Professional Background

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Arts in English

Associate of Arts in General Studies

• Graduated from an honors college in January 2025
• Completed degree as a non-traditional student at age 36
• Thesis focused on vampire literature using post-feminist analysis
• Maintained high academic standards while managing full course load and balancing living with a disability

Life Coaching Certification (In Progress)

• Pursuing comprehensive certification through Transformation Academy’s Master Life Coaching Certification and Master Mindset Coaching Certification
• Master Life Coach track (4 certifications)
• Master Mindset Coach track (4 certifications)
• Total of 9+ certifications upon completion
• Considering additional specializations: Mindfulness Coach certification

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Training

• Active training in NLP techniques and methodologies
• Application of NLP tools for mindset shifts and limiting belief work
• Integration of NLP into coaching practice for writers
• Focus on reframing, anchoring, and transformation techniques

Professional Reading Experience

• 4,000+ Books Read Across All Genres
• Extensive reading background spanning decades
• Deep familiarity with genre conventions and reader expectations
• Specialization in: Romance, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romantasy, Mysteries, MM Romance
• Understanding of what works (and doesn’t work) from reader perspective
• Ability to identify story patterns, tropes, and reader engagement factors
• Beta & Alpha Reading experience

Journey to Reading:

Maria’s relationship with reading began unexpectedly. Initially someone who hated reading, she discovered Twilight and experienced a complete transformation—falling in love with books and becoming a voracious reader. This evolution from “non-reader” to “over 4,000-books-read” gives her unique empathy for writers who struggle with their craft. She understands what it’s like to feel disconnected from something that “everyone else” seems to naturally love.

Current Reading Habits:

• Maintains impressive reading streaks on Kindle
• Continuously reading across multiple genres
• Stays current with publishing trends and reader preferences

Personal Context

Identity & Values

Aromantic Identity:

Maria identifies as aromantic, which influences her understanding of storytelling, relationships, and the pressures writers feel about romantic subplots. She brings a unique perspective to discussions of romance in fiction and respects that not all stories need romantic relationships to be compelling.

Accessibility Advocate:

As someone who uses screen readers for accessibility needs, Maria is deeply committed to creating accessible resources and maintaining inclusive practices. All her digital products are screen-reader compatible, and she designs systems with accessibility as a core feature, not an afterthought.

Non-Traditional Journey:

Completing her college degree at 36 as a non-traditional student gives Maria profound understanding of pursuing goals “late” by conventional standards, managing educational commitments alongside life responsibilities, and proving that timelines don’t determine worthiness or capability.

Core Values:

• Authenticity in all business practices and client relationships
• Compassion for struggle without condescension
• Integrity in pricing, promises, and program delivery
• Respect for individual processes and timelines
• Accessibility as fundamental right, not special accommodation

Life Circumstances

Current Living Situation:

Maria lives with her elderly parents in Florida, which informs her understanding of writers balancing creative pursuits with family dynamics, shared living spaces, and the challenges of carving out private creative time.

Personal Experience with ADHD:

Living with ADHD gives Maria firsthand knowledge of focus challenges, scattered attention, executive function struggles, and the particular difficulties of maintaining consistency. This experience directly informs her coaching approach with writers who face similar challenges.

Meditation & Stress Management:

Maria has personal practice with meditation and stress management techniques, which she values and occasionally incorporates into coaching when appropriate. She understands the connection between mental well-being and creative productivity.

What Makes Maria’s Approach Unique

Life Coach for Writers, Not Writing Coach

The Critical Distinction:

Maria is a certified life coach who specializes in working with writers—NOT a book coach, writing instructor, or craft teacher. This distinction is fundamental to understanding her services.

What This Means:

• Focus is on the writer (mindset, habits, identity, blocks), not the writing (craft, technique, plot structure)
• Coaching addresses internal barriers preventing completion: perfectionism, fear, procrastination, self-doubt
• No writing craft instruction, plotting advice, or character development teaching
• The goal is finishing first drafts, not teaching how to write better
• Emphasis on sustainable practices and lasting transformation

Why This Matters:

Most writing programs focus on craft: “Here’s how to build compelling characters” or “Here’s the three-act structure.” Writers drown in craft knowledge while never finishing manuscripts because their internal blocks remain unaddressed. Maria’s approach targets the root cause: the writer’s relationship with themselves and their work.

Specialization in First-Time Novelists

Target Audience:

Maria specifically serves writers working on their first complete manuscripts—particularly first drafts. These writers need:

• Accountability to maintain momentum
• Support through the uncertainty of “first time doing this”
• Help navigating perfectionism and imposter syndrome
• Guidance building sustainable writing practices
• Encouragement that finishing is possible

Not Focused On:

• Writers seeking advanced craft mastery
• Those wanting guidance on the publishing industry
• Writers looking for agent/editor connections

Why First Drafts:

First drafts are where most writers fail. They start strong, hit resistance, and abandon projects. Maria’s framework addresses the specific challenges of getting from “great idea” to “completed manuscript”—the hardest and most critical phase of any writing journey.

Emphasis on Completion Over Perfection

Core Philosophy:

“Done is better than perfect” underpins everything Maria does. The primary goal is FINISHING first drafts. Polish, craft refinement, and literary excellence come later—first, writers need to prove to themselves they can reach “The End.”

Practical Application:

• Writers seeking advanced craft mastery
• Progress tracking emphasizes forward momentum
• Celebration of messy drafts over paralyzed perfection
• Reframing “good enough” as essential creative skill
• Distinction between drafting phase and revision phase

Why This Works:

Perfectionism kills more manuscripts than lack of talent. By removing the pressure to write perfectly the first time, writers access their creativity, maintain momentum, and actually complete drafts. Those completed drafts can be revised. Abandoned perfect chapter ones cannot.

Accountability Without Hand-Holding

Maria’s Boundaries:

She provides structure, support, and accountability—NOT hand-holding or problem-solving every writing challenge. Writers are expected to:

• Do their own writing (100% of it)
• Make their own creative decisions
• Solve plot problems independently
• Take ownership of their projects

What Maria DOES Provide:

• Questions that help writers discover their own solutions
• Accountability for showing up and making progress
• Support when resistance and fear surface
• Tools and frameworks for sustainable practice
• Mindset work to address internal blocks

What Maria DOES NOT Provide:

• Answers to “what should I write next?”
• Solutions to plot holes or character problems
• Detailed outlines or story structures
• Writing on behalf of clients
• Endless reassurance or validation

Why This Approach:

Writers need to develop their own creative muscles and problem-solving abilities. Coaching that solves every problem creates dependency. Maria’s approach builds independence, confidence, and genuine capability.

Personalization Over One-Size-Fits-All

Every Writer is Different:

While The Writer’s Project has structure (four tracks, established framework), the implementation is personalized for each writer’s:

• Specific blocks and challenges
• Life circumstances and available time
• Learning style and communication preferences
• Goals and definition of success
• Personality and needs

Assessment & Tailoring:

• Intake process identifies individual blocks
• NLP techniques selected based on specific needs
• Frequency and style of check-ins customized
• Tools and resources adapted to what serves each writer
• Flexibility within structure

No Rigid Formulas:

Some writers need daily check-ins, others need space. Some thrive with word count goals, others need scene-based targets. Some require intensive mindset work, others primarily need accountability. The framework adapts to the writer’s needs, not the coach’s.

Integration of NLP Techniques

What NLP Brings:

• Reframing limiting beliefs (“I’m not a real writer” → “I’m someone actively writing”)
• Anchoring positive states for writing sessions
• Timeline work for healing past creative wounds
• Pattern interruption for procrastination and resistance
• Submodality work for managing fear and doubt

How It’s Used:

NLP techniques are woven into coaching conversations as needed, not applied formulaically. When a writer hits a specific block, Maria draws from NLP toolkit to facilitate shifts. The techniques serve the writer’s needs rather than following rigid protocols.

Client Experience:

Writers often don’t realize they’re experiencing NLP work—it feels like natural coaching conversation that creates unexpected breakthroughs and shifts. The goal is transformation, not showcasing techniques.

Business Philosophy & Ethics

Transparent Pricing & Policies

Clear Investment:

All pricing is stated upfront. No hidden fees, surprise charges, or bait-and-switch tactics. Writers know exactly what they’re paying before committing.

Honest Limitations:

Maria explicitly states what she does NOT do, what she cannot guarantee, and where her expertise ends. No false promises about publishing success, bestseller status, or guaranteed outcomes beyond the writer’s control.

Boundaries & Expectations

Clear Client Responsibilities:

From the start, writers know they’re expected to:

• Do their own work
• Be honest about strugglesEngage actively with the process
• Communicate when facing obstacles

Defined Termination Conditions:

Contracts clearly outline circumstances leading to termination:

• Repeated missed sessions
• Failure to engage between sessions
• Requests for hand-holding instead of coaching
• Violation of agreed-upon boundaries

Mutual Respect:

Both coach and client have responsibilities. The relationship is partnership, not service provider serving demanding customer. Respect flows both directions.

Accessibility Commitment

Screen Reader Compatibility:

• All digital products tested with screen readers
• Website designed with accessibility standards
• Forms and portals built with assistive technology in mind
• Documents created with proper heading structures and alt text

Inclusive Design:

Accessibility isn’t “nice to have”—it’s foundational. Maria designs for accessibility from the start because she experiences the frustration of inaccessible resources firsthand.

Barrier Removal:

Where possible, Maria removes barriers to access:

• Payment plans make coaching financially accessible
• Flexible scheduling accommodates different time zones and schedules
• Multiple communication options (text, email, video, voice) meet different needs
• Digital delivery removes geographic limitations

Ethical Marketing

No Manipulation:

• No false scarcity tactics
• No manufactured urgency
• No testimonial fabrication
• No before/after claims that can’t be verified

Honest Representation:

• Real testimonials from real clients (once available)
• Accurate representation of what coaching can and cannot do
• No claims about publishing outcomes beyond Maria’s control
• Clear distinction between process results and outcome results

Respect for Reader/Buyer Intelligence:

Marketing copy speaks to intelligent adults capable of making their own decisions. No talking down, no assuming desperation, no exploitation of vulnerable feelings.

Why Writers Choose Maria

Genuine Understanding of Writer Struggles

Been There:

• Completed academic thesis while battling perfectionism
• Understands fear of “not good enough”
• Knows the vulnerability of creative work
• Experienced the challenge of finishing long-form projects

Deep Reader Background:

– 4,000+ books read = profound understanding of story

• Can identify what engages readers vs. what loses them
• Knows genre conventions without being rigid about them
• Respects reader experience as valid feedback

Life Experience:

• Non-traditional path to degree (completed at 36) = understanding “late bloomer” feelings
• ADHD = firsthand knowledge of focus and consistency challenges
• Aromantic identity = respect for diverse perspectives and story approaches
• Accessibility needs = commitment to inclusive, barrier-free services

Results-Focused Without Outcome Guarantees

What Maria Can Promise:

• You will have consistent accountability and support
• You will address mindset blocks preventing progress
• You will develop sustainable writing practices
• You will be challenged to finish what you start

What Maria Cannot Promise:

• You will get published
• Your book will be commercially successful
• You will become a “good” writer
• The process will be easy or painless

Why This Honesty Matters:

False promises attract clients, but damage trust and create unrealistic expectations. Maria’s honesty attracts writers ready for real work toward achievable goals—finishing first drafts and developing sustainable practices.

Coaching That Respects Writer Autonomy

You’re Still In Control:

• Your creative decisions remain yours
• Your story stays your story
• Your writing schedule accommodates your life
• Your process is respected and supported

Partnership Model:

Coaching is collaborative partnership, not expert dictating to novice. Maria brings coaching expertise, writers bring creative ownership. Together they navigate toward completion.

Current Business Stage

Launching Mid-December 2025:

MAR Literary Services is launching with The Writer’s Project coaching framework, Alpha Reading services, and digital products. Maria is building the business while completing her coaching certification.

Early-Stage Commitment:

As a newer coach, Maria is deeply invested in each client’s success. Early clients receive exceptional attention as Maria refines her systems and builds her practice.

Growing & Evolving:

Services will expand over time, but the core commitment remains: helping writers finish first drafts through accountability, mindset work, and genuine support.

Future Vision:

Maria envisions MAR Literary Services as trusted resource for first-time novelists—the place writers turn when they’re serious about finishing, ready to address internal blocks, and committed to doing the work.