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Coach or Mentor - which one is right for you?

Increasing your ability to write with more impact and less stress often means sharing the load with a writing coach or mentor. But which one is right for you?

The Coach

To describe the role of the Writing Coach we can use the analogy of the sports coach. Every successful sporting team has a coach, it would be unthinkable for the team to run out onto the field without a strategic plan of 'how to win the game'. The Coach provides feedback, instructs in the areas that need further development and provides powerful motivation to the team or individual.

Like the athlete no matter how expert they are at their skill or craft the writer needs the Coach to be the objective advisor, the sounding board, and the one to lead the them to their highest levels of performance and creative expression.

The Coach first determines the writer's performance commitment which is the key to the on-going development and success of their project.

The Mentor

The mentor is not as involved with the writing of each part of the manuscript in detail but still plays a clear role in helping the writer to set distinct and achievable goals.

The mentor acts as an encourager, one who assists the writer to reach their full potential. She is a sounding board, gathers all information then asks structured questions enabling the writer to make the best decision for the direction of the work. The mentor is a good listener.

A good mentor will not tell writers the answers but will make them discover the answers for themselves.

Paulette describes three stages at which people seek her help

When they are are well into their manuscript and feel that there must be an easier way. By this stage they are in need of a huge injection of motivation.

When they are just starting and want to learn more creative expression, and planning and disciplinary skills. Writers at this stage usually have high levels of motivation.

When they have finished writing their story and are not happy with the end result. Usually the emotion here is not motivation but rather frustration.


Paulette's techniques are designed to enhance your creative potential and to develop your style.

Her book 'How to Stop Stalling and Start Writing the Story of Your Life' is a good place to start. Click here

If you would like to know more about tuition, please Contact Us.