You love writing. It’s your passion.
But shame creeps in every time someone asks you about your book.
You know –
the one you haven’t written yet because you keep getting in your own way.
That feeling of failure? It’s not going to disappear.
Not until you finish your novel.
And now you can.
No cliched cookie cutter support here. This is creative coaching focused on your style, your voice, your story.
Direct, human feedback on your work and real-time guidance to get unstuck, push past your doubt, avoid plot holes, and still have fun.
To hell with craft rules, but grammar needs to be correct. You'll get that help, too.
Okay, yeah, some craft rules are part of the game. But we'll write it your way.
Yep. You read that correctly. You'll get detailed, in-line feedback and developmental guidance on your entire manuscript (up to 80,000 words), without changing your voice.
Ask me for help, send me questions, vent your frustrations, or tell me you're thrilled that you wrote 567 words. After all, every word on the page is cause for celebration. (That is how your book gets written. One word at a time.)
I’ll respond up to twice a day, Monday–Friday. You’re never in this alone.
Weekly check-ins to keep you moving forward with clarity, momentum, and a nudge (or a push!) when needed.
We'll challenge procrastination and tackle writing resistance together. I have all sorts of ways to motivate you, and while they may challenge you, they won't hurt!
Author
Reader • Book Coach • Editor • Writing Mentor
An avid reader with over 50 years of writing experience, a master’s in literature, and a diploma from the Writer’s Institute of Children’s Literature, I’ve spent my life in the world of words. I’ve written novels, poetry, short stories, essays, newsletters, web content, manuals—you name it.
I mentor writers who need a plan, a push, and a pen to help them slay their writing demons and master their wordsmithing.
I’m gentle, but honest. I don’t do toxic positivity. I do real talk, sharp edits, structure when you need it, freedom when you don’t, and accountability—all with heart and humor.
And yes, I’m that girl with the red pen.
I created Catalyst because I know what it’s like to have a novel whispering in one ear, Imposter Syndrome muttering in the other, and the Inner Critic screaming over both.
I’ve been there—juggling life, perfectionism, and procrastination—feeling guilty ignoring the characters in my head as they begged for their stories to be told.
And the shame? Yeah, I know that feeling, too.
Even though I’d been published many times, I didn’t feel like
a “real” writer—because I hadn’t written my novel.
(And no, I wasn't counting the one I wrote in high school ... even though it got rave reviews from my peers at the time!).
But once I got past everything holding me back and finally wrote that first draft, something shifted. My spirit soared.
My soul breathed. And I became unstoppable.
I’ve written ten more novels since then—
and I’m in the middle of another.
So now, when people ask, “What do you do?”
I grin. “I’m a writer.”
I want you to say that, too.
If you’re ready to stop hiding and start writing,
I’m here to be your spark.
Let’s forge ahead—together.
You’ve tried classes, communities, and group programs and you still don’t have a finished novel.
You're done with fluff and want real support because nothing else has worked.
You want a creative catalyst to inspire you, guide you, and challenge you to write more, write better, and write, "The End."
You want focused, personalized coaching because you’re tired of generic free advice.
You write fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or self-help. If your writing has a narrative heart, I'm happy to be your spark.
A finished manuscript—or a substantial draft up to 80,000 words
A clear path forward for revisions, publishing, and next steps.
Clarity and confidence about your writing process.
A deeper understanding of your craft and how to stay motivated to keep writing.
Tailored Coaching: You won’t be just another client in a group. You’ll get a coaching experience designed specifically for you and your needs.
Long-Term Support: With 6 months of coaching, you’ll have the time and guidance needed to see real results.
Accountability: We’re in this together. I’m here to keep you on track and motivate you every step of the way.
Creative Freedom: This isn’t about rigid structures. This is about unlocking your creativity and writing your way.
It's time. Let's do this!
Investment: $10,000 (Payment Plan: 6 payments of $1,666.66)
Pay-in-Full Bonus: $9,000 (Save $1,000 by paying in full!)
I'm not going to promise you a magic quill. Writing is hard work—and it takes effort, courage, and determination. You're going to have to commit to that if you want to complete this program.
In return, I’ll wield a red pen and be your spark, your muse, your critic, and your fan.
Show up and stay engaged. I’ll be right there with you—each page of the way.
And if life throws you a plot twist? Talk to me. I’m a human, not a policy. We’ll figure it out.
If you’re serious about writing your book, you don’t need a guarantee.
You need a catalyst.
The forge is ready. Let’s throw fear in the fire and shape your story.
Real Results and Kind Words From Writers
From the Dedication of A Journey into the Himalayas: Flannel, Flights and Footprints by Pirela L. Cross:
"To Rebecca E. Schmuck: For your unwavering support, keen editorial eye, and relentless pursuit of clarity. You read, reread, edited, re-edited, and hunted down errors with the precision of a literary sleuth. More than that, you helped me become a better writer. This book would not be the same without you."
"Rebecca E. Schmuck's critique helped me to understand what in the story was working—and fix what wasn’t. I was able to go back and see my work through her eyes in making those critical, final edits. I highly recommend Rebecca and The Write Author to anyone seeking editing, proofreading, or general feedback."
— Lauren Henry Brehm, The French Court: Essays from One Family’s Legacy of Mental Illness
"Rebecca's analysis was fantastic and thorough. Her edit recommendations truly saved my goose, and reading the text again brought tears to my eyes – good tears!"
— Pirela L. Cross, FLANNEL, FLIGHTS AND FOOTPRINTS: A JOURNEY INTO THE HIMALAYAS: Chasing Legends, Freezing Toes, and the Myth of the Mountain
"What I really took away from this session was the power of letting go - letting the words flow, uncensored. Just write. See where it takes you. You can always shape it later."
— Cal Coltran (from a writing workshop)
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