Coaching Writers Writing Basics

Coaching has four aims Make use of the knowledge and experience of the writer. Give the writer primary responsibility for the story. Provide an environment in which the writer can do the best possible job. Train the writer so that editing will be unnecessary.

As a coach, remember Let the writer talk first. Listen to what the writer says. Help the writer, notthe copy.

Why is this story being told? Ask about every story Why does it matter? What’s the point? Why is this story being told? What does it say about life, the world, the times we live in? Source: Chip Scanlan, The Poynter Institute

Two ideas: two minutes Brainstorm two ideas that could be written into a column. Make sure that the complete story can be written in this room.

Coach ideas: two minutes x 2 The writer should present both ideas. The coach may ask questions but should never express a choice. Switch.

Plan: two minutes The writer should decide which column he/she will write. Develop an outline for the column to write. Nothing fancy, just make a plan.

Coach plan: two minutes x 2 The writer should give detail to his/her plan. The coach should ask questions. Switch.

Write: five minutes The room must be completely quiet. Write with wild abandon. Follow the plan, and write as much as possible.

Coach whole: four minutes x 2 The writer should read aloud what he/she has written. The coach may ask questions and point out observations. Switch.

Reflection on process Coaching throughout the process leaves more time. The writer is happy. The writing is better. The reader is well served.

Final thoughts Listening may well be the most important tool in coaching. Catching problems early gives the writer more confidence in the final product.