Coaching for Writers

Writers. . .

I love serving as a story coach, which some call a “developmental editor.”  Together, we can assess your needs and design the coaching you need to get the job done, to fit your pace, and to work within your budget.

Whether writing fiction or memoir, writers must overcome two major obstacles to get their stories out of their heads and onto the page.  Whether it’s procrastination, lack of time, self-doubt, or just not knowing where to start, lots of writers struggle to get their stories written. In both classes and with individuals (in person and by phone) I love working with writers, providing structure, coaching, and accountability to help them get those little black squiggles onto the page.

As a writer myself, and as a psychotherapist for more than 25 years, I love providing support to writers. Whether working with a memoirist facing a troubling memory or a fiction writer experiencing the loud voice of the “inner critic,” I offer structure and support to writers in overcoming the obstacles of fear and doubt as they write.

Every writer’s circumstance is different. I offer a customized approach to work each writer, whether she’s just started her project or she’s gotten stuck somewhere in the boggy middle. Working within their availability of time and budget, I consult with writers to design an approach that works for them.

Writing Essential Truth Across the Genres

We are living in an era in popular culture and politics when falsehoods have been celebrated as facts, facts have been called fake news, and “alternative facts” have tried to make truth and lies synonymous. It’s crazy making for those of us who value honesty and integrity. Truth matters. It matters in our personal lives, our politics, business, and certainly in journalism. It also matters in our art. I believe there is a calling for a special kind of truth in the creative writing arts, both in memoir and fiction, and across every genre. The truth yardstick I use as measurement in my own writing and for the writers I coach is what I call essential truth.

Download my guidelines for writing essential truths across genres as well as an excerpt from my memoir, Filling Her Shoes: A Memoir of an Inherited Family.

Testimonials. . .

“I had the great fortune to work with Betsy Graziani Fasbinder as one of the final beta readers for my memoir, Wholehearted. Betsy’s clarity, support, and impeccable editorial skills were instrumental in helping me get my book over the finish line. Each of her notes to me demonstrated her skills, her emotional maturity, her insight, and her kindness. It was a pleasure to make the changes she suggested because they were so good—and because I knew she understood my book and was on my side. I highly recommend her as a developmental editor and a book coach. I can’t imagine a finer person to bring on your team.”

Laura Davis, author of The Courage to Heal and The Burning Light of Two Stars

“I found Betsy Fasbinder’s classes on writing while I was ill and depressed. Best thing I ever did was sign up. Not just because the writing itself helped me navigate that dreadful journey, but because of Betsy’s ideas, critiques, praise and genuine interest in her students. She encourages writers to write their own way, while carefully guiding them on the path that leads to good, solid storytelling. She helped me dig deep to find the heart and soul of a story. And she is one of the most caring people I have ever met.”

—Myrna Courtney, Memoirist

“I went into mourning when my writing teacher Betsy moved from the area where I live. Thanks to her insightful coaching, I was able to make huge progress on the memoir I’d been poking around with a stick for years. Betsy’s advice is aways appropriate, positive, and spot-on. Her ability to inspire writers with creative, unrestrictive prompts, and with positive feedback is empowering. Her wonderful metaphors, personal insights, and humor enrich each session. As a bonus, Betsy filled me with enough confidence about my story and my ability to tell it that I can now read my stories aloud publicly with joy and confidence.”

—Joan Keyes, Memoirist and Publisher at Dovetail Publishing Services

“Betsy’s encouragement during my class with her was awesome. She gave great feedback which always resulted in deeper introspection of my writing.  Her critique never felt criticizing. It was simply information to move my piece forward. I miss her and her classes very much!”

—Laura MacDonald, Memoirist

“Betsy’s warmth, humor, insight into people and writing expertise make her a pleasure to learn from. Her gentle but direct approach gave me the clarity I needed to improve and keep working. I highly recommend her!”

—Janet Johnston, Novelist/Memoirist

“Betsy was always encouraging. She is very kind in how she presents criticism; I never felt inadequate to what she asked of me, only that I needed to do the suggested work to improve what I had already put so much into. My book is much stronger now thanks to her Betsy’s editing skills. Working with Betsy has strengthened my confidence as a writer.”

—Mary Helen Fein

“Betsy’s coaching sessions have encouraged me to challenge myself by digging deeper to show added dimension to scenes, characters and structure as my story unfolds on the page. Her expert evaluations have been extremely valuable and every session, I take away wonderful golden nuggets to hone my writing skills.”
—Linda Pereira

Betsy’s editorial guidance on a late draft of my novel, Heart Wood, has made it stronger, deeper, and more compelling. Betsy offered the right balance of support: her praise was deeply genuine, not useless banal enthusiasm; her suggestions for strengthening my novel were encouraging, never spirit-crushing.

Betsy gave detailed suggestions on story structure, character development, and emotional realism. With her background as a licensed therapist, she encouraged me to get to the “heart” of my characters’ relationships with each other and with the earth.

After her review, I dove right back in to make revisions, feeling empowered because I felt Betsy genuinely grasped what I wanted to achieve, and I resonated with most all her suggestions. I look forward to working with Betsy in the future!

—Shirley DicKard

“Betsy Graziani Fasbinder is a highly accomplished writer and speaker. Our branch of the San Francisco Peninsula branch of the California Writers Club gives her the highest marks for her skills and presentation style. She has presented to us twice, once for public speaking and the other for her fabulous talk on how to write about sex. We would welcome her back any time as she is the consummate professional in every way.”

—Geri Spieler, president of the San Francisco Peninsula Writers for CWC

From Page to Stage:
Inspiration, Tools, and Simple Public Speaking Tips for Writers

In this accessible, straightforward book, seasoned author Betsy Graziani Fasbinder offers readers the why, what, and how of public speaking, along with exercises and resources to support ongoing learning.

She provides inspiration and encouragement to help writers to overcome their fears of public speaking, but she doesn’t stop there; she also lays out the practical, nuts-and-bolts tools they need to select, deselect, and arrange the content of what to say when they’re on a podium, in an interview, or in casual conversations about their writing, and includes a model for handling challenging questions from interviewers and audience members with confidence and grace. 

Writers, before speaking in front of an audience, first, do the exercises in From Page to Stage. Betsy Graziani Fasbinder offers rich support and guidance to writers preparing book talks to attract readers.

—Martha Alderson, author of The Plot Whisperer

If you want to speak as powerfully as you write, this book is for you.  The perfect guide to help you kick ass when you have to put pants on and speak to the public.

—Kate Perry, internationally best-selling romance and suspense author

These tools and skills moved me from amateur to professional, intimidated to confident, and helped me to clarify the message of my book so that I was able to enjoy a book launch that exceeded my dreams.

—Catherine Marshall-Smith, author of American Family

Like it or not, speaking is part of the author’s overall marketing toolbox. With her new book From Page to Stage, Betsy Graziani Fasbinder offers excellent advice for becoming a better advocate for your book, whether on the stage, at an in-person reading, or on a podcast interview.

—Anne Janzer

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Autographed Copy

Want your own autographed copy of Betsy's books? Please place your order with Book Passage and Betsy will sign your copy. Please be sure to indicate to whom the inscription should read in the order comments section.

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