Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Lotz.
Hi Sally, We’re so excited to have you on the platform. Before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started writing professionally for children about fifteen years ago and maintained a full-time accounting job. I fit in writing when I could. I have four published books, one short story that won an honorable mention in Writer’s Digest, and I am currently working on book 5 with my agent. During Covid, I returned from California to Orlando to pursue my writing career full-time. Tired of the 8-5 grind, I dropped everything and started my own Book Coach business. It seemed a no-brainer because I have such a passion for telling stories and helping others do the same. I work with non-writers, writers, and people with ideas for a book. I help them bring their ideas to life and give them alternatives they never knew they had.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey to become a writer was a difficult path. As a child, I always wrote, but a few things were in my way. First, I grew up in a cult (that did not allow for creativity), And I am also dyslexic and have ADHD. The latter two are great when you’re a writer. Once I rediscovered my love of writing, there were challenges in the publishing world. Because of my experience here, I can help my clients through the same problems. Finding my client was my biggest struggle once I decided to become a book coach. It took trial and error and a few misstarts, but I found my groove. The biggest thing I learned is not to give up. When something isn’t working, it’s time to talk to a mentor, get advice and readjust. It also helps me remember why I started to write and why I am helping people with their books.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for my children’s books. I am proud of my last book, The Truth is a Lie, a young adult novel based on my real-life experience of growing up in a cult. This book created dialogue and changed people’s perspectives on an issue near and dear to my heart. The reviews keep saying it’s a “can’t put it down” and “read it one sitting” book. My current work is middle-grade horror – a Stephen King-type feel. My literary agent is processing this right now. As a book coach, what sets me apart is that because of my past, dyslexia, and ADHD, I can help my clients find their authentic voice and speak to their readers. I help my clients rethink what they knew about writing a book and open new doors for them. Give different approaches and big outside-the-box ideas. Thank you, ADHD. My client can be working on a business book, a memoir, or fiction. The biggest thing that sets me apart is my program, which is writing a book in a season – meaning they have 30, 60, or 90 days to write a book.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I started with a small group of writers in Northern California. We were all part of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). We banded together 15 years ago, and now all of us are published in several books. My support for my writing and coaching has been my children, my business mastermind group, and several good friends who understand what it takes to get a business off the ground. For a creative, help comes through phone calls and texts telling me I’m doing the right thing. There were a few people who, when I started my business, were there for me to help me through the rough patches, the brainstorming, and the days I needed a kick in the pants.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sallylotz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallyjlotz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourPathToWriting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyjlotz/
