MAR Literary Services

Build The Writing Life That Works For You!

Writing Accountability & Mindset Coaching For Writers

Support and accountability for writers who are stuck, exhausted, and tired of doing this alone.

I help writers finish projects by building structure that works even when motivation doesn’t, without shame, pressure, or judgment.

A writer is seated cross-legged on a floor cushion, seen from behind in a softly lit room. They hold a pen to their lower lip in a contemplative gesture while facing four corkboards mounted on the wall. Each board is covered with handwritten sticky notes representing challenges such as perfectionism, impostor syndrome, time constraints, and building structure and progress. Loose sticky notes are scattered on the floor around the writer. A closed laptop rests on a small desk to the side, with bookshelves and plants in the background, suggesting a calm, lived-in working space at the beginning of a writing project.


THE WRITER’S STRUGGLE

I spent an entire semester writing chapter one of my thesis.

Not drafting it. Not revising it. Rewriting it. Over and over. Thirty pages that I was convinced would be the foundation of everything, if I could just make them perfect enough.

I’d write a paragraph, delete it, rewrite it three different ways, compare all three versions, hate all of them, and start over. I told myself I was being thorough. Strategic. That I was setting myself up for success by getting the beginning exactly right before I moved forward.

The truth was simpler and harder to admit: I was terrified.

Terrified that if I moved past chapter one, I’d discover I didn’t actually know what I was doing. Terrified that if I finished and it wasn’t perfect, I’d have to face the possibility that maybe I wasn’t as smart as I thought I was.

So I stayed stuck.

By October, eight months in, I was supposed to be revising. Polishing. Preparing to present. Instead, I was staring at those thirty pages I’d spent a semester perfecting and realizing they didn’t belong in my thesis at all. The argument I thought I was making wasn’t the argument my thesis needed. I had to start chapter one over. Completely over. With only a couple of weeks until my deadline.

I wish I could tell you I rallied. That I found some reserve of strength and powered through. But the truth is, I went through the motions in a fog of exhaustion and paralyzing, debilitating analysis paralysis that kept me from moving my writing forward.

Nothing penetrated the feeling of unadulterated fear of failure that kept crushing my lungs.

I couldn’t sleep more than five hours a night. I’d sit down to write and spend two hours looking for the exact right word to make an argument, only to delete the whole paragraph and call it trash. I could talk just fine with my advisor. I could present ideas, answer her questions, sound like I knew what I was doing. But the moment I sat down to actually write, it all went right out of my mind and I became this bumbling idiot who didn’t know one book from another.

I tried every productivity system I could find. Pomodoro. Time blocking. Word count goals. Accountability apps. Every single one fell apart within a week because I couldn’t make any of them work for how my brain actually functioned. And with each failed system, the shame got heavier.

Real writers didn’t struggle like this, I told myself. Real writers just sat down and did the work. The fact that I couldn’t meant something was wrong with me.

I’ll never forget the meeting with my advisor where I almost broke down crying because I felt so out of control. I was exhausted, behind schedule, drowning in self-doubt and shame. She looked at me and said something I didn’t want to hear:

“You can’t do this alone.”

I’d spent almost a year trying to force myself into systems that didn’t work, trying to be the kind of writer I thought I was supposed to be, trying to muscle through on willpower and shame. And it was killing me.

Here’s my shame: I let it go too long. I wasted months feeling like that instead of asking for help the moment I knew I needed it.

I knew. Somewhere under the perfectionism and the fear and the desperate attempts to prove I could do it myself, I knew I needed support. But asking felt like admitting I was failing. Like admitting I wasn’t good enough. So I didn’t ask. And I suffered for it.

What finally changed wasn’t that I figured out the magic productivity hack.

It wasn’t that I suddenly became disciplined or found the perfect writing routine. What changed was that I broke down and admitted I couldn’t do it alone. I asked for structure. For accountability from someone who wouldn’t let me disappear into perfectionist spirals. For support that didn’t feel like judgment.

And that’s when I finally finished my thesis. Not because I became a better writer, but because I stopped trying to do it alone.

I don’t tell you this story because I have it all figured out now. I tell you this story because I know what it feels like to be where you are. I know the specific weight of shame that comes from telling people you’re “working on a book” while secretly wondering if you’ll ever finish. I know what it’s like to sit down to write and feel your mind go blank even though you know your story inside and out. I know what it’s like to try every system and watch them all fail and think, “What’s wrong with me?”

Nothing is wrong with you.

You’re not broken.

You’re not lazy.

You’re not the only writer who can’t just sit down and do the work. You’re just trying to build something massive without any scaffolding, and you’re exhausted from holding it all up by yourself.

That’s why I built The Writer’s Project.

Not because I have all the answers. Not because I’ve cracked some code that makes writing easy. But because I know what I needed when I was drowning in my thesis, and I know what would have helped me finish months earlier without the crushing shame and paralysis.

I needed structure that didn’t rely on motivation. I needed accountability that didn’t feel like judgment. I needed someone who understood that writing is as much a mental game as it is a craft skill. I needed someone in my corner who wouldn’t let me quit on myself when the voice in my head said I wasn’t good enough.

That’s what The Writer’s Project is. It’s the support system I wish had existed when I needed it. And if you’re reading this and you see yourself in my story, if you’ve been stuck for months, if you’ve tried every productivity system and watched them fail, if you know you need help but asking feels like admitting defeat, then maybe it’s what you need too.

I’m not going to promise this will be easy. I’m not going to tell you that working together will magically fix everything or that you’ll suddenly become a disciplined writer who never struggles. That would be a lie.

What I can tell you is this: you don’t have to keep doing this alone. You don’t have to keep suffering in silence while pretending you’ve got it under control. And you don’t have to waste months, or years, the way I did before finally asking for help.

HOW THE WRITER’S PROJECT WORKS

I’m not going to lie to you and say I have a proprietary system that will revolutionize your writing life. What I have is structure that works even when motivation doesn’t, and accountability that doesn’t feel like judgment.

Every coaching engagement follows the same framework:

You can also add writing sprints if you need focused work time with someone else in the room (virtually), and alpha reading services if you want real-time feedback on your manuscript as you draft.
The structure stays the same no matter how long we work together. What changes is the timeline, and what becomes possible when you have support for weeks versus months.

If you’re not sure what timeline makes sense for where you are, let’s talk about it. Book a discovery call and we’ll figure it out together.

CHOOSE YOUR TIMELINE

Some writers need an intensive sprint to break through years of being stuck. Others need long-term support to carry them through a major project. There’s no right answer, just what fits your goals, your life, and how much time you realistically have to commit right now.

Progress Over Perfect

4 Weeks of Intensive Support

This is for the writer who’s been stuck in the same loop I was in, rewriting chapter one, deleting paragraphs, starting over, convinced that if you could just get it perfect you could move forward.

Four weeks isn’t a lot of time. That’s the point. When you only have a month, you don’t have the luxury of perfectionism. You have to write. You have to move forward. You have to prove to yourself that you can finish something even if it’s not perfect.

This program includes an extra mindset coaching session each week because breaking through years of stuck patterns takes more support. We meet three times a week, two mindset sessions, one accountability check-in, and the intensity is deliberate. This isn’t about building sustainable habits. This is about breaking the dam.

This timeline works if:

This timeline doesn’t work if:

Not sure if this fits? Let’s talk about where you actually are and what you actually need. Book a discovery call.

The Writer’s Momentum Method

8 Weeks to Build Sustainable Habits

This is for the writer who’s tired of motivation that disappears by Tuesday. Tired of plans that sound great on Sunday night and feel impossible by Wednesday morning. Tired of starting over every week because nothing sticks.

Two months is enough time to build a writing routine that survives your actual life, not some fantasy version where you have three uninterrupted hours every morning. We work together to figure out what structure works for you, not what worked for some other writer with a completely different brain and life circumstances.

You’ll have two sessions every week, one accountability check-in, one mindset coaching session, plus monthly realignment calls to make sure we’re staying on track. By the end of eight weeks, you won’t just have made progress on your manuscript. You’ll have systems that keep working after our time together ends.

This timeline works if:

This timeline doesn’t work if:

Not sure if this is the right fit? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call and we’ll figure it out together.

Becoming The Writer

12 Weeks to Transform Your Identity

This is for the writer who wants more than just a finished draft. You want to stop wondering if you’re “really” a writer. You want to stop feeling like an imposter every time someone asks what you do. You want to build the kind of confidence that doesn’t crumble the moment you have a bad writing day.

Three months is enough time to do the deeper identity work alongside finishing your manuscript. We’re not just troubleshooting your writing habits, we’re addressing the beliefs underneath them. The ones that say you’re not good enough, that real writers don’t struggle like you do, that you’re never going to actually finish.

You’ll have two sessions every week, one accountability check-in, one mindset coaching session, plus monthly realignment calls. And because we have more time together, we can go deeper into the patterns that have been keeping you stuck, not just the surface-level productivity issues.

This timeline works if:

This timeline doesn’t work if:

Want to talk about whether this is the right level of support for where you are? Book a discovery call.

Unstoppable Writer

24 Weeks of Long-Term Accountability

This is for the writer with a big project. Maybe it’s a novel that’s realistically going to take six months or longer. Maybe it’s a memoir that requires sustained emotional work. Maybe you’ve started and stopped so many times that you need long-term support to actually see it through.

Six months is a long time. Long enough to finish a significant project. Long enough to work through the inevitable rough patches without quitting. Long enough to build habits that become part of who you are, not just something you’re white-knuckling through.

You’ll have two sessions every week, one accountability check-in, one mindset coaching session, plus monthly realignment calls. We have time to adjust when things aren’t working. Time to pivot when your goals change. Time to work through the messy middle where most writers quit.

This timeline works if:

This timeline doesn’t work if:

Not sure if this is right for you? Let’s have a conversation about what you’re actually working on and what kind of support would serve you best. Book a discovery call.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS ON A DISCOVERY CALL

Most coaches use discovery calls as a sales pitch. I don’t.

I use discovery calls to get to know you. To understand where you are with your writing, what’s getting in your way, and what kind of help you might actually need. Maybe that’s coaching. Maybe it’s not. I’m not going to pressure you into something that doesn’t fit.

Here’s what actually happens when you book a call with me:

We talk about your writing. What are you working on? How long have you been working on it? What’s your goal, do you want to finish a first draft, or are you stuck in revision, or are you trying to figure out if this project is even the right one?

We talk about what’s stopping you. Not surface-level stuff like “I don’t have enough time.” The real stuff. Are you rewriting the same scenes over and over? Are you paralyzed by perfectionism? Do you start strong and then lose steam halfway through? Are you trying to do this completely alone and it’s crushing you?

We talk about what you’ve already tried. What systems have you attempted? What worked for a while and then fell apart? What made things worse? I need to understand what hasn’t worked so I don’t just recommend the same thing in a different package.

I’ll ask questions you might not expect. About your relationship with your writing. About what finishing this project would actually mean to you. About what scares you more, failing or succeeding. These aren’t therapy questions. They’re coaching questions. But they matter because your mindset is what’s keeping you stuck, not your ability to write.

Then we talk about whether coaching makes sense.

If I think one of the timelines would help you, I’ll tell you which one and why. If I think you’d be better served by something else, a writing group, a different kind of support, more time to figure out what you actually want, I’ll tell you that too.

If we both decide we want to work together, we’ll talk about pricing. I believe in meeting writers where they are, which means I’m flexible. We’ll find an investment level that works for your situation. I don’t give my services away for free, but I’m not interested in pricing you out of support you genuinely need.

And if it doesn’t feel like the right fit? That’s okay. You don’t owe me an explanation. You don’t have to let me down easy. Sometimes the fit isn’t there, and that’s fine.

The call lasts 30 minutes. No pressure. No hard sell. Just an honest conversation about your writing and whether I can help.

If you’ve read this far and you’re still not sure if coaching is right for you, that’s exactly why the discovery call exists. Let’s talk about it.


ALPHA READING SERVICES

Most writers wait until they’ve typed “The End” to get feedback on their manuscript. But what if you could know whether your story is working while you’re still writing it?

Alpha Reading gives you real-time feedback as you draft. I read your manuscript as it develops and provide insights on story structure, character development, pacing, and plot consistency, so you can course-correct before you’ve written yourself into a corner. It’s like having an experienced reader looking over your shoulder, helping you see what’s working and what needs attention before you invest months into a direction that isn’t serving your story.

Alpha Reading is available as a standalone service, or you can add it to any coaching program at a significantly reduced rate. When you combine accountability coaching with alpha reading, you’re not just writing consistently, you’re writing well, with guidance that helps you make smarter choices as you go.

Book a discovery call to see what we can accomplish together as writer and alpha reader!


HOW IT WORKS


Your Path from Stuck to Finished

Step 1: Book Your Free Discovery Call
We’ll talk about where you are, where you want to be, and which program is the best fit for your goals.

Step 2: Choose Your Program
Select the track that matches your timeline and commitment level. Payment plans available to make it accessible.

Step 3: Start Writing (With Support)
We meet regularly for accountability and mindset coaching. You write. I keep you on track. Your inner critic takes a backseat.

Step 4: Finish Your Draft
No more “someday.” No more half-finished manuscripts. You finish what you started.


ABOUT Your Coach, MARIA

I’ve been a reader for as long as I can remember. The kind of reader who always has three books going at once, who can lose entire weekends to a good story, who’s read thousands of books across every genre you can think of (and probably a few you can’t). I love stories, how they’re built, what makes them work, why some books stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

But here’s what I’ve learned from all that reading: knowing what makes a good story and actually finishing one yourself are two completely different challenges. Writers don’t usually struggle because they don’t understand craft. They struggle because writing is lonely, because motivation is unreliable, because life gets in the way, and because the voice in their head that says “this isn’t good enough” is often louder than the voice that says “keep going.”

That’s why I became a life coach specializing in working with writers. I wanted to help with the part that craft books don’t address, the accountability, the mindset work, the systems that actually help you show up and do the writing even when it’s hard. Because I’ve seen what happens when writers have structure and support: they finish. They surprise themselves with what they’re capable of. They stop wondering if they’ll ever be “real writers” and start actually being writers.

When we work together, I’m not just checking in to see if you hit your word count. I’m helping you build the habits and mindset that will carry you through this book and every book that comes after. I’m helping you figure out what’s actually getting in your way, whether that’s perfectionism, fear, lack of structure, or just the crushing weight of trying to do it all alone, and then we work together to address it.

Your story deserves to be written, and you deserve support that actually works. That’s what I’m here to provide.


FAQ


  1. How do I know which program is right for me?
    The honest answer is that we’ll figure it out together. Book a free 30-minute discovery call, and we’ll talk through where you are with your writing, what you’re struggling with, and what kind of support would actually help. I’ll recommend the program that makes the most sense for your situation, and if none of them feel quite right, I’ll tell you that too.

  2. What if I’m not sure I can commit to regular meetings?
    I get it, committing to regular meetings can feel scary, especially if you’ve struggled with consistency before. But here’s the thing: that’s exactly why the accountability works. The meetings aren’t just check-ins; they’re the structure that helps you show up even when you don’t feel motivated. If you could do it completely on your own, you already would have.
  3. Can I add Alpha Reading later if I don’t sign up for it now?
    Absolutely. You can add Alpha Reading services at any point during your coaching program, and you’ll still get the coaching client rate. Some writers like to start with just accountability coaching and add alpha reading once they’ve built momentum. Whatever works best for you.

  4. What if I don’t finish my draft during the program?
    Most writers who commit to the process and show up consistently do finish their drafts or make significant progress toward completion. But if you need more time, we can talk about extending your program or transitioning to a different track that gives you more support. The goal isn’t to rush you, it’s to help you actually finish. Needing support isn’t a weakness, it’s just being human.


READY TO FINISH YOUR BOOK?

If you’ve read this far, you already know something needs to change. You’re tired of making plans that don’t stick, tired of wondering if you’ll ever actually finish, tired of that manuscript sitting there unfinished while you question whether you’re really a writer.

Here’s what I know: you are a writer. You just need the right support to prove it to yourself.

Book a free 30-minute discovery call, and let’s talk honestly about where you are, what you’re struggling with, and whether working together makes sense. No pressure, no hard sell, just a real conversation about your writing and what it would take to actually get this done.

Your story matters. Let’s make sure it gets written.

What Else Does MAR Literary Services Do

Maria’s Corner

If you want to see how I think and work, this is the place to start. Maria’s Corner is where I share writing truths, behind the scenes reflections, and practical guidance for building a steady creative life. Each post stands on its own, and together they show how real growth happens when writers stay engaged.

MARLS Digital Corner

If you’re looking for tools that make writing feel easier and more predictable, this is where I keep them. The Digital Corner brings together all of my planners, trackers, and worksheets. They support focus and help you stay connected to your story from draft to draft. You can explore the full collection and find what fits your process.

MARLS Digital Corner