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Write and finish your damn (good) book!

Hi! I'm Claire! An enthusiastic and imaginative author coach who uses way too many exclamation points, talks too much about my beloved pittie mix, Kira, and is fueled by inspiring and motivating fellow writers! I believe there is no right or wrong way to write a book. I specialize in coaching writers of most genres to make connections with their stories that keep them inspired and motivated to reach The End on their unforgettable and unputdownable novel. Sign up to find out if you're a zombie writer or a butterfly writer!

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Don’t ghost your writing dreams 👻

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, I'm a Nintendo girl. I grew up playing the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with the little rectangular controller that had the cross directional pad and two buttons. Up, up, down, down, B, A, Start! #iykyk. I played a lot of Super Mario Bros in which Mario ran across the screen. No free world style design and definitely no going back! If you missed the question mark box and passed it, you're S.O.L. Why am I telling you this?...

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, October is heeeere!!! It's my favorite month and just has this magical spooky aura around it that makes me extra jumpy! I love it. Another thing to be excited about for THIS October is... The Write Anyway Summit! Because, life can be a sneaky little tricksy minx, can’t it? Just when you’ve carved out a sliver of writing time… Bam! The dishwasher floods… Or… You suddenly must vacuum the back of the refrigerator… Or… Your kid suddenly needs a...

The partial underside of a blond dog's face.

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader! While you were checking out my toys and artwork, I was busy behind the scenes getting something else ready for you… The Labyrinth quiz!!! 🎉 It's here it's here it's finally here!!! 🤩 I'm planning to officially announce this puppy to the world during the Write Anyway Summit* next month (watch for next week's newsletter for more info), but because you’ve been here with me, laughing at my weird gifts, checking out my artwork, sticking with me...

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, When I'm stuck, unmotivated, out of ideas (rare!), or just tired of my current draft (yes, even coaches struggle!), I sometimes take a break to fill my creative well. For me, this is drawing and painting. Digitally and with "analog" media like acrylics, markers, pencils, crayons... you name it (except oils and watercolors - I'm not patient enough for those!) These drawings are the latest from my digital easel. They are a collection of...

Writer's Block soap. Smells like regurgitated ideas and probably a vampire.

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, When you are a horror author, such as myself, people tend to give you interesting (and delightful) gifts. Such as soap for writer's block: "Smells like regurgitated ideas and probably a vampire. Come on. It's a bar of soap, not magic. Try vodka." A zombie pencil holder: And... bleeding candles. 🕯️🩸 The pic doesn't do it justice, so I recorded a video just at the PERFECT time! (don't worry... no gore, just wax! Also, watch without sound because...

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, When you get this, I'll be on vacation in the beautiful Portland, Oregon area followed by a few days on the coast! While I'm away, I'd love for you to hit reply and tell me: In 10 words or less, what are you writing? Happy writing! Claire 📬 Tell me… What is your favorite "creative well-filling" activity? ✍🏻 Story Prompt undeveloped roll of film Looking for past prompts? 🗞️ Questions? Have any writing related questions you'd like me to answer...

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, There’s something about this time of year… and I know summer (here in the Northern hemisphere) isn't over until September 22nd. But, there's already been a change in the air. The leaves are whispering. The air is a little cooler in the morning and evening. And my already active startle reflex has gone into overdrive. Already. It usually doesn't do that until spooky season in October. 👻 “Startles Easily” has been on my resume my entire life,...

a beautiful blond dog in a majestic pose and a very serious face.

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, Woo weeee! It's been a summer hasn't it (or winter, if you're in the southern hemisphere). I've been deep CREATION MODE. Like deep deep. Oubliette-deep. And it. Has. Been. WILD good fun. Mostly. 😅 "What have you been creating, Claire?" you ask. Oh, thank you so much for asking. A bit ago, I mentioned a new quiz for writers: Which Labyrinth character do you write like? It’s fun, insightful, and just might hold the key to unlocking your next...

a blond dog laying at an odd angle on a dog bed with 1,000 dog toys

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, Have you ever stalled out on a project (writing related or other) because you wanted it to be perfect and just right? Me, too. Just recently actually. Remember that quiz I mentioned? The "What's your creative alter-ego archetype?" quiz I was working on? Weeeellllll... it's on hold. 🫣 Here's what happened... I went in hot with some ideas for what the archetypes are. I spent hours (almost 10 hours 🤯) drawing beautifully ominous drawings of the...

a blond dog laying on her side with her ears akimbo

WRITE AND FINISH YOUR DAMN (GOOD) BOOK Hi Reader, First off, I believe I had the wrong link to a free short story in last week's email. 🫣 Here's the correct link to read my short story Tommy's Teeth (password: boxofteeth). Second, for the rest of the summer, I'll be focusing on creating more of a connective kind of experience here in your inbox. Almost every personality test I take calls me a Connector in some way. Human Design: 3/5 Manifesting Generator Enneagram: 9 DiSC Assessment: iS...