You carry a story of transformation, resilience, or spiritual growth that you’re called to write.

It won’t leave you alone.

Maybe you’re afraid to put words on the page. You don’t know where to begin or how to tell the story that’s living in you.

Maybe you’ve written pages and pages, but you’re not sure how to shape them into a memoir.

I know what it’s like to carry a story you’re not sure you can tell—and I know how to help you take the next step.

Get your story out of your body and onto the page.

Move beyond doubt and fear to courage and confidence with steady support, honest feedback, and clear direction at every step.

Stop wondering, dreaming, or circling your story. Turn what your body carries into the memoir only you could write.

I’ve been where you are now.

When I wasn’t sure how to begin writing a story that had been living in me for years, I turned to a writing coach. She offered a safe space to share my experience of being sexually assaulted in my early twenties, which gave me the courage to begin writing. She believed in my story even when I didn’t and helped me envision how it would resonate with readers. One chapter at a time, one page at a time, she guided me in shaping it into more than just a recounting of events, but into a book with a narrative structure, central themes, and a clear overarching point. She encouraged me to dive deeper into the emotional heart of the story and wouldn’t let me quit writing when I wanted to.

My experience working with a coach inspired me to become an Author Accelerator certified book coach in memoir. I want to be the coach that I was fortunate enough to have when writing my memoir.

My training as a spiritual director means I can hold more than your craft—I can hold the weight of the story itself.

With confidential, non-judgmental, steady support, I can help you move from hesitation and doubt to trust in yourself and your story.

Your story deserves to be told. Here’s how we can work together to tell it.

Why bother?

Because right now

there is someone out there

with a wound

in the exact shape

of your words.

-Sean Thomas Dougherty

Memoir Coaching Services

Story Discernment Session

If you know you have a story to tell but aren’t yet sure what it is, where it begins, or whether you’re ready to write it.

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Find the Thread of Your Memoir

If you know what you want to write (and perhaps you’ve already written page after page) but don’t know how to shape it.

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Follow the Thread and Finish Your Memoir

If you’re already writing and need support to finish—or if you have a completed draft and want to know if it’s working.

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Story Discernment Session

The courage to claim your story.

Are you afraid of putting words on paper and reliving a difficult experience? Unsure of whether you can write this story, or whether anyone will want to read it?

You’re filled with doubt—and you are called or compelled to tell your story.

Move from hesitation and doubt to trust in yourself and your story. Using a one-page reflection tool as our guide, we’ll take a deep dive into what you want to say and why you feel called to say it. We’ll clarify key components of your memoir and create a path forward so you can move your story out of your body and onto the page with clarity, direction, and courage.

The Story Discernment Session includes:

A 20-minute welcome call to introduce ourselves and set deadlines for our work.
The Mini Blueprint, a one-page reflection tool with instructions to help begin structuring the story you want to tell. You will take a few hours to reflect, write, and perhaps do some research before you submit this page to me.
Written feedback on your responses (inline comments + editorial letter).
One 50-minute coaching session where we will review your responses and my comments, answer your questions, and develop a plan for moving forward.

Timeline: 2–3 weeks | Investment: $270

Claim your Story Discernment Session

Find the Thread of Your Memoir

The courage to shape your story.

Are you ready to write but not sure where to begin?

Have you written pages and pages, but aren’t sure how to structure it into a cohesive memoir that will resonate with readers?

Using the Author Accelerator Blueprint* process, we’ll clarify your story’s purpose and structure to help connect with your ideal reader.

Find the Thread of Your Memoir includes:

The Author Accelerator Blueprint process, divided into four deadlines, with prompts to answer key questions about your memoir.
Written feedback before each session (inline comments + editorial letter).
Four 50-minute coaching sessions (every other week) where we will review your progress and my comments, answer your questions, and develop a plan for moving forward.

Timeline: 8 weeks | Investment: $1,600 (or two monthly payments of $800)

Schedule a free 30-minute Clarity Call to talk through what it looks like to shape your story together. There’s no obligation—just a conversation.

*The Blueprint is a robust planning tool developed by Jennie Nash and licensed to Author Accelerator certified coaches.

Follow the Thread and Finish Your Memoir

The courage to keep writing and finish your book.

Have you discovered the thread of your memoir and now you’re looking for ongoing accountability and steady support as you write?

Do you have a completed draft, but aren’t sure whether it will resonate with readers?

With confidential, non-judgmental, steady support, I will encourage you and push you to go deeper to tell the story that only you can tell in a way that will connect with readers.

Follow the Thread and Finish Your Memoir includes:

Written feedback on two submissions per month (inline comments + editorial letter).
Two 50-minute coaching calls each month to review feedback, answer questions, and determine what to focus on next.
Accountability and encouragement to maintain momentum.

Timeline: Minimum three-month commitment with an option to continue month-to-month

Investment: $800/month

Schedule a free 30-minute Clarity Call to talk through your goals, your story, and what it looks like to finish your memoir together. There’s no obligation—just a conversation.

Here’s what clients say about working with me:

“Deborah brings the perfect blend of craft, compassion, and wisdom to her coaching. She helped me navigate and fine-tune two personal essays on a highly sensitive topic, ensuring they would truly resonate with readers.”

-Brianna A.

“Deborah made me feel comfortable and listened to, gave me very helpful feedback with clear instructions and suggestions, and helped me clarify ideas and plan effective and helpful revision strategies.”

-Nylda D.

“I approached Deborah to see if she could aid me in transforming a bit of the memoir I’ve written into an impactful [personal essay]. Her line-edits were exquisite and, on a macro level, she made suggestions that helped me better structure my piece and connect the scenes I’d written into a better flow.”

-Susie W.

My work as a spiritual director shapes how I show up as a coach. Here’s what that presence feels like:

Deborah has the unique ability to translate her presence, openness and compassion online. Her authentic approach brought our discussions and very personal stories into a holy space that was deeply appreciated in the group spiritual direction I attended.

-Naomi K.

My spiritual direction sessions with Deborah have been an incredibly healing and grounding experience. Deborah is a highly skilled and compassionate listener and space holder and made me feel at ease from the very start of our first session. During my time with Deborah, I know I’m in a safe, supportive, and judgement free place, where I can express my thoughts and emotions fully and explore spiritual concepts and ideas in an open and curious way.

-Devan F.

Deborah’s attentive listening and personable nature create a powerful experience, which I am deeply grateful for.

-Linda N.

FAQs

How do I know if I’m ready to do this work?

If you want to explore on your own first: Download Out of Your Body, Onto the Page[ADD LINK], a free discovery exercise with writing prompts and a guided meditation to help you take the beginning step: naming your WHY.

If you’d rather talk it through: Schedule a 30-minute Clarity Call with me to name your doubts and tap into your courage.

How do I know if I’m ready to do this work?

If you’d rather talk it through: Schedule a 30-minute Clarity Call with me to name your doubts and tap into your courage.

What if I’m not sure I have the time to do this work?

The time required depends on the coaching package you select, your writing process, and your level of commitment to doing the work.

For each of the eight weeks of Find the Thread of Your Memoir, you will either be submitting pages or preparing for and participating in a 50-minute coaching call. For the monthly Follow the Thread and Finish Your Memoir, you will submit up to 20 pages twice monthly and prepare for and participate in two 50-minute coaching calls per month.

If you’re unsure, schedule a free 30-minute Clarity Call with me and let’s talk it through. “I don’t have time” can sometimes be related to underlying fears about the writing process itself.

What’s your process for starting with new clients?

For the Story Discernment Session: All you have to do is click the link and purchase. Once you’ve purchased the session, I’ll be in touch to schedule a welcome call where we will discuss a timeline for our work together.

For Find the Thread of Your Memoir or Follow the Thread and Finish Your Memoir, schedule a free 30-minute Clarity Call to discuss your goals, your story, and what working together might look like. No obligation—just a conversation.

Will you help me get my book published?

While I’m happy to share about my own path to publication, I don’t coach writers on pitching their projects. I can refer you to other Author Accelerator book coaches who do this work. Due to the ever changing and unpredictable publishing landscape, I can’t promise or guarantee that your book will be picked up by a literary agent or publisher. What I can offer is encouragement and steady support to build courage and to trust in your own voice, so you can write the story only you can tell.

Do you offer other services?

Yes! I offer a manuscript review for memoir writers with a completed manuscript. Please contact me for details and pricing.

What if we decide that working together is not a good fit?

I will gladly refer you to other Author Accelerator certified coaches, either directly or through Author Accelerator’s matching system.