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Writing Coach & Developmental Editor

I coach writers of all levels in poetry, memoir, creative nonfiction, and personal essays. My one-on-one coaching is tailored to meet your specific needs, no matter where you are in the writing process. I provide clear goals, deadlines, detailed feedback, and ongoing support.

My goal is to help you:

  • Build a sustainable writing practice that fits your schedule

  • Clarify your vision and take actionable steps toward it

  • Refine your work with targeted feedback and strategies

  • Discover your unique writing style and strengths

  • Bring your words to life in print and online

Rebecca Watkins, a renowned author, sits at her desk with shoulder-length brown hair and a blue top. She holds glasses in one hand and smiles at her laptop. Two colorful notebooks and a patterned mug are nearby on the desk. In the background, a wooden bookshelf filled with books provides the perfect backdrop for penning her next memoir.

Whether you’re working on a single poem, essay, or a larger project, I will tailor my coaching to your needs. Each session is a 75-minute online meeting, where we’ll review my detailed feedback, celebrate your progress, and set actionable next steps.

Book Coach

Memoir & Creative Nonfiction

Unleash Your Unique Voice and Tell Your Truth: Write, Revise, and Refine Your Personal Stories

Whether you're starting from scratch, working through excerpts, or have a draft of your book in need of refining, I can help. 

 

For those of you with a draft, I will provide a detailed critique of each chapter on elements such as scene vs. summary, dialogue, point-of-view, pacing, and narrative voice.  

 

If you are in the earlier stages, together we’ll brainstorm, outline, and develop your memoir or book of essays into a polished manuscript. 

Rebecca Watkins, an educator with shoulder-length hair, sits cross-legged on a wooden floor. She is reviewing papers that are spread around her while keeping an open notebook on her lap. She is dressed in a denim shirt and brown pants. In the background, there is a crochet-patterned couch and a closed book.

Poetry Chapbooks & Full-Length Collections

First Line of Verse to Full Collection: The Essentials of Crafting Your Poetry Book

Whether you are writing new pieces for a project or you have a stack of poems ready to be revised and complied, I can help. 

 

I provide feedback on individual poems focusing on elements like tone, structure, language and overall content. 

 

Once your poems are ready, I’ll guide you in organizing them into a cohesive manuscript and help you map out your plan for publishing.

Rebecca Watkins, an educator with shoulder-length hair, sits cross-legged on a wooden floor. She is reviewing papers that are spread around her while keeping an open notebook on her lap. She is dressed in a denim shirt and brown pants. In the background, there is a crochet-patterned couch and a closed book.
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Elizabeth Rose, artist and poet

"I have had the pleasure of working with poet & author, Rebecca Watkins, as my poetry teacher and coach for several years. She has reminded me that first off, writing a poem is a way into my psyche and a tool to help understand myself. After listening and acknowledging my feelings about my piece, Rebecca rolls up her sleeves and dives into each stanza from top to bottom, showing me the process of how to turn an unfinished poem into a full and rich poem.  Rebecca is a true support for the writer she is coaching, helping them to achieve their writing goals."

Writing & Healing Arts

Release Blocks and Renew Your Vision through Reiki, Meditation, and Writing

As a former Hatha yoga instructor and current practitioner of Reiki, I have used the healing arts in my journey as a writer.

 

If this is a service that calls to you, I offer guided meditation practice, affirmations, and reiki sessions to help you release any blocks, find clarity, and connect to your authentic voice. 

 

This service can be offered as an individual session or added to an existing coaching session.

A serene water lily floats on a dark pond. The flower features pale blue petals with pinkish hues encircling a radiant yellow center. Gentle light and blurred reflections in the water create an atmosphere of tranquil dreaminess.

Creativity & Writing Workshops

Enhance Your Creativity and Improve Your Craft Through Community

In addition to individual coaching and editing, I also host writing workshops where you can share your work, receive feedback, and learn from others.

 

Writing is a journey, and it’s often more rewarding when done with others who understand the process. 

 

I also offer workshops which integrate the healing arts and generative writing prompts to help you reconnect with your creative self through compassion and healing.

In a cozy, rustic room with wooden walls and flooring, a woman sits comfortably on a couch covered with a crocheted throw. She is dressed in a patterned dress and deeply engrossed in reading abook. The couch is positioned facing toward a large window that frames blurred greenery outside, allowing gentle light to cascade into the room, enhancing its warm atmosphere.
Portrait of Rebecca Wansing, the author, smiling warmly at the camera. She has long blonde hair with bangs that catch the sunlight. Rebecca is standing outdoors in a white sweater, surrounded by blurred greenery.

Rebecca Wansing, workshop participant

"I would highly recommend the Manifest Your Dreams workshop with Rebecca Watkins and Dawn Paula. Rebecca is an exceptional teacher and talented poet. Her calm and thoughtful approach was extremely helpful to me.  She has a genuine kindness and peace which fosters a safe and creative environment to write."

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