A fortunate experience brought expert writing coach and trainer, Jan Verhoeff into my world. Oris George, a local plow boy was looking for a way to market his collection of personal stories in the local writer association, and he couldn't find one. I knew there had to be a local writing coach, so I set out to find one. (I had to beat Oris to the punch.)
At the county office one day, while paying my utility bill, right there on the community bulletin board was a flyer advertising a writer's conference. I memorized the phone number and called Oris. He called Jan Verhoeff to get more information. She informed Oris that she had been the leader of a writer's group, one that was closing down after the conference, but was planning to have another group started within a few weeks.
Oris got back to me and we both jumped in. That was my lucky day. Over the years Jan has not only infused me with her love and confidence of writing but has inspired me to write books. She helped me publish my first book just last year titled Half As Much Of Me. This book is about my weight loss journey and lifestyle change which has totally changed my life for the better.
Coaching sessions started with a four part structure that everyone got involved with doing. Jan Verhoeff is the kind of coach that likes active participation, and nobody gets off the hook without doing their fair share.
Editing & Writing on the Spot.
Reading & Editing a Piece off the Hard Drive.
Determination of Quality, Type and Publication Options.
Setting up and Maintaining our own Personal Platform.
Each writer coaching session made me thirsty for more. My confidence sky rocketed. I received more than I expected. I soon realized that I would be learning much more than just writing. I literally became a human sponge in my effort to soak up everything Jan offered.
Jan is a "wizard" in the world of internet business and writing.
Her working knowledge of the computer is beyond comprehension. I captured confidence of working with the computer and I am no longer intimidated by this creature. It is my working partner.
Jan Verhoeff's command of words draws readers right into the stories she tells. I learned to use words as my friends, combining them as tools of my trade, and using the meanings as a breath of live adventure. My stories stopped being "stick figure" tales.
I learned to think in word pictures and share those pictorials on paper. My articles came to life, vividly colored with words and details that shared emotional connection and built a relationship between me and the reader. Jan was a patient and gentle instructor. She made learning the craft of writing fun.
While those group coaching sessions were free, I quickly became a paying student. I was willing to pay for instruction that offers endless opportunities and excitement, because the work I was doing benefited greatly by the coaching I received.
Jan inspired me to attempt greater projects, even now, my efforts are gaining ground as I follow the clear well defined professional guidelines Jan taught. Jan is such a fun and patient teacher.
There is so much more that I need to know. I am excited about the endless opportunities that await me.
I've learned that I must decide on a topic of interest and focus on that topic long enough to drive my level of knowledge to a tempered state of expert status in order to achieve my own personal writing goals.
I've learned that I have to not only choose a topic but find an audience that is already waiting for my projects if I hope to become a profitable writer.
I've learned my platform has to be narrow enough to have a specific following, yet broad enough to capture an audience of readers that scopes more than one generation.
I've learned that I'm never standing at the keyboard alone, without the support, encouragement and motivation I need to persevere until I achieve my goal.
This same creative expertise happens when Jan designs blog pages, web sites, and marketing strategies. Jan's diversity sets her apart from the crowd. Her creativity is contagious.
I am so grateful for Jan's expertise in getting my book published, my websites set up and the captivating flyers that she has put together for me.
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