Overview

The Writer’s Project is MAR Literary Services’ core coaching framework—a personalized accountability and mindset program designed specifically for writers working on their first drafts. This is life coaching for writers, not writing craft instruction. The focus is on the writer, not the writing.

Core Philosophy

The Writer’s Project operates on the belief that most writers don’t fail due to lack of talent or craft knowledge—they fail because of internal barriers: perfectionism, fear, inconsistency, overwhelm, and isolation. The program addresses the mindset blocks and accountability gaps that prevent writers from reaching “The End.”

Maria brings a life coaching background with NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) training, combined with extensive reading experience (4,000+ books across all genres) and a BA in English. Her unique positioning is as a life coach who specializes in working with writers, not a book coach or writing instructor.

Program Structure: Four Tracks

The Writer’s Project offers four distinct program tracks, each designed for different commitment levels and writer needs. All programs include:

• Twice-weekly one-on-one coaching sessions (except Progress Over Perfect)
• Once monthly progress assessment meeting
• Between-session support and accountability
• Access to planning tools and frameworks
• Personalized approach tailored to each writer’s specific blocks
• Focus on mindset shifts, habit formation, and sustainable writing practices

Track 1: Progress Over Perfect (4 Weeks)

Meeting Frequency: 3x weekly meetings

Best For:

• Writers paralyzed by perfectionism
• Those who need intensive short-term intervention
• Writers ready to break the perfection trap quickly
• Anyone who struggles with finishing because “it’s not good enough”

Program Focus: This intensive 4-week program targets perfectionism head-on. The high frequency of meetings (3x per week) provides maximum support during the critical period of breaking perfectionist patterns. Writers learn to distinguish between the drafting and editing phases, embrace “good enough” drafting, and develop the mindset that completion is more valuable than perfection.

Wanted Outcomes:

• Ability to draft without constant self-editing
• Reduced anxiety about writing quality during first draft
• Established momentum that carries beyond the program
• Mindset shift from “perfect or nothing” to “done is better than perfect”

Track 2: The Writer’s Momentum Method (8 Weeks)

Meeting Frequency: 2x weekly meetings plus one monthly session at weeks 4 and 8 for progress assessment.

Best For:

• Writers who struggle with fear and self-doubt
• Those who need help building consistent momentum
• Writers who start strong but lose steam
• Anyone stuck in the “messy middle” of their manuscript

Program Focus: This 8-week program focuses on building sustainable momentum while addressing the fear and self-doubt that stops writers mid-draft. The two bonus sessions provide extra support during predictable challenging moments. Writers develop strategies for pushing through resistance, learn to manage their inner critic, and build confidence in their ability to finish.

Wanted Outcomes:

• Consistent writing habit established
• Reduced fear around the writing process
• Strategies for working through stuck points
• Increased confidence in ability to complete projects
• Understanding of personal resistance patterns

Track 3: Becoming the Writer (12 Weeks)

Meeting Frequency: 2x weekly meetings, plus an added monthly meeting at weeks 4, 8, and 12 to assess progress.

Best For:

• Writers ready for deeper identity-level transformation
• Those who want to become “someone who writes” not just “someone writing a book”
• Writers with scattered focus who need structure
• Anyone seeking long-term sustainable practices
• Writers who value comprehensive support

Program Focus: This 12-week program is about transformation—shifting from “aspiring writer” to “practicing writer.” The extended timeframe allows for deeper work on identity, habits, and sustainable practices. Writers develop a strong writing identity, overcome imposter syndrome, create systems that work with their life, and build resilience for the long-term writing journey.

Wanted Outcomes:

• Strong writer identity and confidence
• Sustainable writing habits integrated into daily life
• Ability to navigate challenges independently
• Reduced imposter syndrome
• Clear personal writing process and approach
• Foundation for continued writing beyond the program

Track 4: Unstoppable Writer (24 Weeks)

Meeting Frequency: 2x weekly meetings, plus an added monthly meeting at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 to track progress.

Best For:

• Writers working on longer, more complex projects
• Those who know they need sustained support
• Writers who want to develop deep resilience and habits
• Anyone seeking comprehensive transformation with extended accountability
• Writers who value ongoing relationship and support

Program Focus: This 24-week program (6 months) provides the most comprehensive support for writers committed to finishing and developing lasting practices. The extended timeframe allows for complete manuscript development from beginning to end, with support through every phase of the process. This program is ideal for writers who recognize they need sustained accountability and want to build practices that will serve them for their entire writing career.

Wanted Outcomes:

• Complete first draft (or significant manuscript progress)
• Deep-rooted writing habits
• Strong resilience through challenges
• Comprehensive understanding of personal writing process
• Transformed relationship with writing
• Sustainable practices for long-term writing career

What’s Included in All Programs

One-on-One Coaching Sessions

• Held twice weekly (or three times for Progress Over Perfect)
• 60-minute sessions focused on mindset, accountability, and progress
• Personalized to address each writer’s specific blocks and challenges
• Mix of strategic planning, problem-solving, and mindset work

Between-Session Support

• Accountability check-ins (format varies based on client needs)
• Email support for urgent mindset blocks or questions
• Progress tracking and celebration of wins
• Gentle accountability without micromanaging

Planning & Tracking Tools

• Goal-setting frameworks tailored to writing projects
• Progress tracking systems
• Planning tools for weekly, monthly, and quarterly writing goals
• Habit trackers and accountability worksheets
• Access to The Writer’s Weekly Blueprint (planning system)

Mindset & NLP Techniques

Maria incorporates NLP techniques as needed to help writers:

• Reframe limiting beliefs about their writing ability
• Overcome fear and resistance
• Build confidence and self-trust
• Shift identity from “aspiring” to “practicing” writer
• Manage perfectionism and inner critic

Personalized Approach

No two writers are the same, and no two programs look identical. Maria assesses each client’s specific blocks and tailors the approach accordingly. Some writers need more structure, others need more flexibility. Some need intensive mindset work, others need primarily accountability. The program adapts to serve each writer’s unique needs.

What The Writer’s Project Is NOT

Not Writing Instruction: This is not a program about craft, plotting, character development, or storytelling techniques. Maria does not teach writing skills or provide craft feedback.

Not Therapy: While the program addresses mindset and emotional blocks, Maria is a life coach, not a therapist. Writers dealing with clinical mental health issues should work with appropriate mental health professionals.

Not Ghostwriting: Maria will not write any portion of clients’ manuscripts. Writers do 100% of their own writing.

Not Feedback on Writing: The program does not include manuscript feedback or story analysis. (That’s what Alpha Reading services are for—see separate document.)

Not a Guarantee of Publishing: Maria cannot and does not promise that clients will get published, secure agents, or achieve commercial success. The program’s focus is on completing first drafts and developing sustainable writing practices.

Client Responsibilities

Writers in The Writer’s Project are expected to:

• Show up to scheduled sessions consistently and on time
• Be honest about struggles, challenges, and progress
• Complete agreed-upon actions between sessions
• Engage actively with the coaching process
• Communicate when facing obstacles
• Do their own writing (not expect the coach to solve every problem)
• Be open to examining and shifting limiting beliefs
• Take ownership of their writing journey

Maria’s Role as Coach

Maria’s responsibilities include:

• Providing structured accountability and support
• Asking powerful questions that help writers discover their own solutions
• Identifying patterns and blocks that may be invisible to the writer
• Offering tools, frameworks, and strategies for sustainable writing
• Holding space for struggle without judgment
• Celebrating progress and wins
• Using NLP techniques to facilitate mindset shifts
• Maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards
• Being present and invested in each client’s success

Success Metrics (Process-Based)

Since publishing outcomes can’t be controlled, The Writer’s Project measures success through process-based metrics:

• Consistency: Regular attendance and engagement with the program
• Progress: Measurable forward movement on manuscript (word count, chapters completed, milestones completed)
• Mindset Shifts: Self-reported changes in beliefs about writing and capability
• Habit Formation: Development of sustainable writing practices
• Resilience: Improved ability to work through challenges and resistance
• Confidence: Increased self-trust and reduced imposter syndrome

Alpha Reading Add-On

Any Writer’s Project track can include Alpha Reading services for an additional $175/month (special coaching pricing, original price $350 per month for non-coaching clients). This add-on provides:

• Two comprehensive feedback sessions per major milestone
• Reader response to story-in-progress
• Identification of what’s working and what’s not (reader perspective, not craft instruction)
• Written reports plus discussion meetings
• Ongoing reader perspective throughout drafting process

Alpha Reading is particularly recommended for:

• Directionless Plotters who need story-level feedback
• Isolated Writers who need reader connection
• Perfectionist who never see the true shape of their manuscript
• Any writer who wants early reader input during drafting

See separate Alpha Reading document for complete details.

Payment Options & Policies

Payment Plans

All programs have payment plans, monthly, biweekly, or weekly, or the option to pay once for the full price. Most payment plans incur additional processing fees which will drive up the total price of the program. 

Refund Policy

• No refunds will be provided. Exceptions apply.
• Emergency/bereavement exceptions considered on case-by-case basis (only 50% of total program cost will be refunded, however, if on a payment plan, if the 50% is more than what you have payed for, you are still responsible for the amount still unpaid) 
• Digital resources provided during onboarding are non-refundable

Rescheduling & Missed Sessions

• 24-hour notice required for rescheduling
• Sessions can be rescheduled within the same week
• Repeated missed sessions may result in program probation or termination

Getting Started

Writers interested in The Writer’s Project begin with:

1. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call – Discussion of writing goals, current challenges, and whether coaching is the right fit
2. Program Selection – Choosing the track that best fits needs, timeline, and commitment level
3. Onboarding Process – Intake questionnaire, goal-setting, and initial assessment
4. First Coaching Session – Beginning the transformation journey

Why The Writer’s Project Works

The Writer’s Project succeeds where other approaches fail because it addresses the root cause of writing blocks: the writer’s relationship with themselves and their work. By focusing on mindset, identity, and sustainable practices rather than quick fixes or craft formulas, writers develop lasting change that serves them throughout their entire writing career.

Maria’s combination of life coaching, NLP training, extensive reading background, and genuine understanding of writer struggles creates a unique environment where writers can examine their blocks, shift their beliefs, and finally finish what they start—all while feeling supported, understood, and accountable to someone who genuinely cares about their success.