Once Upon a Time | Storytellers

Write Your Book

You want to write a book.

You feel it deeply.

You know you're going to feel relieved, fulfilled, competent and satisfied when it's done.

You're going to feel proud.

And you have a strong sense it will increase your credibility as well.

But not knowing how to structure it frustrates you...

So you procrastinate.

And then you feel frustrated and annoyed with yourself.

You wonder why you can't just do this.

You question whether you really know what you're talking about.

And you doubt if anyone will want to read it.

Does this sound like YOU?

''Am I good enough to write a book?

Who will want to read it?

My grammar and spelling are rubbish!

What will people think?

Where do I even start?

I'll probably never finish!''

Her Little Red Riding Hood self began to worry.

''If I pursue my dream, how will I...

Find the time and still manage all my responsibilities?

Find good ideas?

Feel more confident?

Be able to give it my concentration?

Not feel full of self doubt?''

And so the brilliant woman put aside her dream, and went home. She never ventured near the woods again...

The End?

This is where the story ends for most women.

It's not a very satisfying ending.

Instead of stepping forward, we flounder and get stuck.

Instead of fulfilling our dream of writing a book, we make excuses.

We tell ourselves we don't have the time.

We tell ourselves we can't afford it.

We tell ourselves we're not skilled enough.

What most of us need, is support and new techniques.

So we can prioritise the time.

So we can realise our worth and invest in ourselves.

So we can relish the challenge of learning new skills.

And grow bigger in ways we never dared to dream.

Then we can write the books we want to write.

Achieve the landmark goals we can be proud of.

And change the narrative of our own lives.

What we need at this time, is a friend to guide us through the woods.

It's not the way we're learnt before, and it's nothing we've previously tried.

It's something completely new.

Here's what you can expect when you work with me

Feel more confident, like you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it

Believe in yourself because you feel brave and know there’s support for what you want to say

Feel deeply comfortable expressing yourself in writing, know it is genuinely ‘you’

Start and sustain your writing practice for the long term

Access endless sources of inspiration so you never run out of ideas and always know what to write about

No longer feel anxious about whether your writing is good because finally you trust your voice

Feel the deep sense of accomplishment you can only feel on achieving a significant life goal

''I can testify that you are building trust with your approach. You have created something very special.''

Geraldine O'Brien, New Writer

''Anna's erudite and positive advice are just the thing when you feel stuck! I feel lucky I discovered her.''

Deirdre Crowley, Writer and Artist

Hi, I'm Anna

I'm the founder of a writing services company, an Irish writing festival, a publishing imprint and two international writing prizes (one for short stories and one for poetry). I'm a published writer and Honours graduate in English Literature and Theatre.

I've been supporting writers for six years, from newbies to those realising their dreams and getting published. In response to their challenges and needs, I've developed a writing process that works for every writer irrespective of genre, skills and experience, every time.

I have a unique approach to writing and the writer, with practical, useful, intelligent guidance and a trained eye for story, along with emphasis on personal development and a belief in the life-changing power of creativity.

I have an artistic, entrepreneurial soul with a love of books and theatre.

Coming from a background of acting, writing and theatre I'm project-oriented and understand the creative process intimately: your artist self will always be safe with me.

'Having written with Anna for four months now, my creativity and energy levels have thrived. It's a precious moment to develop my storytelling, and has become an invaluable routine.''

Alex Catherwood, writer

''Thank you Anna brain-in-the-jar so bonkers happy love you thank you for making me make a writing space.''

Tina Noonan, playwright and screenwriter

Dear Writer

When I began working with writers, I noticed something about women who wanted to write their books. So often they worried if their writing was good enough and they couldn’t see their own potential. They worried about structure and plot, but really they lacked self belief and confidence. Often they’d received negative criticism in the past and naturally they found it difficult to let go, and just write.

I recognised it because I’ve been there. I’ve always been a writer, scribbling stories from when I was a child. Before I became intentional about learning the craft of writing and getting good at it, I sent off a poem to be critiqued. I was only a beginner and had written it in a spirit of pure excitement which I wanted to share. I had no idea what to expect. I received scathing and scornful feedback which put me off writing poetry for the next 10 years.

It may sound crazy but my story is typical, and it’s one of the reasons I started running courses. I’ve had writers coming to me holding their courage in both hands because somebody said something unnecessarily negative to put them off.

Creative writing is about so much more than just writing. It's about self expression, it's about being honest and it's about being brave. I believe that if you're going to put yourself out there for the world to see, you should feel confident and excited about it. Which is why the creative process should feel safe as you unlock your voice and begin to explore what you want to say and how you want to say it. And the process should also be fun.

I help women writers like you get (re)started, keep going and finish their stories and books. I provide a safe, encouraging and positive place for you to grow and flourish as you explore, develop and refine your creative voice. And I give you the support you need to overcome worry and self-doubt along the way. With my support you can bring your ideas to life on the page where they will live forever in the hearts of your readers for years to come.

I look forward to being your coach and the friend who guides you through the woods.

Anna

Once Upon a Time

Write Your Book using the Storytellers 3 Pillar Process

is for you if

You want to write a book to grow your business, help others, make an impact

Your stories are bursting to get out but you don't know where to start

You want to write a book but it feels overwhelming and you don't have any ideas

You're already writing a book but you feel stuck

You sense that 1-1 guidance and support would help you achieve your goal

You're excited to discover creative depths you never knew you had

You want to feel confident, brave and full of self belief

You want to create an exciting, life-changing narrative in your own personal story

Here's how we'll work together

6 Hours of 1-1 Coaching (on Zoom)

1 Hour Session every 2 weeks to allow for implementation and feedback

A customised programme created specifically for you and your writing based on where you are now and where you want to be, regardless of experience, level or genre

Elements of craft that include story, character, setting, dialogue etc

Techniques for starting, maintaining and sustaining your writing practice

Suggested Reading

Weekly Story Assignments (12 in total)

If your're ready to take action and write your book, enroll now.

There are only 6 spots available.

Booking closes at midnight, 19th November.

We'll work together using the Storytellers 3 Pillar Process. This is a tried and tested method that's worked again and again, for all my writers. By following this method

20 writers have been published for the first time in my paperback and online anthology, Storytellers: New Writing from Ireland

8 writers have published their life stories/memoirs

7 writers have created their own publishing imprint and published 2 books of Crime Fiction

2 writers were finalists at the Irish Novel Fair

1 writer became an Amazon bestseller in the Crime category

I developed this process out of working with over 100 writers, using the most effective techniques and writing practices that create real change and help you make significant progress. The Storytellers 3 Pillar Process has had a life-changing impact on its writers

Inspiring unimagined creativity

Igniting second and post retirement careers

Publishing books

Recovering lost voices and reimagining the world

Educating, entertaining and informing through harnessing the power of story

The Storytellers 3 Pillar Process

3 Pillar

Process

Providing ongoing support as you move forward

Inspiration & Routine

Jump start your creativity and develop consistency

Finding Your Voice

Express & Experiment, Develop, Get Feedback

Confidence & Craft

Clarify & Define, Refine, Get Feedback

I'm Also Offering 3 Bonuses

Feedback on upto 10,000 words, value €350

Unlimited access to the Writing Room, live 1 hour a day, 5 days a week, value €117

Access to monthly coffee mornings in the Writing Room, to connect and discuss with other like-minded writers

The Once Upon a Time

12-Week Programme is Open for 1 week only

Just 6 spots available!

Full Programme €1549

How do you know if this programme's right for you?

You want to do the programme but don't know if you should be making the investment right now.

The answer depends on your 'why'. How much do you want this? What will it cost you not to do it? What if you're in the same position in a year's time? How will you feel then? If it matters a lot to you, then can you afford to put it off?

You're very time-stretched. How much time will you need to do the Programme?

Once you commit, you usually find you are excited to prioritise your writing. I always recommend little and often when it comes to writers who are busy. If you want to write a novel over the next 12 months that's about 300 words a day, 5 days a week. The average length book page is 500 words. So that's LESS than a page a day which is very doable. Apart from that, it's an hour's coaching a week for 12 weeks.

You're worried about not being good enough at writing

Writing is a skill, and like any skill it can be taught. You just have to be willing to learn and practise. Your anxiety about not being good enough is usually a mindset, and with encouragement and positive feedback you will move away from that way of thinking and step into your own voice. Writing is subjective so it's not about 'good' or 'bad', rather it's about what's clear.

What if you want to write about people who are still alive? You're worried about what they might say or causing a family rift or someone suing you.

There is a way to manage this concern through the way you write and express yourself, and we will deal with it if and when it comes up in the writing. For now, it's not something you should worry about because it's a reason you're giving yourself not to write. Do the writing first. This matter usually resolves itself through the process.

You want to write a book but you're not sure this programme is for you.

If you're interested but unsure, send me an email at anna@storytellers.ie and I will reply straight away. I am happy to answer any questions you may have and I will never recommend something I don't think is right for you. I'm every bit as committed to your success as you are and nobody wins if you're on the wrong programme.

Do you need to be on Facebook to do this programme?

No. All calls take place on Zoom.

You've written a good part of your book. How will coaching benefit you? Can't you work with an agent, editor or publisher when it's finished?

Publishing has changed dramatically in the last 10 years, and many publishers no longer have the time or resources to nurture individual writers the way they used to or would like to. This is work you will do with your coach. You also have to jump the hurdle of getting an agent/publisher which takes time, and you might not want to take the risk or wait.

What is a Discovery Call and do I have to pay for it?

A Discovery Call is a 15 minute zoom call with Anna to discuss whether this programme is suitable for you. It is a free call, and you are not obliged to purchase anything before, during or after the call.

Refund Policy: Please Read Carefully

Once you are enrolled in this programme, there is a strict no-refund policy. Here's why. There are two key components to writing your book: an abundant mindset and doing the writing. I believe a money-back guarantee offers people an excuse to give up. I am deeply committed to your success but it also depends on your commitment and how much you want it, and I only want to work with women who are 100% committed.

What I guarantee is that you will have all the support, accountability, tools and advice you need to overcome your challenges and reach your goal. That with my help you will create a life-changing narrative in your own story.

Final Note

It's November, and the end of the year is just around the corner.

Are you feeling disappointed that you haven't written your book?

Or delighted because you've taken action to realise your dream?

You can choose to do nothing and end 2020 the same as now.

Or you can choose to take action and re-write the ending.

The opportunity to write your book is here.

The time to take action is now.

See you inside!