New Sprouts

A three-month writing coaching program to nurture brand new things

For years, you’ve had that feeling that it’s time to write…

There’s a calling buried deep in your bones. You know there are stories to get down. You can almost taste how good it will feel to write them. So why is it so hard to get started?

We’ve been there, and we know the complex mash-up of fears and resistances that stand in the way of getting projects going, especially if we haven’t written in a long time. We also know how good it feels to push them aside and just… begin.

This three-month program is designed to move you from “I have no idea what I’m doing” to “Yes, I’ve got this.” Your coach will listen carefully to everything that’s in the way of your flow so that you can address it head-on together. She’ll help you break the next steps down into totally-doable chunks, and she’ll celebrate every one of these accomplishments.

You’ll also experiment with different ways to set up a writing practice, creating a toolbox of go-to activities to help you get unstuck down the road. This includes a subscription to Morning Coffee Sessions to make sure your ideas are a-flowing.

    • You have a deep hunger to create something new.

    • You have a specific project in mind, or maybe just know that something will come if you finally get the words flowing.

    • You have time to commit to writing. (Yes, there will be homework! We’ll make it work with your schedule, but there needs to be some room for it.)

    • You’re ready to get personal and explore the mushy parts — where the fear lies, what the hope feels like and how big and amazing this could be.

    • You know, as we do, that positive feedback is a vital thing, especially in these early stages.

    • You’re looking for a coach to wave a magic wand to make the process of revision effortless. Instead, this will give you a committed and sensitive ally to help you find your path, and who will stay with you through the hard parts.

    • You’re well into your project. Check out The Messy Middle for that.

    • You’re finished and looking for a professional editor for a final look.

    • Your only goal is to get this published. We believe that while publishing can be a rewarding phase of the creative process, our work is to help you create your most powerful work in the moment, regardless of what comes later.

    • A no-pressure call with your coach to get a feel for them and for how you’ll work together.

    • 60-minute meetings every two weeks with your coach, on the phone, Skype or face-to-face in Toronto.

    • Opportunities every two weeks to send work to your coach to discuss in your session — up to 1,500 words of prose or 600 words of poetry.

    • A 3-month subscription to Morning Coffee Sessions.

Cost:

This package costs $1425 total, which can be broken up into three monthly payments of $475. At the end of three months, you can choose to wrap up or customize your plan to meet your exact needs. Tax will be added for Canadians in your local provincial rate. See our financial policies.

Four times a year, we give out bursaries for our programs to people with financial barriers. Check out our upcoming dates.

If you don’t have a credit card, let us know and we’ll gladly find a way to make it work.

Want to know more about what coaching is like?

If you haven’t seen it yet, watch our 3-minute video on what coaching can provide. If you still have questions, read our coaching FAQ.

Your coach:

You’ll work with one of Firefly’s powerful writing coaches. After you fill out your intake questionnaire we’ll have a good sense of who will be the best match for you. Then we’ll hook you up for a phone call so that you can feel out the chemistry for yourself. If you already have a hunch about who you want to work with, you can request them on the form.

Ready to take a deep breath and dive in?

Questions?

If you have questions that aren’t covered on our FAQ page or you just need a guide to help you find the right Firefly program, drop us a line. We’ll be happy to help you find just the right thing.

Credit where credit is due

The photo we’re using to promote this page was taken by Markus Spiske and shared via Unsplash.