From one writer to another
As a writing coach (and as a writer) I’ve gotten to walk beside many other writers on their creative journeys. Wherever you are on your writer’s path, I hope what you find here helps you feel seen, well met, and encouraged to do the single most important thing a writer can do: keep going.
A writing coach’s welcome
Hello, dear writer. It’s a brave and wild undertaking, writing a book. Wondering how a writing coach might help? Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, a novel or a memoir, you’ll find a treasure trove of articles here to support and inspire you—and to let you know some of what a writing coach might mean for you. I’m glad you’re here. May you discover exactly what you need among these pages.
I’m writing coach Jamie Morris
Over the last two decades, I’ve helped many writers shape their stories—and find and develop their voice. In return, they’ve deeply influenced my understanding of what it means to be committed to a creative process. Now, although I still meet with a few writers one-on-one, I’m elbow-deep in new projects—like books and podcasts. It’s so exciting to have new avenues to share what I’ve learned! Stay tuned.
Coaching resources & support
Throughout these pages, you’ll find practical and meaningful support—for the craft and the process. You’ll see blog posts like “Why Your Story Matters” and articles on topics like book-writing and choosing a writing coach, as well as links to off-site literary resources, under the Resources for Writers tab. (I’m also offering limited, select consultations to writers who are considering their next step. So I might be a resource for you, too!)
Jamie Morris is an outstanding resource for writers who want to reach the pinnacle of success. She’s a warm, encouraging angel on your shoulder, but she’s also got the skills, experience, and good judgment to help you vanquish your weaknesses and capitalize on your strengths. If you’re a writer with serious ambitions, work with Jamie. —Elizabeth Sims, YOU’VE GOT A BOOK IN YOU: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams (Writers Digest)
Hey, J. Just wanted to say “THANKS!” for the coaching session today. It was
amazingly productive. I now have actionable clarity for revising one novel that’s been giving me grief, and finishing another that had stalled in the middle. Pretty good work for one hour, no? —Ryan G. Van Cleave, Head of Creative Writing, Ringling College of Art and Design; author of THE WEEKEND BOOK PROPOSAL (Writers Digest) and MEMOIR WRITING FOR DUMMIES (John Wiley & Sons)
For decades, writing was a comfort, and when life was turbulent an anchor to help steady my boat. In my fifties, however, it dawned on me that I actually wanted to become a writer. A really good writer, if that was possible. I read an article in THE NEW YORK TIMES extolling the virtues of writing coaches and how, if you were lucky enough to find a good one, you might very well become a good writer. And so I found Jamie Morris. Fast forward five years and a few books’ worth of short stories, and I believe I have become a much better writer. I could wax poetic about Jamie’s coaching genius, but I won’t. It would spoil the fun. Instead, I’ll let you discover Jamie Morris for yourself—this writer’s best-kept secret. —Hugh Holborn, The After-Fifty Adventureman
Whether you are struggling to finish a manuscript, ready for a developmental editor,
or simply need someone who understands you, Jamie Morris is incredible. She maps out action plans, gives firm yet reasonable goals, and takes the terror and mystery out of the writing process so you can get to the work at hand. Do yourself and your writing life a favor. Hire her immediately. She’s the best investment you’ll ever make! —Sasha Graham, TAROT DIVA (Llewellyn)
Jamie Morris is a true genius at her craft. She’s intelligent and thoughtful, with bone-deep wisdom about how to make a story. It took me fifteen years to get serious about this book, and I swear on my stack of all-time-favorites that I was waiting to find Jamie. She’s the creative midwife of my dreams! —Heather Rosser
Still absorbing the awesomeness with Jamie Morris!
We nailed it! Amazing brains clicking together, and I now have a solid first act, broken down scene by scene. So many thanks for your dedication and willingness to stick it out, Jamie! —Anne Hawkinson, author, THE MYSTERY AT MOZ HOLLOW; co-author, SCOTLAND’S KNIGHT, Royal Palm Literary Award winner
The foundation you have helped me set will help me to write many books with audacity and finesse—a great combo to have. They don’t call you the guru of writing for nothing. —Dr. Simi Ahuja
Jamie: I am so freaking in love with you, this process, and my book! People dread asking me how I am because I tell them in nauseating detail how much I love my book and my writing coach! I feel like I won the lottery! —Cara Gubbins, PhD, THE DOLPHINS OF HILTON HEAD (University of South Carolina Press); DIVINE BEINGS: The Spiritual Lives and Lessons of Animals
I’ve always dreamed of being a writer. There’s been 65K words of what I now know is backstory sitting in a file on my computer for over a year. It seemed more a journal than the memoir I was aiming for. Would anyone want to read what I’d written? Does my story really have what it takes to touch hearts? If so, how can I make it most effective?
The answer to all those questions showed up in my inbox one morning, in the form of a magazine article on writing coaches. Jamie was the featured coach. Within an hour of reading the article, Jamie and I were on the phone. I knew before I’d hung up—she’s the answer to my questions.
Although I’m otherwise a stranger to her, Jamie has an innate sense of where more is lurking in my memories that will add depth to the story. She’s a great listener and gives exceptional feedback that has enabled me to believe I am a writer. The woman is a genius. I didn’t know a “low point” from a “climax,” and now I’m researching agents. I cannot recommend Jamie enough. —Terrie Reynolds
Jamie, I just wanted to thank you for all of your time and mental energy. I felt strange about this story for the longest time. I think it was an awful mess, partly due to how I was holding it at arm’s length and trying to think about some vague idea of what Young Adult books should be. Once you told me to pay attention to the emotional beats, it got SO, so much better.
You are such a great writing coach. I’m incredibly grateful and just stunned at how much ground you covered. Oh, my gosh—I learned a ton from every session! Thank you so much. —Megan Cooke, writer, videographer; graduate, Ringling College of Art and Design Creative Writing Program
Jamie, thanks for the session Friday morning. It was helpful on so many levels. You are someone to treasure, for sure. I’m so glad you are part of my team. All my interactions with you make me—and my world—saner, happier, more optimistic. —Beth Lambdin, author of LOVE YOU, SWEETIE
Jamie Morris is such a fantastic coach! Her approach is very intuitive, so no matter what I’m working on, from plotting to character development, Jamie always has an intelligent, unique perspective to present. If you’d like to take your writing to another level, I strongly recommend Jamie! —Alina Smith, songwriter, music producer, at LYRE
Jamie! You’re so wonderful!
Our time together is so magical. Thank you for reigniting my passion and gifting me focus and insights. I’m thrilled about the new direction for my book. So profoundly grateful for you and the forces that guided us together for this. —Kristen Schneider, author, YOUR LIFE IS MEDICINE
Jamie, I do believe you are this story’s fairy godmother. You are not only making sense of what’s already been done, but giving a new perspective on what is yet to be. Big Shared World is better thanks to your involvement. I am better because of you. Wow! —Colleen Waterston, BigSharedWorld.com
