We are Cynthia Reyes and Fran Kolesnikowicz. We know what it’s like to be both writers and coaches: we have written memoirs and coached dozens of individuals to write and publish their stories and books.
We can help you to write your own memoir.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach is always encouraging, always positive.
We will help you to figure out what your book is about and how to write it. We will guide, challenge, and occasionally nag you to reach your full potential. We just do it in a way that makes you want to rise to the occasion!
OUR CLIENTS
Most of our clients’ memoirs tell a compelling story about their lives.
Others combine life experience with their professional or business expertise to tell an inspirational and helpful story.
Here’s just a sampling of what our clients say:
“If you need a kick in the pants to start writing, here it is. You will be amazed at how your memories materialize from the past.”
“This (program) has been the absolute.”
“I’ve appreciated your positive critiques accompanied by suggestions to improve. You’ve provided an atmosphere that is relaxed and safe.”
“It was always amazing to me how much was accomplished in each session… I think Cynthia’s preparedness, and keeping after (me) with email reminders, helped a lot.”
It’s a partnership. As long as you are willing to set time aside to write, and are open to new learning and constructive feedback, we will guide you. We’re also great at prodding, so if you need that…
PRIVATE COACHING
Private Coaching can run from a few weeks to 9 months, depending on how much assistance you need.
OPTION #1
GOAL: Produce a First Draft of your Manuscript
If you’re just starting your memoir, or have written some chapters and now need help to complete that critical first draft, you may wish to register for private coaching lasting a)4 months intensive or b) up to 9 months (paced as agreed on by both parties). Over this period, you will receive guidance, write and receive in-depth feedback. With both parties’ agreement, the coaching team will also offer some rough editing.
What the Client gets
Our Coaching Team will provide one-on-one coaching services to you, the Client. We will guide you in writing the first draft of a compelling memoir. These services will include but are not limited to:
- Assisting with brainstorming as needed
- Developing main theme/s and structure
- Setting goals and deadlines to maintain momentum
- Providing guidance on writing techniques, style, and voice
- Offering in-depth feedback on draft chapters and revisions
- As-needed Coaching to overcome writing challenges
- Rough editing as agreed by both parties
- Ongoing communication through email and Google Docs with meetings on Facetime/Zoom/WhatsApp
- Written tips, reminders, checklists
Not included: Professional editing, ghostwriting, proofreading or publishing services.
Coaching Schedule and Duration
- Session Frequency:
- Meetings: Twice Monthly to start; TBD by both parties
- Written Coaching as deemed necessary by both parties
- Meeting Duration: 30 to 60 minutes TBD
- Meeting Method: Primarily Zoom//FaceTime/WhatsApp
- Total Number of meetings: 8
FEE
Fee: $1,500 Canadian, payable in two (2) instalments of $750 by PayPal or e-Transfer.
Sign up here:https://cynthiasreyes.com/registration-for-coaching-services/
OPTION #2
GOAL: Achieve a Breakthrough on a Specific Issue
Perhaps you’ve already written some of your memoir but need someone to provide a focused consultation that can help you solve a significant issue, achieve a breakthrough, evaluate your writing and offer guidance.
Some topics of recent consultations: Finding your main theme/s; Chapter or whole-book structure; Improving your writing style; How to create tension and suspense; Combining memoir writing with “how to” advice; Writing about tough subjects or people.
What the Client gets:
- Review of (up to) 10-page writing submission/description of your story and goals
- Two meetings lasting 40 to 60 minutes
- Email followup
- 2 relevant documents to reinforce new objectives and learning
Fee
Fee: $390 CAD payable before the coaching starts.
https://cynthiasreyes.com/registration-for-coaching-services/
OUR BACKGROUND & SKILLS
CYNTHIA
Before memoir coaching, Cynthia taught writing and journalism and wrote for magazines, anthologies and television.
She has executive-produced more than 100 episodes of network television, winning awards and acclaim.
Cynthia’s 3 memoirs, A Good Home, An Honest House, and the illustrated Twigs in My Hair, A Gardening Memoir have all been bestsellers. An Honest House won the Diamond Award for book of the year.
Cynthia also co-authors the bestselling Myrtle the Purple Turtle picture books with her daughter Lauren.
Many of the people she coached had never done this kind of writing before, while some are experienced writers. They all ended up surprising themselves. Some participants have gone on to publish short memoirs, many have written and published their books, and some have also won writing competitions.
Some writers choose to publish only for their families and personal networks. Others publish for the wider market. Below are just a few books by individuals whom Cynthia has coached.
OUR BACKGROUND & SKILLS
FRAN
Fran Kolesnikowicz (nee Levandoski) was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Early in her life, she moved with her family to Durham County, Ontario. She lives with her husband, Walter, in Hampton, Ontario.
Fran’s short stories have been published in Hill Spirits VI and Arts Forum Magazine. She loves writing and has taken several courses to improve her craft over the years.
Fran has helped other writers find their main themes, establish continuity, clear up confusing storylines and generally improve their writing.
Her first full-length memoir, Incredible Journeys, recounts her 2024 journey to find her Polish roots.
In addition to her work as a story consultant and memoir writing coach, Fran is currently working on two other memoirs of her own. In Pursuit of Dreams tells the story of her travels. Family Footprints is a “quest memoir”. It tells the story of her search and discovery of the legacies of her grandfathers, both of whom were miners in Northern Ontario.
To enquire about how we may help you produce your own memoir, please complete the contact form on this website or email us at: cynthia@cynthiasreyes.com – don’t forget the ‘s’ in the middle!
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