, launch new products, attract investors, or even sell an idea or a business.
What’s your story?
Storytelling I specialize in story coaching and support for professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics.
My process is simple yet bespoke. There is no one-size-fits-all program. I assess each client based on their work and the desired goal, then create a custom plan to guide and provide support through the process of creation — from idea to fruition.
Services
Coaching
Story — how to find, form, and utilize story to create, compel, and communicate
Writing — bespoke lessons, tailored feedback, and substantive editing
Presentations — create compelling presentations, speeches, lectures, and applications by weaving story with information
Editing
Writing Review — editing for clarity, consistency, grammar, and craft
Manuscript Review — a substantive review of long-form written work intended for publication
Professional Biography
Who are you? As a biographer, I use my interview and research skills to find your unique qualities, talents, and credentials, then craft a professional biography tailored to your needs.
I deliver three formats: the long-form bio, 750-1000 words, tells the whole story, and provides a deeper dive into who you are and what you do; the two shorter versions, pulled from highlights of the full bio, are perfect for marketing and promotional material, or to send to anyone needing a snapshot of your credentials and skills.
Professional Interview
Are you launching a new product, promoting your new work or project, imparting valuable information, or embarking on an endeavour? Interviews provide a unique and powerful way to get your message across while showing your potential clients or audience who you are and how your expertise relates to the subject at hand.
Talking with professionals and entrepreneurs about their passion is my passion! After the interview, I transcribe and edit the conversation into a cohesive and informative interview-style article you can use for marketing or pitching to support your vision and move your project forward. I am also available for on-camera interviews should you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is an interesting question because we — you and I — figure it out together. I start with exploring your work to get my mind moving in the right direction. Then we have a complimentary call. If you’re right at the beginning of a project and all you have is ideas, we start with a conversation. I give you feedback on what I’ve seen, or what you’ve outlined, and a rough idea of a plan to move forward together. Then we fine-tune to fit your goals, needs, and time.
Timing is completely up to you; the process is driven by you. We work the process as many times as it takes, or as many times as you like. You submit material, I review, we talk it over, we plan next steps. Other than discussing the work at hand, I may suggest development work, or make one-sheets on specific craft or creative topics for you. I may suggest things to read or to watch related to your project or goal. I’m also always available to talk if you need a problem-solving session or some encouragement. Each time you move the set piece forward, I move with you.
It’s easy to book time with me, but I don’t have an online calendar. After the initial email, we decide on a way to connect that suits us both. Then you reach out when you want to book time, or send me material, or communicate anything. And life is full, so I am flexible about cancellations. There’s no policy, just courtesy between us.
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Every project is different, so there is no price-list menu possible. I charge hourly for coaching and editing, and a flat fee for professional biographies and interviews based on a calculation of the plan and my hourly rate. Manuscript review fees are based on word count. My current fee range is $125-$150/hour, depending on the type of output required. Creating is more involved than reviewing, for example. Our process is defined together. After the initial conversation, when I understand the project, we talk about the potential cost and agree on the fee structure.
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This question often relates to manuscript reviews and biographies/interviews. If your manuscript is complete, I usually require one week per 25,000 words. Biographies and interviews require coordinating with your schedule. For most submission I am able review in the space of an hour or two, the turn-around time is approximately one week.
One caveat — if I’m fully booked, there might be a short wait to get started.
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I have a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of King’s College/Dalhousie. I won the CBC Literary Award for Nonfiction. I have a traditionally published book (nonfiction; biography) on the market. I have worked with clients on novels, memoirs, educational nonfiction, libretti, presentations, applications, and overall solutions to creative conundrums. I have written long and short form biographies, completed years of journalistic research and reporting, and interviewed many individuals from various professions, circumstances, and walks of life.
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What can you share so I understand the scope and goal of the work at hand? Do you have words on a page, some visuals, an important application, or a presentation that needs to wow the audience? Can you articulate the ideas you want to communicate? Know your what.
What are your expectations? Do you want to be traditionally published? Are you hoping to win an award, a contract, some funding? Are you trying to grow an audience, impart your knowledge, teach your expertise? Know your why.
What is your timeline? Are you in a hurry? Or do you need to keep things open-ended? Is there an imposed deadline? Do you want to impose deadlines for yourself? Are you ready to start? Know your when.
We figure out the how together.