by AnnSheybani | May 16, 2014 | identity, Life, Writing
So, imagine my surprise when I came across this TedX Talk by Ash Beckman, a lovely woman I met at the Breadloaf Writers’ Conference a few years back. At the time, she was working on composing this very story. At the time, I didn’t understand her... by AnnSheybani | May 12, 2014 | Alcoholic rules, Anne Lamott, Authenticity, connection, Courage, criticism, Cultural Issues, culture shock, dealing with criticism, grace, Honesty, identity, Iran, mistakes, Motivation, risk, Self-acceptance, sex, voice, vulnerability, Writing
This week I was asked an interview question that really got me thinking: “Much of your writing is deeply personal and provocative; some of it seems almost intended to shock. Is there a cost for being so forthright?” A lot of us who choose to write memoir or personal... by AnnSheybani | Apr 14, 2014 | coaching, criticism, dealing with criticism, goals, guest post, Life, Walt Hampton, Writing
This is a guest post by none other than Walt Hampton. One of my fondest memories from my early years as a young single dad is of watching my boy, clad in his yellow slicker and red rubber boots, stomping in the puddles, standing in the rain. He always liked... by AnnSheybani | Mar 10, 2014 | Authenticity, Brene Brown, coaching, connection, Courage, criticism, dealing with criticism, Honesty, Saying no, Writing, writing lessons
As many of you may know, I ran two businesses before I took up coaching writers. I taught/teach writing workshops—locally and online—and I also coached nice girls (and guys) who were sick of feeling trapped by their inability to tell the truth. Who wanted to learn how... by AnnSheybani | Mar 3, 2014 | coaching, goals, Motivation, mountain climbing, Walt Hampton, Writing, Your Best Year Yet
Do you need to be motivated to take action? Hell No. In fact, there are lots of times you’ll absolutely NOT feel like taking action when you promised yourself you would. These very moments, I’m here to tell you, are the moments you’ll need to take action anyway.... by AnnSheybani | Feb 2, 2014 | adventure, coaching, Confidence, Courage, perfectionism, risk, The Imposter Syndrome, Writing
I ran this post a year or two back. I decided it was time to bring it back after seeing this “issue” come up in a number of coaching sessions. Listen, people, you will never feel ready. There will always be more work to do. Preparation is great,...
