24 Stories  ·  Story Coaching

Story Coaching
with Tamara Rothbart

A thinking partner for the stories only you can tell.

Tamara Rothbart, story coach
Meet Your Coach

The most common concern I hear is: "I don't have enough stories." Trust me — you do.

In twenty-five years as a journalist, columnist, editor, and ghostwriter — interviewing celebrities, politicians, titans of industry, sages, mothers, and truck drivers — I've never met a story that did not deserve to be told.

As your coach, I'm not just asking questions and giving feedback. I'm helping you find the angle, the hook, the moment on which a story pivots — and how to bring it home.

Every joy, every heartbreak, every win, every loss has contributed to the one-of-a-kind person you are. And in knowing you, your children, their children, and all the generations to follow will know themselves a little better, too.

When Do I Use a Writing Coach?

Before You Begin

If you'd like to come into your first story with more clarity, I offer a single coaching session before you even start. One hour. We talk through what you most want to capture, how to think about your experiences as stories, and what will make yours worth reading. You leave with a clear starting point and a map for moving forward.

A Few Stories In

Some of what you've written has surprised you. A story you thought would be easy that wasn't. One that turned out to hold more than you expected when you sat down to tell it. You feel as if you're writing blind, recording in the dark.

This is what coaching at this stage offers: your rough draft read in advance, a focused conversation, actionable feedback, tools and tips, and a clear, easy path forward to an unforgettable story.

When You're Running out of Steam

Some storytellers find that the later prompts ask more of you. The stories about regret. About people who are no longer here. About things that have never been said out loud. These stories don't stop you because they're too small. They stop you because they matter too much.

Coaching at this stage is about having someone with you for the stories you've been putting off. A thinking partner, a feedback loop, extra tools, and a real-time editor to get you across the finishing line.

How a session works

Each session is a focused personal conversation that gives you a clear path forward — so you can sit down and record with confidence.

Coaching options

Choose what works for your journey

Single Session

R1,200

One hour with Tamara. Your story read in advance.

Three Sessions

R3,200

Use across any three stories in your journey. Save R400.

Six Sessions

R5,500

A coaching companion for your most important chapters. Save R1,700.

Full 24-Session Programme

R18,000

One session per story. The complete guided journey.

Submit your story 24 hours before your session and Tamara will read it in preparation. Coaching is available to active subscribers only.

Working on something larger?

For subscribers with a more complex story — or who would prefer to hand the writing entirely to a professional — a private ghostwriting service is available by arrangement.

Enquire by email →