Maybe it's a book that's been languishing in a drawer; maybe it's the album arranging itself in your head though you haven't yet laid down a single track; maybe it's the film for which you know you can get financing if you could just find the time.
But the book isn't written, the album isn't out, and the film isn't done.
You've got all the education and experience you need. You don't need a fancy program to organize chapters you haven't yet written or another leather notebook in which to rearrange the titles of songs you haven't recorded or rough out the screenplay's storyboard again.
You need support in creating and executing a plan. Accountability. Someone within your field with an objective perspective, a sharp eye, and a strategy for getting things done. Someone who can look at your notes and spot the pattern you're too close to see. You probably need — at least now and again — what one of my clients calls a "book therapist."
You need a coach.
As a creative coach, I provide clients with the expert guidance of a strategic planner, the accountability of a personal trainer, the savvy and foresight of a project manager, the editorial skill and industry experience of a successful writer with decades of publishing under her belt, and the warmth and encouragement of a mentor and guide.
I'm an award-winning journalist, essayist, novelist, poet, and the New York Times bestselling author of five books, with my sixth forthcoming from Hachette's newest imprint — Cardinal Books — in early 2027. I've taught journalism, literature, and creative writing in every sort of learning environment — from hands-on presentations in boardrooms to church basement workshops to nearly 30 years in the hallowed halls of higher ed. I'm a working writer with an ear for language, an instinct for structure, and a knack for getting things done.
Pricing
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Clients who are working on short-form works or whose projects have tight turnaround times will benefit from the intensive focus of single coaching sessions on an as-needed basis.
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Clients who are working on concept development, large-scale works, and mid-range projects will benefit from the accountability and inspiration provided by consistent coaching over 90 days.
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Clients working on large-scale works, long-range projects, and those seeking to profoundly change their creative practice through mentorship, education, accountability, project management, and more will benefit from committing to coaching for 6 months, a year, and beyond.
Happy Coaching Clients
When I first heard about Marya and her work, I thought “great! I will use her to be my accountability partner." But Marya can't be captured so simply; she's a woman of many surprises. She is firm without being harsh; she encourages rather than dictates; she is both intuitive and structured in her thinking; and she has brilliant story sense and a fine-tuned ear for language. She is everything I could have imagined she would be and I look forward to our every encounter. I consider her so much more than a mere coach; she is a true partner and muse in this painstaking process.
— Laurel Touby, Founder of Mediabistro and Managing Director of Supernode Ventures
I have been deeply blessed to work with and learn from Marya Hornbacher; were it not for her guidance and teaching I would not be the writer I am becoming. In addition to being an extraordinary writer herself, Marya is an exceptional, patient, deeply humane teacher who meets students where they are and communicates clearly and in detail about the art and craft of writing. Few coaches or teachers manage to walk the line between providing concrete feedback on craft and honoring creative artistry that Marya navigates so seamlessly. It is inspiring to watch her make every client and student feel welcome and valuable. I highly recommend working with her to anyone who wants to become a better writer.
— Sophia Benbahmed, award-winning essayist (AGNI, Gulf Coast, and others)
"Working with Marya has been the smartest decision I've made in a long time. I've been dreaming of finishing a book for years, and I would never have gotten this far without her guidance and support. Marya has a unique way of always pinpointing exactly where I'm struggling and always knows exactly what to say to help me overcome my own self doubt. Thanks to her, I now have a steady writing practice that actually works for me. Even better, I'm on track to finally finish that book!
— Sophie Salomez, essayist, currently completing her first book
Working with Marya as a writing coach has been an absolute boon to my writing life. Yes, it’s that a wide body of work and craft lives in her belly so she has an ear for rhythm and story and framing and movement across genres. Yes, it’s her extensive publishing history. Yes, it’s that both give her the ability to see and explain exactly what a piece of writing needs to take it to that next level and the expertise to guide next steps. But mostly, she makes herself a fantastic container, helping me shape and stick to my writing goals and my belief in my own ability to reach them and beyond.
— Holly Starley, essayist, journalist, creator of Holly Starley's Writing Desk, and co-founder of Caravan Writers Collective