Meet Elizabeth, the Active Writing Coach.

My Story
When I landed my first professional job, I found my “to-do” list packed with writing tasks: press releases, special event invitations, grant proposals, annual reports and strategic plans. Some were familiar to me; most were not. To be honest, I knew what I had to write, but I didn’t know how.Â
Looking for guidance, I searched through business bestsellers and industry magazines for examples. I tried to replicate them, but, still, I felt like an imposter.Â
Finally, I connected with a local executive who agreed to read my drafts and give me honest feedback. As we worked together, she showed me why it’s important to ask good questions, to support my ideas with data, and to consider the needs and expectations of my audience. With her guidance and support, I overcame my doubts and became a successful writer.
As my career journey took me into business and academic settings, I met many professionals and students who also became stressed by new writing projects. To help my fellow writers, I began to share the lessons I had learned from my mentor. Over time, I developed my own dynamic coaching style, one that models active thinking, strong persuasive skills, and a focused mindset. When these writers practiced my thoughtful writing moves, their texts improved and their confidence soared.
With Active Writing I can now share these coaching practices with you!
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Check Out My Coaching PackagesMy Coaching Philosophy
I will encourage my fellow writers to be active participants in each coaching session.
I will show how asking questions prompts deep thinking.
I will model proven techniques of organization and style.Â
I will share my messy first drafts; I will demonstrate how revising and editing leads to more powerful texts.
I will expect my clients to be committed to the process and to write consistently between sessions.
The Official Bio
Elizabeth McCrea has been a fundraiser, a career counselor, a college advisor and instructor, and a marketing manager. She's written all types of persuasive texts, from grant proposals and ad copy to newsletters, magazine articles, and even craft beer labels!
While homeschooling her children, Elizabeth rekindled her love for teaching others how to make words come alive on the page. This led her to complete an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University and to serve as a writing instructor and tutor at colleges in the Carolinas. Since moving to Virginia, she has been coaching writers of all ages.Â
Elizabeth also earned an MA in Counseling from the University of Maryland and a BA in Advertising from Penn State University.
The Fun Stuff
Elizabeth begins each day with a strong cup of coffee and a brisk walk on the trails of Northern Virginia with her Labrador, Blue. When she's not coaching writers, Elizabeth enjoys recording programs for Virginia Voice, drawing, and traveling with her family and friends. Her Spotify playlist is an eclectic mix of new Americana, Peaceful Piano, and Waterpark Pop.

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