What is your “personal mythology”? How can you tap into it, access the core of your beliefs, and unleash the energy to drive your novel or memoir? I came up with the term “personal mythology” when I was teaching writing workshops in Seattle. I found the easiest way to teach techniques like characterization, setting, and theme […]
Art of Storytelling: My Story
My name is Caroline Allen, and I am the founder of the book coaching business, Art of Storytelling. In the 1990s, I worked as an international journalist in Tokyo and London. I was reporter, sub-editor and editor for newsroom dailies, like London’s Independent newspaper. I’d grown up in rural Missouri, then graduated from the best journalism school in […]
Writing a Book: Overview
I’ve been a book coach for 19 years, working with people all over the world on memoir, novels, self-help books and even film scripts. I began my career as an international journalist (in newsrooms like London’s Financial Times). People come to my company, Art of Storytelling, wanting to write and publish a book. Few understand […]
“Who Do You Think You Are?” The Top 5 Blocks For Writers
The book coaching process, especially at the beginning, can be a very safe space. The coach is there to nurture the new writer, to allow experimentation, offer inspiration, provide support, and pass on constructive advice. We aim to OPEN the writer, and that only happens with unconditional love for the person and the creative process. […]
Outside the Lines, November 15, 2016
Guess what’s coming for Christmas. I’ll be offering portraits for sale. Want a painting of your child, or spouse, or girlfriend, or dog? Send a photo and I’ll have it done in time for Christmas. The following is a portrait of jeweler Robert Williams in Massachusetts, a very gifted creator of fine jewelry. I call […]
Finding Artistic Voice
Why do a painting every day for a year? Why write every day? When you do art often and fast, you break through mental blocks and critical thoughts to this authentic moment, this genuine self, where visual marks or turns of phrases are perfectly YOU. When you do art every day, you anchor that moment […]
Outside the Lines, October, 2016
Entering month 10 of the painting a day series, Outside the Lines, I was completely burnt out. I couldn’t conjure up the energy to come up with ideas every day for a painting, let alone execute one. It was made even more difficult by the fact that I’m writing my third novel, FIRE, and am so deeply […]
