Interview with Heloise
Heart. Vision. Voice.
This will answer in detail most of the questions you may have so we can spend time in our chat on YOU. It’ll also give you a good idea what to expect when we work together.
To your success.
Heloise, how long have you been doing what you do, and how did you get to be a Mentor & Consultant for creatives?
I’ve done this work for over 30 years in a number of environments with a diverse clientele. And what brought me to this moment, consulting and mentoring people like you, were two defining moments.
I have a sixth sense working with people. And despite this, I lived for a good part of my life with a message and story about myself that wasn’t true: I was ‘too much.’ I engaged with life, had strong connections with people, was known for my passion about life, the world, and art. . .and every action I took was followed by the words in my mind watch it, pull back. I showed up smaller than I am, and believed I shouldn’t meet my big vision and dreams.
The first defining moment was in a college classroom. I was there for the fifth time to earn my bachelor’s degree. I loved being there. I can see the light in the room, where I sat, and hear the voices of the two young women behind me. And I can feel the thud in my chest, buzz in my ears, and my eyes go blind when I heard one say date rape is an accepted risk on campus!
My history included a long marriage of abuse. I knew the violence to the body. Knew how they’d flinch when blindsided. Knew how they’d breathe free when it didn’t happen. Perhaps even hide it inside themselves, too. A passion ignited inside me. I vowed there’d be a Women’s Center on that huge university campus by the time I graduated 18 mos. later. A place women could gather, tell their stories, find allies & support, and be safe.
I became an activist, using my Voice as a fierce advocate to create collaborations. I spoke to groups, was on councils, headed the first women’s student organization, coordinated the first campus-wide newsletter for women students and faculty, and I wrote the first draft of the proposal for the Women’s Center.
I experienced being seen, heard, respected, and empowered with purpose. I didn’t think watch it, keep quiet. I thought, how can I connect with people so we create this vision together.
And I saw the real power in using our Voices for good. The Women’s Center was something everyone said was impossible, and it opened on the eve of my graduation 18 mts. later.
The second defining moment was years later. One gorgeous fall afternoon, strolling in the town where I lived, I realized deep inside something was terribly missing. My life was comfortable, even looked like one of ease. And I felt dull inside. I knew what it meant to feel my voice called to something larger than myself that mattered, and I didn’t have it.
’I’ve lost my Voice’ were the exact words that came to me.
Startled with the realization, I took a university course I’d wanted to take. Went to galleries and places I once found stimulating. Invited friends for dinner. Nothing filled that void inside me. By angels or luck (a story filled with magic of its own), my natural curiosity led me to ask a woman I’d just met one day what she did. She led prompted writing circles. No pressure, she said.
Writing was my journey back to my Voice and myself. I wrote, took courses, read books, worked with other writers, attended conferences, workshops, and retreats, studied the industry, and became an expert.
I know about Fierce Hearted writing. I know about resilience and presence. I’m committed to inspiring and working with people who have a vision and dream, and desire to make a positive impact in the world. I believe a rising tide lifts all ships.
*
Who are your clients?
I work with heart-centered people with a vision to make a positive impact in the world. One they might name a ‘calling.’ They come with varied interests, experience, and backgrounds.
They’re smart, individual, multi-passionate. Excellence & integrity are important to them.
What they know is they’ve done stuff in their life they know matters, and now they’re ready to claim their full genius. And a book(s) may be in the plan. And may be in any stage of their work:
The common denominator is their desire, they have a big vision, and they decided it’s time for a guide to get past the mindset traps & what’s in their way, get clear, and do this thing calling them.
*
What makes you different from other strategists and consultants?
My clients and groups experience immediate break-throughs & powerful insights. And more than insights, their lives are transformed. They become leaders in their own stories & Vision.
In turn, they understand how to navigate their lives and move forward confidently with ease & grace. Even through the hard stuff.
As an intuitive, I’m a deep listener and bring a sixth sense to my work with you. I naturally see in patterns and connections that allows me to assist you getting clear.
Plus, I’ve been a writer for decades. I understand the cycles and things that trip creatives up that those who don’t write can’t understand. I’ve personally experienced them all.
I realize every person (and writer) is unique. And what works for one may not work for another. We work toward your definition of success, with customized to you tools & processes. The guidance you get draws from decades of study & experience in a host of supportive holistic tools, craft, and process.
When our work together is finished, you’ll have a solid framework for deciding next steps. Because I know that no matter where we are in our lives or work, as humans we’re always thinking about where the story we’re writing is going.
My #1 bestselling book, “The Writer’s Block Myth – A Guide to Get Past Stuck & Experience Lasting Creative Freedom,” is a mindset bible for creative thinkers. And has helped thousands.
*
What type of personality do you work best with? And what’s expected of me?
My intention is you feel heard, seen, and understood as you progress with your goals.
The person I work best with is ready to engage with their stories, ideas, writing, and life. They value excellence, and have a strong desire to connect with their audience. They recognize the value of skilled guidance & feedback in the process, and take responsibility.
They’re able to entertain new perspectives. And willing to let go controlling the process. Curiosity is a plus.
When they’re stalled or feel unclear, or have little motivation, they say so, and do what it takes to move forward.
What’s expected is you show up with an open mind, and a willingness to engage. Understand that your work is a process that involves not only your Vision, but you in it’s creation. That ultimately, your success depends on you.
Also, know that there’s more than words on the page in writing a good book that connects with your readers.
*
What type of person is not going to benefit from working with you?
Please know I don’t work with everyone who wants to work with me. As much as you’re deciding if I’m right for you, I’m thinking if we’re a good fit.
My programs are NOT for those who are in constant emotional turmoil. In my experience, constant turmoil leaves no energy to focus and get clear about choices for one’s creative goals or written works. It’s true writing can help you navigate through life’s challenges, and that’s not the sort of work I do. If you’re in a place in your life where you’re managing Turmoil, it’s totally OK. We’ve all had tough times where we needed to put some of our intentions on hold for a while. You can find support from these offerings until you’re ready:
1) Sign up for my free Newsletter at heloisejones.com. My blog Getting to Wise. A Writer’s Life, offers fresh perspectives for navigating life, and moving forward in a positive way, no matter what life dishes. There will also be the occasional notice with news, events, or offers you’ll find of value.
2) Purchase my book, “The Writer’s Block Myth – A Guide to Get Past Stuck & Experience Lasting Creative Freedom,” for more in-depth guidance. It’s not just for writers. Inside are stories and ideas from myself & a host of other writers; quick, easy processes, tips, & tools for clarity & success; and a worksheet guide for creating a creative life you desire.
*
What exactly happens when I work with you? What results can I expect?
The short answer is I meet you where you’re at with your vision, intent, and goals. We get clear what’s needed for moving forward. Every person who works with a mentor has something that prevents them from creating what they want. You’ll get clear what that is, and move past it.
You’ll apply your insights in a concrete way.
- With all the greenlights you need, free of judgement.
- Feeling motivated with fresh perspectives and clarity.
- Having proven strategies & techniques you can apply immediately.
- Experiencing immediate breakthroughs & powerful insights.
- Falling in love with your life, again!
In your written works, we look at the intent, tone, and how the work’s developed. This includes getting to the heart of your essential message, which is often different than we think it is when we start or are in the middle of it.
You’ll get clear on the spine of your work. Unlike theme, message, or form, the spine is the connective thread running through that everything hangs from, making the work whole. This is where most authors & entrepreneurs get hung up, and/or lose clarity.
We determine how you can best say what you intend to say, and most importantly, how you engage and connect with your audience.
If a book is part of our work together, I read the pages you submit, both energetically & technically. I see holes, questions, patterns, and what’s between the lines, such as the story and message below the main story and obvious message, and how a reader might read it.
You’ll get examples and suggestions for consideration as a result. If it fits for you, you’ll explore it and write, rewrite, or edit.
For both the Vision you’re creating and your book, you’re the author. You’re the leader.
The results always stretch beyond the page in unexpected, positive, and exciting ways. Your life will transform.
*
How can I make sure I’ll meet my goals?
Be honest and open to finding the ways that work for you to succeed. I help you with this.
Be open to shift what’s not working to something that gives you positive results. I’ll help you.
Soften all hint of perfectionism you may have. Set realistic goals for yourself, and when you feel you produced less than you desire, value what you’ve done, even when imperfect. There are no shoulds on how to do this.
Share your writing and Vision only with those who whole-heartedly support you in positive ways. I can’t stress this enough. Avoid sharing with naysayers, those who aren’t writers, or people who offer disempowering advice in the guise of being realistic (including relatives, best friends, and spouses!)
Remind yourself daily that there’s no expiration on your thoughts, your feelings, your dreams, or your stories.
Hold the Vision for the end result, and focus on the present where the work gets done.
Do what answers Yes inside you. Cheer the triumphs.
Most importantly….Decide to do this. Understand it takes time, where-ever you are in your work. Every person I’ve worked with advanced faster and produced more with better results than they would’ve on their own.
Lastly, remember your success is up to you.
*
Heloise, based on everything I’ve read and heard about you, I know you’re the one I want to work with. What are my options?
Yea! Congrats!!
I’ve been doing this work for a very long time, and heart-centered people with a vision are my favorite clients. There are two ways to work 1:1 with me: Mentoring Programs and VIP Days.
*****
VIP DAYS:
Full day intensives in Santa Fe designed specifically to your desires, intents, needs, and goals. 10am to 4pm, includes a healthy lunch.
We start with one or more conversations by email or phone.
Before we meet, I thoroughly re-read your emails and my notes. . .feeling the questions, patterns, and stories between the lines. Then, I choose materials specifically to you and your intents.
Your day is a combination of sharing, inquiry, and proven effective processes that reveal & unwind what’s acting inside you and your work. If we’re looking at manuscript pages, we also examine those.
You’ll have a summary of the processes and a signed copy of my #1 bestselling book “The Writer’s Block Myth – A Guide to Get Past Stuck & Experience Lasting Creative Freedom” to carry with you as additional support going forward.
Insights will continue to unfold for days, even weeks and months, beyond our time together.
*
Add a FAST TRACK PROGRAM to your VIP Day.
A 4-month program exclusive for VIP-Day participants. Valuable for ensuring you incorporate, implement, and expand the results of the day. Includes:
- Two 60-min. sessions by phone or in person per month, scheduled every other week. Work on 10 pages for a critique/edit consult; and/or specific questions & challenges in craft or process.
- The audio program The Creative Life for People Living in the Real World.
*****
MENTORING PROGRAMS:
3 options to choose from, depending on the level of feedback & attention you desire.
Designed for people at any stage of their work and process.
Programs run in 6-month increments, and include ongoing tips, tools, and processes to help keep you moving for success.
THE STAR PROGRAM (your best value)
Great for those who are ready to move at a steady pace, get all obstacles removed, with focused feedback and clarity. The program includes:
- Two sessions by phone or in person per month, scheduled every other week. One (1) 90-min. deep dive, eleven (11) 75-min.
>Focus on 20 pages for a critique/edit consult; and/or specific questions & challenges in craft or process.
- Six 20 min. SOS call vouchers, to be used over the course of your program.
- A signed copy of “The Writer’s Block Myth – A Guide to Get Past Stuck & Experience Lasting Creative Freedom.”
- The audio program The Creative Life for People Living in the Real World.
- “The Writer’s Success Handbook,” ebook.
THE MOMENTUM PROGRAM
Fine for those who desire clarity, accountability, focused feedback, and to keep going. The program includes:
- Two sessions by phone or in person per month, scheduled every other week. One (1) 90-min. deep dive, eleven (11) 60-min.
>Focus on 15 pages for critique/edit consult; and/or specific questions and challenges in craft or process.
- Four 20 min. SOS call vouchers, to be used over the course of your program.
- A signed copy of “The Writer’s Block Myth – A Guide to Get Past Stuck & Experience Lasting Creative Freedom.”
- The audio program The Creative Life for People Living in the Real World.
THE DISCOVERY PROGRAM
Created for those who desire clarity, accountability, and to keep going when they lose motivation or are stalled. The program includes:
- Two sessions by phone or in person per month, scheduled every other week. One (1) 75-min. deep dive, eleven (11) 45-min.
>Focus on 10 pages for critique/edit consult; and/or specific questions and challenges in craft or process.
- A signed copy of the book “The Writer’s Block Myth – A Guide to Get Past Stuck & Experience Lasting Creative Freedom.”
- The audio program The Creative Life for People Living in the Real World.
*
There are discounts for payment in full.
NM gross receipts tax added for all services delivered in NM.
*
OK. I know which program I want. How do we get started?
Great! Call me at 904-778-6623 at the time of our appointment.
We’ll clarify which program best serves you. This is a good time for lingering questions, as well.
Enlisting all the resources possible for you to succeed in a way that supports you is the biggest favor you can give yourself. The world needs your Vision and Voice.
*
I have a family, and a busy life. Although I really want to do this, I don’t have much time to spare.
I can help you craft a life that works for you in a way that preserves your creative mind.
There are ways to find time besides resorting to classical time management (which can sometimes feel confining!). And once you know what works best for you, I can help you craft space for yourself. There are even ways to enlist your family’s help so they better understand your passion for your vision and/or need to write, and won’t feel left out.
Imagine your creative life and life in the real world are one. If you feel a split, there’s ways to mend it. And getting started + focusing in the right places helps.
I know how hard it can feel to meet a calling when life feels full to the top. And I know the pain of not giving yourself the chance to see it through.
The magic word to set you free. . .‘Decide.’
*
Really not sure you’re ready to get started right now?
Call me at 904-778-6623 at the time of our appointment. Let’s talk about it.
Imagine all the lights lit
in the constellation of your big Vision.