STORY POWER
Memoir. Nonfiction. Anthology. Chapbooks.
AS A STORY MENTOR AND BOOK COACH, Debra assists writers in fully embodying their stories by digging deep into the emotional depth and rich marrow of their life experiences. Passionate about working with writers on books that steer readers towards a more inclusive humanity, her story mentoring sessions focus on content that is deeply honest, expressive, and ultimately, wildly alive on the page.
Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write.
―Rainer Maria Rilke
Do you HAVE A BOOK IDEA and don’t know where to begin?
Do you need help FINDING YOUR TRUE VOICE so you can WRITE THE BOOK THAT IS LIVING INSIDE OF YOU?
Have you already started writing a book and need help bringing it into focus?
debra can help you:
ILLUMINATE the vision you are holding for your book.
IGNITE THE FIRE IN YOUR BELLY to follow your dream of writing a book.
CREATE a visionary schema that includes a story board of ideas, images and symbols helping to spotlight the trajectory of your narrative.
IDENTIFY key themes and storylines that orient your writing towards what you most want to put forth in the world, the story that you absolutely have to tell, or perhaps the story you have been afraid to tell.
STRUCTURE a BLUEPRINT that consists of a contents page and full outline of your narrative that will sharpen the focus, direction and story line of your book.
DISCOVER your NARRATIVE VOICE and the influence of metaphor, dialogue to heighten emotions in scenes, and the significance of identifying the narrative arc of your story.
WRITE AND EDIT every chapter while connecting to the pulsating truth of your story, which naturally propels you forward. We will determine a timeline that fits your schedule and formulate a plan to meet those goals.
COMPLETE the first draft of your manuscript. In the process of completing your first draft, we will be talking about the next steps to take—marketing, manuscript assessment, developmental editing, self publishing or traditional publishing, etc.
EVOLVE DESIGN STRATEGIES while working on your first draft. This pertains to books that have a wealth of photographs, poetry, and a considerable amount of headings, subheadings, and educational/teaching body text.
WORKING WITH DEBRA means embarking on a journey of deep personal inquiry and transformation. (How can writing a book not be transformative?)
Are you ready to start your sacred writing journey so you can spin your life experiences and stories into gold?
Let’s set up a time to talk AND see if we are a good match…
What People are saying about working with Debra…
“From the beginning seed idea to publication of my story, Debra was a trustworthy midwife. Her belief in my vision was an angel in disguise when self-doubt crept in, Her clarity and expertise helped me to beautifully refine and shape the final manuscript. I have high praise for Debra's sensitivity and skill!”
Sophia Murphy, Poet, author of the upcoming book, Something Beautiful
"I couldn’t have finished my book without Debra. Her skill for gently propelling me forward helped me finish my book. She holds a nonjudgmental space that allows for total freedom of expression, so I never worried if my words were good enough or even if I was good enough. Debra’s positive assurance that I would succeed at finishing my book if I just kept going back to the page proved to be the right method for me and I’m sure would work for others. She reminds me of a substitute teacher that all the kids love and wish that she would take over the original teacher’s job—that’s why I continued to sign up with her multiple times. She was worth EVERY penny. Without Debra, I don’t know if I would have a book today—a book that is being shopped with publisher’s right now. Debra empowered me to be myself and share more of myself in my writing. I love this woman and I love how she works.”
Haneefah Wood, Film, TV and theater actress best known for Hello Tomorrow (AppleTV+) Truth Be Told (AppleTV+), Murderville (Netflix), Schooled (ABC), The Goldbergs (ABC), Drag Me To Dinner (Hulu) and Freedomland. Broadway credits include RENT, Avenue Q and Brooklyn, the Musical.
“Writing is a solitary, soul-bearing endeavor. With no formal creative writing training or MFA, I had to learn to fly the plane while building it. I did not do that alone. Every Thursday afternoon for a year and a half, Debra Rosenman held my hand and heart in a safe and supportive container, helping me to dig deeper into my past for the real story I needed to write. She read every word and gave me thoughtful and impactful feedback, which, ultimately, helped me unearth hidden truths about my family—and myself. When I reached a point of just wanting to settle for so-so, Debra gently pushed me to soar. Without her unwavering belief in my story, her editing and help with my book’s structure, I would not have been able to finish the first draft of my memoir or be as proud of the work as I am today.”
Hella Rader, Strategic Planner/Project Manager for Fortune 100 companies in the Circular Economy universe and author of the upcoming memoir, Breaking Containment.
“Working with Debra as my story coach was an amazing heart-opening experience as she challenged me to go deeper and find the truths that had been hidden for many years. Writing from this vulnerable perspective added richness to my book and will eventually inspire my readers to heal their own wounds and feel empowered to live their lives more fully. I really APPRECIATE how Debra coached me with her warm and supportive style. ”
Marta Aarli, MA, LPC Psychotherapist, Dream Guide, Writer