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Annie B. Shapero's avatar

This coaching was so cool!!! Got some much-needed creative juices flowing too. Could Vivian's mom be a part-time grocery store cashier? Imagine watching other people check out, ring up, hear the ding, see them counting out cash. Maybe a little cinematic, but my brain went there while I was watching the video. Godspeed on the edits!

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Tania Strauss's avatar

I loved this video! What an absolutely fascinating conversation and it's made me even more curious to read your book.

I just booked a discovery call with Rebecca for next month because in addition to running into some story and character development problems on *two* projects, I have been thinking of working with a coach more broadly on some larger creative and professional stumbling blocks and based on this conversation, I would absolutely love to speak with her. She seems unbelievably sharp and something about her whole deal spoke directly to my "recovering NYC overachiever" soul. Thank you so much for sharing this.

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Tania Strauss's avatar

I’m really looking forward to speaking with her! If we work together I’ll let you know how it goes :)

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Courtney Maum's avatar

Oh my gosh yes— sounds like you will be a PERFECT match!

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Debbie Koenig's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing that video--it was amazing to watch the two of you work through your characters. (Plus it made me excited to read Alan Opts Out.) I snagged a spot with Rebecca!

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Courtney Maum's avatar

Oh that’s awesome! I hope you enjoy the discovery call and I appreciate you watching the video. I’m also glad that it intrigued you— I did wonder if I was giving too much away about my book!

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Debbie Koenig's avatar

Not at all! It didn't feel like you shared plot twists at all--mostly backstory and motivation. It's fascinating stuff.

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Courtney Maum's avatar

Thanks, Debbie!

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Jacqueline Van Hoewyk's avatar

Thanks for sharing! I did a lot of this type of work for my wip using Lisa Cron’s STORY GENIUS. How do you not now feel like you have to change tons of stuff? I struggle with thinking these types of changes will bleed through everywhere. I’d love to see how you move forward with these changes!

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Courtney Maum's avatar

Oh, but they will bleed through everywhere! That’s the point! I have a full video post on how I’m doing these revisions next week.

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Jacqueline Van Hoewyk's avatar

Can’t wait! 😝

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Kristine Campbell's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing Rebecca's services and your vulnerable conversation! Loving this insider access to your process (and your squad!). No doubt, all our books will benefit from this deep character work!

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Courtney Maum's avatar

I hope so! Thank you for watching it— I appreciate it greatly!

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Sheila Lewis-creatingwritenow's avatar

This is terrific, and glad you are laser sure of your coaching reach, enough to let Rebecca take over while you do deep dive final touches on your book. Will recommend to students and writers I know. Good luck!

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Courtney Maum's avatar

That’s so kind, Sheila, thank you!!

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Chin-Sun Lee's avatar

wow, that character coaching session was fascinating! thanks so much for sharing!

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Courtney Maum's avatar

Thank you for watching!

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Leslie Kain's avatar

OMG, I don't always have time to read your posts, so I'm thrilled I did this time! I scheduled a 20 min call w/Rebecca (THANK YOU!). I'm a former psychologist and think I have it all figured out in my current WIP but there's obviously something missing. So excited!!!

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Leslie Kain's avatar

PS -- I've already begun using the Coaching Lens Cheat Sheet you provided - it has helped me clarify some things and inspired ideas for the MC's "exit strategy" sequencing

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Courtney Maum's avatar

That’s awesome!

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Olivia Muenter's avatar

I also have a book coming out next year with LB and have been so incredibly impressed with the entire team so far. Sally seems so great.

Congratulations on your book and all your success!! Can't wait to read.

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barbara newman's avatar

Wow, Courtney. Character coaching is a brilliant idea. What a fresh take! I’m so glad it was helpful! I’m not sure how it would work in a memoir in letters- which feels more like structure?

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Courtney Maum's avatar

A memoir in letters would work if the letters can be manipulated-- like if they can be tweaked with, fictionalized. So more appropriate basically for a fictionalized memoir or auto fiction, which I don't think is your case!

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Leslie Kain's avatar

I'm coaching a local friend who's writing a memoir, but her real story is SO complex, multi-layered and high stakes (with gaps), that I'm encouraging her to allow some "fictionalizing" (auto-fiction) to maintain the tension & fill the gaps.

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barbara newman's avatar

Thank you!!

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