
Creativity Coaching
One-on-one guidance and connection on your creative journey
What we'll do together
I'm here to help you become an ever-evolving master of your creative craft
If you've ever wanted guidance from someone who's been there, the chance to develop your ideas and your approach in a way that's as structured or as open-ended as you choose, and a path to maximizing your creative potential, coaching is for you.
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Coaching involves meeting weekly or every other week to discuss your goals for your book or other creative projects. The product is you, so while we'll work to help your book or other creative product become the best version of itself, the main goal is to help you become the creator you've always dreamed of being: fulfilled in your process, delighting in ongoing growth, and believing in yourself and the value of your work.



Why work with me?
I take a holistic approach to creativity, and I'm a respectful fellow creator and guide. I bring more than 30 years' experience writing novels, almost 30 years' experience teaching natural wellness and spirituality, experience as a professional visual artist, and a passion for co-creating a beautiful new reality with mentees and coaching clients.
Testimonials
"A.J. Van Belle has been my creative coach since 2019. I’ve never known anyone who could keep me as creatively motivated as they do. Their expertise in writing and troubleshooting roadblocks in the creative process are unparalleled. Not only are they skilled, they also have a warm, thoughtful approach to providing feedback. There’s no one else I’d trust my manuscripts with as much, as I know A.J will always help me chart the course to make them the best they can be. " -Dani Cessna, writer
“A.J. is the most enthusiastic coach you can have in your corner. Their relentless positivity coupled with their diligence, persistence and industry knowledge, helped me immensely when I needed to create a system around my writing (something that I struggle a lot with, as a neurodivergent author). I wholeheartedly recommend working with them!” -Danai Christopoulou, SFF author and editor
“I am lucky enough to call A.J. Van Belle my writing mentor. I couldn’t have asked for a more encouraging and thoughtful person to learn from. They are able to hone in on the issues in my work ranging from developmental to line-level. Their feedback is always concise and actionable, and they’re always open to collaboration and troubleshooting problems. Working with A.J. gives me the confidence to put my work out into the world.” -TR Rowe, writer
“A.J. was an anchor for me at a time when I wasn't sure how to level up my writing. I had received conflicting feedback on a manuscript and was beginning to wonder whether anyone would ever get what I was trying to do, but A.J.'s levelheaded approach and positive attitude helped get me back on track. They were a sympathetic ear and an impartial sounding board, someone I could touch base with when I had lost all perspective on my own work. Thanks to them I was able to refocus on my goals, complete a revision I was really proud of, and eventually sign with a literary agent.” -B.H. Findley, writer and professor
"After years of revising my novel, I got it to the best shape I possibly could with the help of my critique partners. But AJ was quickly able to hone in on several structural, character, and worldbuilding (magical) elements that deserved some reshaping and polishing. After we shared an overarching discussion for how to shape revisions, their in-line comments helped me bring the novel to the next level and improve my craft. I really felt that AJ "got" what I was trying to do with the story and clearly articulated that to me, helped me clarify what I hadn't made clear to the reader, and was an enthusiastic sounding board for brainstorming when I needed it. With their own experience in publishing, they also provided keen insights that helped me improve my query. I am glad to have AJ in my corner and would highly recommend their services!" -Lee A. Everett, writer