Celebrating 100 Certified Book Coaches
Today’s success story comes to us from Stacy Frazer, who just earned her Book Coach Certification! Stacy’s success was a big milestone for Author Accelerator as we have now officially certified 100 book coaches!
What does this mean? More quality book coaches for every writer’s needs, more opportunity for you to join a growing gig in the publishing industry, and more opportunities for virtual and in-person events through 2022 and beyond.
You can read more about our 100th book coach certification milestone from our CEO Jennie Nash here.
How did you come to book coaching?
I'd always wanted to be a writer, a maker of words and worlds, but I didn't believe I was good enough to do the work. I didn't think my voice mattered. I pursued a linear education and denied my creativity. I obtained a medical degree and practiced medicine as a physician’s assistant for over a decade. I was good at empowering people to become their own agents for change, and I loved that part of my job.
In my 30s, I came to storytelling and writing as a means of recovery from trauma and alcohol abuse. Hearing other people's stories (written and verbal) gave me hope and allowed me to cultivate enough empathy for myself to re-examine my false beliefs. Only then was I able to change my story. This shift in my thinking led to me working with an Author Accelerator Certified book coach and eventually a completed novel with many more to follow.
I believe with all my heart that story has the power to change and save lives. It saved mine. I am on a mission to raise voices, to help formerly repressed creative souls like me embrace their passion for writing and storytelling. Life has taught me what we often think and feel is not the truth. We need to unlearn the limiting beliefs that don't serve us (just like our characters do) so we can embrace our truth and do what we were born to do.
Today I believe we are all uniquely creative, that there is a place in the world for all our voices, and every single one matters. Coming to the page can be terrifying, especially when you don't have a literary background. You're putting your words and heart out there for the world to judge. It's risky but worth it.
I've decided that being scared is okay, but being stuck and denying your creative soul is not. For this reason, I "write it scared" and hope to help others do the same.
What was your experience in the Book Coach Certification program? What did you find most satisfying? What did you find most challenging?
The Author Accelerator fiction Book Coaching Certification was a fantastic experience. I loved the deep dive into the craft and character-building. I am fascinated by the psychology that goes into creating a compelling character. The Author Accelerator community is supportive and generous in spirit. I'm so proud to be a part of it.
The most challenging aspect was overcoming my own limiting belief that I didn't deserve to be here with these other amazing coaches. I fight this battle every day. I win most days. Other days I don't. But I still show up. Persistence and determination guided by integrity are my core values. This program made me a better writer and a better human.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’re taking away from the training?
Always ask why! What is the motivating factor behind your character’s action, reaction, expectation, or thought or feeling? Is it on the page?
What did you do to celebrate this achievement?
I took my five-year-old daughter out for pizza and ice cream, and my husband and I are going away for the weekend. We're hitting some indie bookstores and spending some quality time together.
What are the next steps in your career? Tell us more about your coaching plans.
Take the Author Accelerator memoir course ASAP. Continue to work on my own fiction and nonfiction books and pursue my developmental editing certification.
I have launched my book coaching business, Write It Scared. I currently offer 1:1 private book coaching and already have several clients. I plan to offer group coaching opportunities in the future.
I also teach a writer's workshop called the Story Before The Story, which focuses on using backstory to craft compelling characters and will offer it on my website soon.
I want to shout from the rooftops that writing is inclusive: your story matters—your voice matters. Your writing has merit. You can be scared and still be unstoppable. You can connect with me via my website, or email me directly at stacyfrazerwrites@gmail.com.
I offer free introductory book coaching sessions, and you can schedule an appointment on my calendar here.