The Messy Middle

A three-month writing coaching program to get you through the heart of your project

It seemed so easy at the start…

You’ve been travelling into this project for a long time, but your legs are getting sore. Some days you’re not sure if you’ll ever make it to the far side. You had no idea this would take so long, or get so muddled. We know the feeling. We’ve been there. We can help.

In this three-month writing coaching package, you’ll approach the idea of “discipline” with open-hearted curiosity to figure out what works for you. You’ll dig into your deep-down beliefs about yourself as a writer, lifting out your resistances and examining them with compassionate and constructive eyes.

You’ll also dive deeply into the writing itself — its themes, its secrets and its flow. Your coach will come prepared to talk through plot theory, character development, point of view, knowing your reader, and anything else you need.

And of course — you’ll write! To keep you going, you’ll have deadlines every two weeks to keep your words flowing, and a subscription to Morning Coffee Sessions.

Too many writing projects get stalled when they hit the chaos of the middle, but we believe that this stage is one of the most exciting, creative and full of potential. If you can stay close to the current of your work through those moments, everything gets easier. This program will give you the tools and guidance to embrace that vitality and hang on until the end is in sight.

    • You’re frustrated by the intense labour of the messy, mysterious middle of a writing project.

    • You’re really, really ready to see this thing through.

    • You crave a creative ally who can bring a fresh, new perspective on their work.

    • You know there are no magic wands, and you’re ready to let your coach walk beside you through the hard parts so that you can emerge on the other side.

    • You have time to commit to writing. (Yes, there will be homework! We’ll make it work with your schedule, but there needs to be some room for it.)

    • You haven’t started your project yet. Check out New Sprouts to get yourself out of the gates.

    • You’re finished and looking for a professional editor for a final look.

    • Your only goal is to get this published. We believe that while publishing can be a rewarding phase of the creative process, our job is to help you create your most powerful work in the moment, regardless of what comes later.

    • You’d rather walk away than work on this more.

    • A no-pressure call with your coach to get a feel for them and for how you’ll work together.

    • 60-minute meetings every two weeks with your writing coach via phone, Skype, or in person in Toronto.

    • Opportunities every two weeks to send work to your coach to discuss in your session — up to 2,500 words of prose or 1,000 words of poetry.

    • A vault of recorded audio warm-ups to help you get unstuck anytime.

    • A 3-month subscription to Morning Coffee Sessions.

Cost:

This package costs $1575 total, which can be broken up into three monthly payments of $525. At the end of three months, you can choose to wrap up or customize your plan to meet your exact needs. Tax will be added for Canadians in your local provincial rate. See our financial policies.

Four times a year, we give out bursaries for our programs to people with financial barriers. Check out our upcoming dates.

If you don’t have a credit card, let us know and we’ll gladly find a way to make it work.

Want to know more about what coaching is like?

If you haven’t seen it yet, watch our 3-minute video on what coaching can provide. If you still have questions, our coaching FAQ is here.

Your coach:

You’ll work with one of Firefly’s powerful writing coaches. After you fill out your intake questionnaire we’ll have a good sense of who will be the best match for you. Then we’ll hook you up for a phone call so that you can feel out the chemistry for yourself. If you already have a hunch about who you want to work with, you can request them on the form.

Ready to take a deep breath and dive in?

Questions?

If you have questions that aren’t covered on our FAQ page or you just need a guide to help you find the right Firefly program, drop us a line. We’ll be happy to help you find just the right thing.

Credit where credit is due

The photo we’re using to promote this page was taken by Andy Mai and shared via Unsplash.