A Moment of Connection
Author Accelerator’s Book Coach Certification program includes a framework that aims to help writing coaches better connect with their clients. Today’s success story comes to us from Mark Krepps, one of Author Accelerator’s newest certified book coaches. He shared the following experience with our growing community.
An older gentleman came to me with a 40-page tribute to the beloved dog he had lost many years ago.
As I started reading I realized it was much more than the death of this treasured animal. So, over Zoom, I started asking many questions and digging deep to find out his story.
It turns out the story was indeed true about his pet. But, I felt horrible when he broke down and began to cry. I felt like a schmuck! But as he opened up I was transported to Vietnam where he was a platoon leader for the 101st Airborne Division. They were paratroopers and saw a great deal of action. As his memories, both sad and happy, spilled out I realized I was crying, too.
Being a war veteran myself (Desert Shield & Desert Storm) I related to many things he was saying and it made me realize I was pushing memories down myself. Regardless of the age gap, there's a bond between people who share war time together and know what being under enemy fire feels like.
In the end, after a heartfelt cry, we agreed to work together on his true story, the horror, heartbreak, friendships, and return from Vietnam. Most of all, of his survival and deep thoughts he had during his time there.
Why am I writing all this? To tell you to never stop questioning your client if you 'feel' there is more to the story. I felt like I was politely badgering him, but I'm glad I didn't give up.
Everything Jennie has said is true. You'll have clients that want to tell their stories, but simply can't until the right questions are asked. And, thanks to this course, I was able to listen to an incredible story, meet a fantastic man, let go of my own memories while listening to his, and do my work all at the same time.
Jennie Nash is getting a virtual hug right now from this old war veteran for teaching me how to listen better while using amazing questioning techniques and intuition to let the truth come out, allowing people to move forward. We love you and this course, Jennie. Thank you!
