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Official website of
author & freelance writer
Lynn Bohart
Here you will find:
CASE OF THE MISSING WILL Book Trailer
Lynn, hard at work.
Story Coaching: The Story's the Thing
You may have heard it said that humans are wired for stories. In fact, research has proven that chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin are released in the brain when we read stories that we enjoy.
I've been focused on storytelling since I was a kid, writing my first short story in the fifth grade. After achieving my master's degree in theater, spending 35+ years in the nonprofit world raising millions of dollars by telling stories, authoring several novels and short stories, and then teaching 'Crafting the Story' for 10+ years through Green River College, I know a little more than the average person about how to tell a good story. And I believe there is an art and a science to good storytelling (which is different than good writing). The science involves certain elements necessary for a story to hold together, while the art involves 'how' you weave those elements together to satisfy a reader.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
I work with only a limited number of clients at a time so that I can give you my full attention and best advice (while I'm busy with other projects of my own). My goal is to help identify ways in which to improve, strengthen, or organize your story. The point to remember is that this is your time to ask questions and deep dive into why the techniques I might suggest can improve your storytelling prowess.
Tali Sarnetzky: "My experience working with Lynn was fantastic.She gave me invaluable feedback, made great suggestions and helped me think of alternative options for my story. Her approach is supportive and helpful. This is a coach who is truly in your corner and would like you to do your best. I'm sure I'll be seeking her advice in the future again."
MY ROLE: Sometimes all you need is the opportunity to talk through your idea and what you've written with someone who has more experience. But this is your story not mine. I'm a teacher at heart, so you can think of me as your personal trainer. Together, we can:
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chart your basic story arc,
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brainstorm story or structure options you may not have thought of,
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discuss how to strengthen weak characters,
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identify and plug missing plot points,
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find the perfect opening 'hook' that will grab the audiences' attention,
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clarify the strongest/most memorable beginning and ending for your reader,
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help you improve the structure, flow, and emotional impact of your story,
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navigate the many decisions necessary to move your story forward.
YOUR ROLE: You'll need to set your ego aside to accept honest feedback and absorb new ideas and tools. Writing is intensely personal, and it's often tough to have someone pick it apart. The good news is that I'm not an editor, and I'm not here to 'red line' your copy. Also, because this is your story, it is not my job to tell you how to write it, but rather to show you opportunities to make it better. Your job will be to choose what feels right to you.
Kim Wright: "Lynn Bohart truly excels in providing top-notch writing advice, with her exceptional professionalism and keen attention to detail. Her deep understanding and quick responsiveness make working with her an absolute pleasure. I'm immensely thankful for her support as I navigate my first novel—her positive criticism is a lifeline on this steep learning curve."
HOW WE DO IT: I ask each client to fill out a Session Questionnair to give me a sense of where you are in your writing journey, what your story is about, and your areas of concern. You can download the questionnaire below. When you've finished filling it out, you're ready to order your session (and can download your questionnaire as part of the order). Once I receive the order and have had time to review your questionnaire, we will schedule the call.
I have made this as simple as possible, offering only three options. But you can reorder a session as many times as you want or need.
PLEASE SEE NEXT STEPS BELOW BEFORE ORDERING
BRAINSTORMING SESSION: $45/hr Order Here
Each call is a 45-60 minute online call. The brainstorming sessions are open-ended calls with topic(s) of your choice. You will steer these sessions based on how you filled out your questionnaire and what your priorities are.
PAGE REVIEW SESSION: $90 (2-hour review/call) Order Here
You will send me up to 15-pages (double-spaced) of your story in advance. While most people send the first fifteen pages (or first chapter), it's yours to decide. Perhaps there is a specific section of your story that you're struggling with. In addition, you'll send bullet points identifying your areas of concern. It will take me 1-1.5 hours to review the fifteen pages and make notes. Then, we'll schedule a call to discuss.
HELP YOUR WAY: $45/hr To Order See Note Below
Here, I allow you to design our time together, whether that's a page review, chapter review, full document review, specific topic Zoom calls, etc. If you're interested in this coaching session, just send me an email at with your full name, contact information, and a brief description of what you have in mind. If I have questions, I'll get back to you. Otherwise, I'll give you my best estimate on how much time it will take and how much it would cost. If it's a go, then I will instruct you in how to place the order. Here's my email: Lildog67@icloud.com.
Note: for full document reviews, I will ask for the first chapter in advance to get a sense of your writing style and how long I think it will take to read/review the full manuscript.
POTENTIAL COACHING TOPICS:
This is a list of potential coaching topics we might discuss during any of the sessions.
1) STORY PREMISE AND STORY ARC: What’s the premise of your story, where/how does it start, what is the story’s climax, and how does it come to a satisfying conclusion?
2) STORY STRUCTURE: Discussion of the three-act story structure, including the inciting moment, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
3) CREATING COMPELLING CHARACTERS: protagonist/antagonist/secondary characters
4) UNDERSTANDING THE PROTAGONIST’S DRIVING NARRATIVE: How to put the story into motion and keep it there.
5) GRABBING & HOLDING A READER’S ATTENTION: a discussion on techniques designed to keep a reader turning pages.
6) EFFECTIVE USE OF DIALOGUE: using dialogue to reveal important character information, drive action, and draw readers in.
7) EFFECTIVE USE OF SETTING: discuss how to use setting as more than a backdrop for your story.
8) IMPORTANT WRITING TECHNIQUES: explore how to effectively deploy the concepts of show-don’t tell, passive vs active writing, and exposition.
NEXT STEPS
Before you order, please read the terms and conditions by clicking below, and then download the questionnaire here:
STORY COACHING CLIENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Once you've filled out your questionnaire, comeback and click on the session you're interested in. You will be taken to Thrivecart, where you will complete your purchase. At check out, you can download the questionnaire as a PDF. Once I'm notified and have had a chance to review your questionnaire, I'll be in touch about next steps.
Thanks so very much. Lynn
DISCLAIMER: Although I have extensive writing and teaching experience, writing is a subjective enterprise, and I cannot guarantee publishing outcomes. In addition, coaching services are sold with the understanding that we are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services related to publishing, marketing, or sales. If you need this type of expert assistance, you should seek the services of a competent professional. This contractor shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information provided to the client in pursuit of the agreed upon goal(s). If you do not wish to be bound by the above, please do not purchase a coaching package. Thank you, and I appreciate your consideration