Fierce Monkey Book Coaching
for Women Over 40
Write Outside the Lines.
How Does Coaching Work?
Each year, I have the pleasure of working with a group of dedicated clients. Would you like to get on my schedule? Take a look through this page and see what resonates. I take a limited number of clients at a time, but if I’m full, I will put you on the waiting list. Contact me if you have questions that aren’t answered here.
What Coaching Is
a shared creative journey with a guide who understands craft and story
an opportunity to deepen your writing
a companion to help you navigate the internal challenges writing a book evokes
a process to get you through your first draft (remember, without the first draft, there is no published draft!)
a way to help you work out story challenges early in the process
What Coaching Is Not
therapy
a guarantee of publishing
an MFA program
line editing or proofreading
a way for someone else to write your book
Coaching and editing are not the same thing. When you send your work to an editor, it’s as good as you can get it on your own. You’re hoping for that extra set of eyes and skills to help you see what you can’t see and to help your work get stronger. While a coach does often provide some developmental editing along the way, the coach’s primary job is to help you get you to the end of your draft. This includes help with project management, story issues, identifying target audiences and ideal readers, book cohesion and craft assistance.
A coach is in your corner. A coach believes in your story and your passion to write it. A coach also helps you cultivate the skills you need to be the writer who is worthy of the book that has chosen you.
It’s an honor for me to witness the growth of my students, clients and their books.
How Do I Start?
I’ll ask you to fill out a short form if you’re interested in working with me. To get started, click on the Apply Now button. There is no fee to apply.
This is to help us both be sure we’re a good fit for each other. Once I review your application, I’ll contact you within five business days and then we’ll either move forward together, or I’ll recommend another coach for you. I’m a one-person operation, so please be patient.
If we decide to work together, you’ll be given a link to a password-protected page for secure payment.
Just like with jeans, the fit between a book coach and a client is everything.
I’m not the best coach for every writer or every type of writing.
It’s worth it to get it right.
NO REFUNDS ON PAYMENTS OR SERVICES.
COACHING IS A PERSONAL EXCHANGE OF ENERGY.
I TAKE YOUR WORK SERIOUSLY AND MAKE EFFORTS UP FRONT TO ENSURE A GOOD MATCH.
Meet Me.
This short video introduces you to me and my philosophy on writing and teaching.
What I Do
Write Outside the Lines.
Genres I Thrive In:
literary/experimental fiction
hybrid work (bring me your weird!)
narrative nonfiction
essays
magical realism
memoir
trauma/survivor narratives
My Coaching Superpowers Are:
getting you unblocked
uncovering the heart of your story
helping you complete your draft
deepening your work
finding and fixing story holes
crafting: structure, dialogue, characterization, plotting
helping you form a relationship with your work
It takes both craft and art to bring a story to life.
I love working with curious, soft-hearted writers.
I combine decades of teaching the craft of writing with decades of practicing the art of writing. I understand the psychological challenges of writing a book, and I know that your book needs you as much as you need it.
Hear that? Your book is knocking at the door of your heart. Are you ready to answer?
What I Don’t Do
No one is great at everything.
Recommended Coaches
If I’m not a fit for you, or I’m full, check out my friends who coach in a variety of genres—many of which I am not good at! Lucky for you, they are! I do not get kickbacks from them. I just recommend them.
Listed in alphabetical order.
Julie Artz (specializes in Middle Grade, Young Adult, and memoir, but will also take adult fantasy, women's fiction, and nonfiction)
Sheila Athens (specializes in mainstream fiction, women’s fiction and romance)
Jen Braaksma (specializes in Young Adult, Middle Grade, fantasy and memoir)
Chelsey Clammer (specializes in editing, proofreading, creative nonfiction, essays, resumes, academic writing)
Heather Ezell (specializes in Young Adult, Middle Grade, memoir, and Pitch Wars)
Donna Goodin (specializes in women’s fiction, magic realism, historical fiction, fantasy. Works in both English and Spanish)
Kelly Hartog (specializes in women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thriller, memoir)
KC Karr (specializes in Middle Grade, Young Adult, Women’s Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and more! At this time she is not coaching non-fiction or memoir.)
Naomi Kimbell provides thoughtful developmental feedback on your writing to assist you in realizing your artistic goals. She approaches editing creatively and intuitively, listening closely to your writing in order to understand its heart, your voice, and to see the possibilities contained within.
Erin McCabe (specializes in historical fiction—all subgenres including YA, and anything with a badass female protagonist)
Michele Orwin (specializes in fiction and memoir. No vampires or serial killers!)
Sarah Beth Williams (specializes in women’s fiction, all ages of fantasy (adult, Young Adult, and Middle Grade), and some nonfiction. Also works with books from a Christian perspective. No zombies, vampires, pandemics or serial killers!)
Genres I don’t work in:
science fiction/fantasy
horror
young adult/new adult
romance
children’s literature
poetry
religious fiction or nonfiction
Services I don’t offer:
copyediting
proofreading
dissertation editing
full manuscript edits
manuscript reviews
If the message of your work is violent, misogynistic, homophobic, racist, transphobic, ageist, or ableist, I’m not the right coach for you.
Of course you can have characters and plot arcs that involve these traits. They’re part of the world. But if your work’s overarching message glorifies or reinforces these qualities as good, kindly look for assistance elsewhere.
Work With Me
“The only way the book can be written is to set the unbook — the gilt-framed portrait of the book — right there on the altar and sacrifice it, truly sacrifice it. Only then may the book, the real live flawed finite book, slowly, sentence by carnal sentence, appear.”
Before the book arrives on the shelf, it begins in an unrecognizable form. Maybe you catch an image out of the corner of your eye. Maybe a voice whispers to you from the shadows. Maybe it’s a bar of music or a photograph or an article you read that just won’t let go. These are the signs a book is forming.
Before the book rests between its covers, it has to grow. While it’s growing, it takes many forms as it’s becoming real: wonder, flow, chaos, order, misdirections, false starts, and eureka moments. Each phase of the creative process is essential to the whole.
The writer who can embrace the totality of the writing stages is the writer who completes a book.
A book isn’t written from first word to last word, and no book is written the same way. Fortunately, there are methods to help you build a solid foundation for the world of your book, whether you’re working with fiction, memoir, or trade nonfiction.
And if you’re feeling stuck? I can help you with that. I specialize in connecting writers to the essence of their books.
Know this: your book is asking you to step up and become the writer who can write it.
Ready?
Groundwork Programs
Jump Start Your Story
This uniquely tailored 4-week program is designed especially for you to help you connect with the world of your story. Drawing from my 25-years of experience working with writers at all levels, and using exercises from my own work and exercises custom designed for you, I will create a program to help you navigate the challenges of your writing life.
Blocked? Frustrated? Confused? This is the package for you.
Goal: Reconnect You With Your Writing
What You Do:
Jump on the phone with me to chat about where you’re struggling. When you get the program I design just for you, you get busy. You’ll have four deadlines in the program. After each deadline, you’ll receive feedback from me to help you move deeper. At the end of the program, we’ll get back on the phone and check in to see what comes next.
What You Get:
a 45-minute phone or Zoom call at the start of the program to determine what you need
a 4-week customized plan for your unique needs sent within 1 week after our intake call
Each deadline allows for up to 15-double spaced pages of writing
written feedback after each deadline submission
a 45-minute phone or Zoom call at the end of the program to discuss next steps
Approximate time frame: 6 weeks
Price: $850*
Because of the personalized nature of this program, no payment plans are available. Full payment is required before coaching begins.
Fiction & Memoir Foundations
This program helps you hammer out the causal trajectory of your story + the characters’ emotional journeys. Understanding the link between external story and internal transformation is fundamental to creating a compelling story. Most of us are stronger in one area of storytelling over another. You might be great with plotting, but struggle with the internal arc—the why of the story. Or, you might be great with the inner workings of character, but struggle to connect the inner journey with an external one.
The goal of this program is to help you both dream your story alive and create a structure for it.
What You Do:
Deadline 1: turn in your one-page book summary and 2-page outline
Deadline 2: revise your one-page book summary and 2-page outline
Deadline 3: expand your outline to 6 pages
Deadline 4: revise the outline a final time
What You Get:
written feedback after each deadline submission to help you deepen your story
a 45-minute phone or Zoom call at the end of the 4 deadlines to discuss next steps for your project
Approximate time frame: 4 - 6 weeks
Price: $600*
No payment plans for this option. Full payment is required before coaching begins.
Nonfiction Foundations
This program is for you if you’re working on a self-help, how-to or academic text. A nonfiction book, just like a novel or memoir, must offer a compelling experience for the reader. Your job is to shape that journey so the reader can enter the world of your book and receive the gifts you’re offering through your information.
Focusing on a one-page book summary, cornerstone questions, and the table of contents, we’ll work together to craft an immersive adventure for the reader.
What You Do:
Over 4 deadlines you:
Deadline 1: turn in your one-page book summary, cornerstone questions and draft table of contents
Deadline 2: revise all elements
Deadline 3: flesh out table of contents to 6 pages
Deadline 4: revise table of contents
What You Get:
written feedback after each deadline submission to help you focus your book so it reaches its ideal reader
a 45-minute phone or Zoom call at the end of 4 deadlines to discuss next steps for your project
Approximate time frame: 4 - 6 weeks
Price: $600*
No payment plans for this option. Full payment is required before coaching begins.
Fierce Monkey Bytes
Short Term Packages
You must convince yourself that you are working in clay and not marble, on paper and not eternal bronze; let that first sentence be as stupid as it wishes. No one will rush out and print it as it stands. Just put it down; then another.
- Jacques Barzun
Not ready for long-term coaching, but still need a little support? I hear you. Me too.
Sometimes I just need to chat with my editor or get some one-off feedback on a piece of writing that’s got me stymied.
We all need someone to help us see what we can’t in our work.
Fierce Monkey Strategy Session
You just want to talk about what’s got you stuck or frustrated or challenged in your writing process.
I’ve worked for decades with students, helping them navigate the murky waters of the creative process. We can find a way to swim through yours as well.
What it is:
A 60-minute Zoom or phone call to help you find your way back to your work.
How it works:
After you apply and pay, I’ll send you another form specifically designed to show me what you most need from our time together. You’ll get a Calendly link to schedule our call together. Then we’ll talk and you’ll be back on track!
Cost: $150*
No payment plans for this option.
Let’s get started!
Tell me a story.
First Fifty Diagnostic
50 pages are the magic number. Editors and agents ask for the first 50 pages to vet your work. Most of them are able to say yes or no after the first page. You need to make sure the doorway into the world of your book is clear.
This option is specifically for novelists and memoirists.
Please see above for genres I do not work in. I want to be sure we fit together!
What it is:
A 2-3 page editorial letter addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the opening pages of your book. It will also address big picture topics such as character development, tension, narrative drive, obstacles and arcs. There will be nominal in-line comments, with the bulk of feedback in a letter at the end of the document.
What it is not:
line editing
proofreading
How it works:
After you apply and pay, I’ll send you another form to upload your document. Within 10 business days, you’ll have feedback from me.
Note: This option contains no Zoom call
Cost: $499*
No payment plans for this option.
90 Day Sprint
Got a deadline to make? Are you a teacher and on summer break and want to make sure you use your writing time well? Do you need a tight container to get your work dialed in?
This program is specifically for novelists and memoirists who want to deep-dive into their work and need help creating and maintaining the structure and discipline to do it.
Please see above for genres I do not work in. I want to be sure we fit together!
What it is:
One 50-minute project planning call
3 deadlines where you submit up to 30 pages each for feedback
A custom designed 90-day program based on your goals
One 50-minute completion call
How it works:
After you apply and pay, I’ll send you another form specifically designed to show me what you need most from our time together. You’ll get a Calendly link to schedule our call together. Then, within one week, you’ll get a customized 90-day program to get you writing. You’ll be sent another link to schedule your 3 deadlines within the project period time frame. You’ll receive editorial feedback from me within 5 business days for each submission. The feedback will also address big picture topics such as character development, tension, narrative drive, obstacles and arcs, as well as provide tips to help you stay on track. After your final submission, we’ll schedule the completion call.
Cost: $900*
$450/month for 2-months payment plans available via WAVE’s recurring payments system. You do not need a WAVE account.
Intensive Programs
Every first draft is perfect, because all a first draft has to do is exist.
- Jane Smiley
You’ve got your foundation built. You’re solid with your writing practice. You’ve got the discipline and the desire to write your book.
Now, you’re ready for someone to support you in getting the big work done.
“Get ‘er Done” Package
Get 180 pages of your manuscript done.
This 6-month program is for you if you need accountability, support, and guidance to stay on track during the writing process.
This package consists of 12 deadlines of 15 pages. You’ll receive written feedback and a next steps letter with each submission to help keep you writing forward. Ideally, you’ll submit work 2x/month. Feedback is returned within 4 business days.
What You Get:
12 scheduled deadlines to submit up to 15 pages
high-quality developmental feedback on each submission
One 50-minute project planning call
Three 25-minute touchstone calls to be used during the project period
One email communication between deadlines
How it works:
After you apply and pay, you’ll be sent a Calendly link to schedule our first project planning call. After that call, you’ll be sent a link to schedule your 12 deadlines. Then, you submit your work at the assigned time. I return feedback to you, and you submit the next deadline. We schedule the three additional calls as needed during the program period.
Approximate time frame: 6 months
Price: $2250*
$375/month for 6-month payment plans available via WAVE’s recurring payments system. You do not need a WAVE account.
Pro Package
This year-long program is for you if you’re ready for an intensive commitment to your work with a coach in your corner to help you when you get stuck, when your characters surprise you, when it feels useless to continue and when you finish that draft!
Because you will finish it!
Twice a month you’ll submit up to 20 pages of work. That’s a total of up to 480 pages! We’ll set up times to speak face to face about your book. We’ll address not just the craft issues, but the internal challenges of completing a book. Feedback is returned within 5 business days.
What You Get:
24 deadlines to submit up to 20 pages
high-quality developmental feedback on each submission
One 50-minute project planning call
Twelve 25-minute touchstone calls to be used during the project period
E-mail support between deadlines
How it works:
After you apply and pay, you’ll be sent a Calendly link to schedule our first project planning call. After that call, you’ll be sent a link to schedule your 24 deadlines. Then, you submit your work at the assigned time. I return feedback to you, and you submit the next deadline. We schedule the twelve additional calls as needed during the program period.
Approximate time frame: 12 months
Price: $6000*
$500/month for 12-month payment plans available via WAVE’s recurring payments system. You do not need a WAVE account.
“Given the initial talent, writing is largely a matter of application and hard work, of writing and rewriting endlessly, until you are satisfied that you have said what you want to say as clearly and simply as possible. For me, that usually means many, many revisions.”
- Rachel Carson
None of these options feels quite right, but you’d still like to work with me?
Fill out the form and let me know what you’d like. Special packages can be designed.
*Every effort is made in the beginning to ensure a good match. All packages are non-refundable.
Fees are due prior to service via PayPal.
All program submission deadlines will be scheduled for Sundays, no later than 11:59 pm.
This allows you to plan ahead and me to manage my time well so I can serve you better!
Fierce Monkeys Speak
My beautiful class at the Antioch Summer Writers Workshop
“Rise up and write the story that will change everything!”
“To expose oneself on the page can be terrifying. I felt not only safe, but positively emboldened working with Laraine. Patient and kind, she kindles the best in one’s work. Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she dares you to just set the whole thing ablaze and let the soul of it sing.”
— Dino Palazzi
“Without a doubt, Laraine is the most generous, inspirational and challenging writing instructor I have ever met. Using provocative writing exercises, she guided me through creative discovery, helping reveal ideas and truths I had previously locked away. She challenged me to delve deeper into my story, even if it meant going into the dark hidden corners.”
— Janine Weyers
“Through Laraine’s authentic nature and ability to listen, I learned that writing is as much an act of bravery and strength as it is about being gentle and flexible. I can’t wait to be one of her students again!”
— Naomi Kaplan
“Laraine encourages students to dig deep. She provides original, interesting exercises designed to pull past the first obvious idea and find the more compelling material underneath. She is as invested in students’ work as the students themselves.”
— Janet Burruel
“Laraine opened doors inside my mind and created space for me to come into relationship with my writing in a refreshing way that was all my own. I had more than one breakthrough in her workshop. With ease and honestly, she created an authentic, interesting and inviting space to grow.”
— Grace Welker
“Laraine was my first writing mentor. She teaches with a mental toughness along with compassion. She is my inspiration!”
— Shirley Hendrickson
“If you want your writing potential to be tapped, go with Laraine! She helps you be more creative, observant and imaginative. She helps you discover and explore and asks questions to help you probe, not to criticize or judge.”
— Jian Qin
“Coming from the writing-intensive academic world, I believed that the switch to fiction would be effortless. I could not have been more wrong. Laraine taught me that creative writing, in all its dimensions, is a true craft, possessing its own structures and expectations, some of which require a lifetime of practice to possibly master. Furthermore, she knows that the writer must be open to inner transformation, no matter how painful. So now, years after my first class with her, she is still my sensei, and I remain her grateful student.”
— Mark C. Frederick
