Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Neyer.
Hi Tina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Stories in various forms consume me. Whether it’s at a campfire, in my own work, or through the writings of others, I listen for the nuances of what makes for a rich story. This work began with my own writing projects but has morphed into so much more.
I come from a long line of storytellers from the wild west to the sophisticated life in Cincinnati. My individual work has focused on historical fiction and non-fiction. Curiosity around the human experience in places such as Utah during World War II, Cincinnati in the 1950s, the female experience of the 1970s in America, or even the work of missionaries in the Amazon, I work to find clear, concise views on subjects that matter to me.
Ten years ago, I began to focus not only on sharing my work with the world but also finding ways to share what I have learned as a writer, mediator, counselor with others. I started giving workshops on the craft of story development to help others grow as writers in order to tell their own stories. I was instrumental in the creation of craft classes for a local organization called Women Writing for (a) Change. Their model had been only to cultivate voices. My quest involved crafting those voices for a broader audience. That work has led to the creation of a fledging group in the Great Cincinnati area called Gugel Alley Writers. It is a weekly gathering of quietly accomplished writers in a local bookstore to chat about and grow in our craft.
In 2013, I joined a partner to host pilgrimages to Rome and Assisi, with a focus on study of Saint Francis of Assisi and his counterpart, Saint Clare of Assisi. While not particularly religious, my talent for forming writing circles and bringing people to new understandings of their personal journeys added another layer of depth to the trips. Through these yearly adventures, I have cultivated a growing coaching practice.
My business has grown into a book coaching service through the many connections I’ve made over the past ten years. Two clients have recently published their books, and several more are on their way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If my path had been straight and smooth, it would not have held the same value that I feel today. Many of the struggles I’ve faced have to do with imposter syndrome. When I started the workshops on story development, I had a master’s in education, had been a practicing divorce mediator for several years, a counselor, and at the same time, managing a large stepfamily. While stories are critical to mediation and counseling work, I was near burnout and needed to change my focus.
When I thought my work was golden and could be published, reality hit. The stories were good, the craft of the writing needed help. It was then that I applied for a Master’s of Fine Arts to five top-tier, low-residency schools. I made it into three of them and selected the Vermont School of Fine Arts. Two weeks before my cohort was to begin, the bill for my first semester arrived. To that point, it felt that the value far outweighed the risk, but seeing the cost in black and white, I realized the financial burden I would put on my family. I called the director of the program, told her my issue, and she connected me with the Bursar. He asked my background, and when I told him I had a Master of Education, he scoffed and said, “What do you want another masters for, you already know how to write.” He offered a substantial scholarship for me to attend the school, but I realized that I had the talent within, and perhaps one more degree wasn’t going to define me. I laid out a plan to invest in workshops where authors were teaching that I wanted to study with, and have continued every year to increase my expertise in writing. The experiences have also led me to understand the value of editors, beta readers, and writing circles.
I’ve become confident in my work. My clients mean the world to me. I continue to submit my work in many areas of publication, but now find the rejections to be more about tools to learn what is the best next step with a piece of writing. I own who I am as a writer and teacher these days.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Creatively, I am in the middle of two book-length projects. I have several published articles to my name, plans for a pilgrimage to Italy for 2024, workshops planned, and carry a good load of clients in my coaching business.
While my personal projects are ongoing, I specialize in teaching both fiction and memoir from story development through to rewriting and revising for publication. The client’s timeline is most important. My job is to teach and challenge each individual with an eye toward their best work.
My unique knowledge of mental health, active listening skills, ability to envision outcomes of stories that have universal themes enhances the experience with my clients. I have branded my business as a journey I take with my clients to realize their best work.
I offer a variety of services. They are as follows:
Six in Six, 6 writing session in 6 weeks to explore journal writing, craft issues, how to write a book, memoir writing, components of fiction, and how to get your work to publication.
Book Coaching. You have the power within you to tell the story in full. Sometimes, you just need to talk things out. You drive the conversation, and I offer questions and suggestions to bring the issues into focus and cut a path forward.
Book-length Manuscript Assessment. You submit 50 pages of your book and a one-page summary. You receive a detailed, two-page editorial review that highlights strengths, challenges, and an overall understanding of the project, in-line comments of the first ten pages, and a one-hour session to discuss the feedback.
Book Length Manuscript Intensive. Your 200-to-300-page project is complete. I take a deep dive into your project, page by page, to examine the strengths and challenges of the manuscript. I provide a 5-to-7-page review of the material with possible next steps for the writer.
Pilgrimage to Italy. Booking opens in June for 2024. We journey through the heart of Italy, Rome, the Reiti Valley, and Assisi. I offer a component of writing each day for those who wish to develop their spirituality through the writing process in a beautiful country.
Retreats and Workshops, I offer public and customized workshops and retreats. Spiritual, writing, directional, and other types of programs are available.
What do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck, per se. What I do believe in is envisioning the possibilities and working hard to make them come to fruition.
Pricing:
- Six in Six- $450
- 50-page manuscript assessments- $600
- Intensive Manuscript assessments- $1200
- Italy 2024-with airfare, est.$4900
- Workshops and Retreats: customizable and various prices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinaneyer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaneyer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinaneyercoaching
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaneyer/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinalneyer
