We’re on our third day of the 2016 A to Z Challenge. For those who don’t know, my subject this year is anything that has to do with writing, coaching and inspiring others.

So, here it is ten-thirty on a Sunday night, and I’m trying to figure out what to write about coaching.

Yes, C is for COACH

Writing Coach, Creativity Coach, Wellness Coach and Life Coach

There are so many different kinds of coaches, my head spins, and I have to wonder… what’s going on? Why are we needing so much help maintaining our sanity, working out our problems, achieving our dreams and goals? I think it’s because we’re so busy with life that a voice of reason, someone to listen and just say yeah, you’re right, you can do it, you’ve got this, hang in there makes us feel (lets us know) we’re not alone.

Some say coaching has been around since the beginning of time—when older people taught the younger ones. Okay, that works for me, but now coaching is full speed ahead with certifications and licensing. And prices range from 95.00 to $2,000 a month–sometimes for a 30 minute phone call once a week. It blows my mind, yet I have no doubt being coached works. It’s always nice to have someone come along side us to encourage, brainstorm, read and give feedback; someone to nourish us while holding us accountable to our word count. Or even teach us to overcome doubts, fears, anxieties in our life.

I’ve been researching the coaching business (writing coaching, in particular) and reading everything I can about it. I’ve learned that coaches don’t have to be certified. It’s sort of like being an agent—if you know what you’re doing you can hang a shingle. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’ll eventually catch up with you and you’ll fall by the wayside.

I’m curious to know what you think of writing and creativity coaches. A valid profession or charlatans? Have any of you ever used a writing or creativity coach, and for how long? What caused you to hire one? What do you think a writing coach should do for their clients? How much should they charge?

Some of you may be a coach. If so, share with us how you got started and why.

Coaching seems like an interesting profession to me. What say you?