One to One Writing Mentoring  

with Mary Ann Moore

So you’re wanting to write a memoir but you’re in need of some incentive? I would welcome the opportunity to help you move forward with some momentum in the writing of your stories from life.

As a writer, poet, mentor and writing circle facilitator (as well as a lover of memoir), I encourage all aspects of writing as a practice of self-compassion, self-reflection and finding the beloved in oneself.

If you haven’t started yet ~

Let’s have a chat to look at your ideas and what sort of approach you might take to get your memoir under way.

I can offer you some writing practice prompts to get you going and to add to those initial ideas. The information you see on this page about my book, Writing Home: A Whole Life Practice, could entice you to follow it as you write your own stories. While the book is now out of print, there is a PDF format available.

If you’ve already started ~

I can take a look at what you’ve written so far and offer encouragement and enthusiastic support to keep going, even when you hit those dark spots that get unearthed.

It’s a wonderful feeling to have someone in your corner, cheering you on and letting you know when you are getting it just right. (Yes, I have my own cheerleader for my work.)

Between our sessions ~

We’ll check in each week to see how things are going and I will offer ways to keep the momentum moving.  This will be about your process rather than what you have “accomplished.” Although, I ought to say, sharing your accomplishments with a trusted companion does give you some confidence to keep going.

Timeline ~ how much time you need is up to you

Together, we will work out what is best for you. The intention is to keep you connected to your writing and project, which can include a variety of ways, not just putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

Each part of this journey is customized for you.

The Intention ~

is to help you practice the best ways to get your thoughts on paper, to keep you connected and excited about your project, and have your own mentor cheering you on through the joys, and sometimes struggles of writing your stories from life.

You will come to appreciate your process with an ally cheering you on.

To begin ~

I’ll have a look at what you’ve written so far. If a long manuscript, we’ll begin with twenty pages. That will help us see where you are now. From that, some questions  will arise on both our parts, as to where you may want to go. Most important, is to keep writing.

I’m a big fan of structure – looking to see how different approaches work very well and which may suit your manuscript.

Sometimes, we can do some writing together to keep up the flow especially when wondering where to go next.

Book a phone call or a Zoom chat

Please get in touch to discuss the possibilities. If you’re all set to go, we’ll set up a time for you to send me your manuscript pages and to meet to discuss them, on Zoom.

My email address:creativity@maryannmoore.ca

About Me

I’ve been facilitating writing and poetry circles since 1997 in various settings all with the intention of creating a space that is conducive to being seen, being heard, and being amazed at what comes out of the stillness. A lot can happen when we’re encouraged and supported and my focus is on what’s working. I’ve mentored women by getting together and taking a walk to discuss the process of writing. Also, following my book Writing Home: A Whole Life Practice, I’ve mentored women over a nine-month period. Writing Home is a writing guide as well as my stories from life. Another writing guide, Writing to Map Your Spiritual Journey, is also a form of memoir with writing prompts for readers. I consider the poems I write as well as my personal essays, forms of life writing. I was honoured to be shortlisted in a Raven Chapbooks contest for my chapbook manuscript “The Risks We Take for Love” which is now part of a longer project in progress.

Fees

My fee is $60/hour for time spent reading your manuscript pages, making note of comments to share with you, and meeting on Zoom to discuss.

Testimonials

 Thank you Mary Ann . . . . you are a gifted and inspirational mentor, guide, and teacher. 
MJ Burrows, Saltair, British Columbia

I appreciate you sharing your heart, wisdom, rituals and writing inspiration.  Lynda Monk, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Mary Ann opens up unknown territories in our soul. Then, in her gentle way, tells us that we’re special and creative.
Ina Schepers, Guelph, Ontario

The mentor, as opposed to the guru, is the one who is there to help you make up your own mind, light your own fire, unfold your own myth. True mentorship draws out your mind, draws out your hidden qualities, puts the bellows to the soul, fans the flame, develops the gold that the mentor is trying to draw out.

 Phil Cousineau, Once and future Myths: The Power of ancient Stories in Our Lives