<p>I recently took a small “intensive” workshop with a woman who has written several books on how to write a screenplay. I wrote a first draft, and I have now chosen to work with her one-on-one to revise my first draft. Problem is (after paying her fee upfront), I am starting to have serious misgivings about her skills as a “coach” (which is how she bills herself). She has never written or sold her own screenplay. She repeatedly tells me “I chose to work with you” whereas in my mind, the reality is I hired her. I guess I’m supposed to feel incredibly fortunate to be able to work with her…</p>
<p>If I had to describe our work sessions, they basically consist of her bashing some scene I’ve written, then suggesting her own version (which is a millimeter away from my scene, emotionally and verbally). It’s pretty transparent as a way for her to validate her use in the process, but it’s starting to irritate me. </p>
<p>Honestly, I feel like I’m being taken. And I’m normally pretty cautious about scammers. Maybe she’s just a very good one.</p>
<p>Has anyone had any experience using a writing coach (Novelisto – help!) and do you have any insights on how to navigate around this woman’s ego to get something out of it, or should I just come out and ask her for a refund?</p>
<p>I’ve been writing for years, without any success, so I thought it would be worth it to finally work with someone. I just think I chose the wrong person. </p>
<p>Appreciate any insight anyone can offer.</p>
<p>Doesn’t sound right to me.
Scam or self-validation or not, as you tell us, you are not getting anything out of this.</p>
<p>If she already has your money, you may have paid a price for a lesson. But you do not need to invest any more of your time with her.</p>
<p>I’m with mafool…there’s better ways to do this than working with someone who has not sold anything either. “Those who can’t do, teach” may be what’s going on but I’ve never found those folks very helpful. (I could tell you stories…). Frankly, I don’t think it’s a good business model. They only get paid until you succeed – therefore the impetus is not toward getting your work produced/published. </p>
<p>I’d tell her that this system isn’t working and that you’d like to stop. Asking for a refund is up to you. I wouldn’t, anymore than I’d ask for a refund from a therapist who isn’t quite what I wanted either. Sometimes it takes a while to find someone to mesh with. </p>
<p>I think you’d be better off trying to find a critique group that specializes in scripts. Sometimes book stores have groups…depends on where you live. Getting several different viewpoints at the same time is very valuable – if 3 people have a problem with something, it’s a problem. If only one does, it’s an opinion. The people in the group may not have a lot of experience in the nuts-and-bolts of screenwriting technique but any group of technically competent writers can tell when a scene rings false or when dialog is sloppy. </p>
<p>If you can’t find a group, take another class (from somebody else – somebody with better credits!) and ask if anyone would be interested in forming a group with you. </p>
<p>There’s also on-line groups…proceed at your own risk. </p>
<p>I sure respect your efforts. Screen writing is not an easy gig.</p>
<p>Mafool – Novelisto – thank you both for your response and support. Writing is such a lonely profession, but we writers always seem to find each other :)</p>
<p>You’re probably both right about the refund. That money’s gone. I’m going to decide if I should cancel or try one more session. </p>
<p>Novelisto – good idea about starting or joining a group of writers. Feedback from more than 1 person makes sense. </p>
<p>Thanks again</p>