Writer Works Coaching

TRICK OR TREAT, THEN REPEAT

Describe your dream chocolate bar.

I love chocolate bars—maybe a little too much! While I don’t have a dream chocolate bar, I’ll always reach for a classic: Hershey’s milk chocolate. There’s just something nostalgic and comforting about it.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and part of the fun is loading up on candy for the trick-or-treaters. I get all the favorites: Snickers, Kisses, Milky Way, peanut butter cups… you name it!

Of course, once the night ends and the kids have come and gone, I’m left with way too much chocolate—and that’s when the real temptation begins. I try to pace myself… but let’s be honest: I usually devour more than I should. And I enjoy every bite.

Your Turn:
Describe your dream chocolate bar! Is it crunchy, gooey, filled with caramel, or peanut buttery perfection?

“Drop your favorite chocolate bar in the comments!” – “What’s your Halloween candy must-have?”
– “Tag a chocolate lover who’d devour this!”

The Power of Pages: 3 Books That Changed My Life

Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash

What are three books that changed your life—and why?

My Three Life-Changing Books:

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
In 2008, Barack Obama made history—not just by becoming the first Black president of the United States, but by daring to hope in a country that had never seen a person of color in its highest office. Against all odds, he ran. Against all odds, he won.

This book reminded me of a profound truth: no matter what, keep going. Set your sights on your goal and stay the course. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. But with belief in yourself and faith in your purpose, you can rise above them all.

No Limits* by John Maxwell
John Maxwell’s message is simple but powerful: stop placing limits on your potential. He identifies 17 capacities we each possess—creativity, energy, leadership, and more—and invites us to grow them on purpose.

This book lit a fire in me! I was so inspired that I began studying leadership and personal development, ultimately becoming a certified coach, speaker, and trainer through the John Maxwell Team. Today, I use what I’ve learned to help others transform their lives and live on purpose.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou told her story with raw truth—her ache of abandonment, the pain of trauma, and the cruel sting of racism. Yet her spirit never broke. She discovered that love, kindness, and the power of words could set her free.

Her poetry is both spiritual and liberating. When I’m feeling low, I revisit “Still I Rise” or “Phenomenal Woman.” They remind me of how beauty and power can emerge even from suffering.

The thread that ties all three together?
Never give up. No matter what.

Your Turn:

What three books have had a powerful impact on you, and why?

✨

Amelia Bedelia and the Power of Childhood Reading

Do you remember your favorite childhood book?

I don’t remember many books from my own childhood, but I do remember the books I read to my daughters. Of all the stories we shared, the Amelia Bedelia series remains my favorite.

These books were more than just silly fun—though they certainly delivered plenty of that! With short chapters, fast-paced sentences, and Amelia’s unforgettable wordplay and misunderstandings, my girls would often burst into belly laughs. The humor was light and playful, but the stories also offered meaningful moments that opened the door to deeper conversations.

Amelia Bedelia became a bridge for teaching life lessons—about responsibility, respect, curiosity, and a love of learning. Her quirky adventures gave me a way to talk with my daughters about real-life values in a way they could understand and enjoy.

Today, both my daughters are avid readers. They own more books than anything else, and I truly believe Amelia Bedelia helped plant those early seeds. Her stories not only entertained them from toddlerhood through age ten—they also helped shape a lifelong passion for books.

Your Turn:
What was your favorite childhood book—or a book you loved reading with your children? Drop it in the comments or share why it still matters to you.

Let’s keep the joy of childhood reading alive.

“THE DAY FEAR KNOCKED AND GRACE ANSWERED”

Prompt: What fears have you overcome—and what did they teach you?

There was a time when I moved through life freely—fiercely independent, always able to rely on my own strength. I could cook, clean, care for myself, and go wherever I pleased. Then one day, everything changed.

In midlife, I was diagnosed with a degenerative illness that slowly robbed me of the use of my arms and legs. With it came a wave of fear I had never known before. Not just fear of the unknown—but fear of being completely alone.

I depended on caregivers for daily support—meals, grooming, bathing. But what happens when your help doesn’t show up?

I remember one morning so clearly. I was waiting at the table by the phone, hungry and thirsty, and my caregiver didn’t arrive. Thirty minutes passed. I called—no answer. Another 15. Still nothing. I called again. Silence.

I sat in my wheelchair feeling helpless. The fear crept in like a shadow: What if no one comes? What if I’m forgotten?

Then came a knock on the door.

It was my neighbor—stopping by, unannounced, to drop off a bag of lemons. She couldn’t come in, but her presence was a miracle. I shouted from the inside, “Please call me—right now.” And she did.

That moment shifted something deep within me.

I was never really alone. Even when I couldn’t move, couldn’t reach out—God was already sending help.

Since then, I’ve learned to let go of what I cannot control. I’ve released the fear of being forgotten, and I rest in the quiet confidence that I am always being cared for—even in ways I don’t expect.

So I ask you:
What fear have you faced, and what did it teach you about yourself—or about life?

“4 AM Miracles: A Story of Healing Through Prayer”

Daily Writing Prompt

What’s one simple thing you do that brings you joy?

We often think joy is found in the big moments—major milestones, dramatic victories—but sometimes, it’s the quiet, consistent practices that bring the deepest sense of peace and purpose.

For me, that simple joy is prayer.

While many things light up my spirit—reading a good book, writing from the heart, celebrating wins (mine and others’), learning new ideas, and spending time with my children—nothing quite compares to the joy I find in praying for others.

For decades, I volunteered as a prayer partner for Guideposts, founded by the late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Every morning, I rose at 4 AM to pray with people from around the globe. I listened to their fears, hopes, and celebrations. I was trusted with their deepest secrets, and in return, I witnessed the beautiful unfolding of answered prayers.

What began as a volunteer opportunity came into my life when I was lying in bed, unable to move. A debilitating illness had robbed me of my independence, my energy, and for a time, my hope. I felt like a burden—angry, lost, and disconnected from who I used to be.

But through prayer, something shifted. I began to pray not just for others—but for myself. Slowly, the weight of misery began to lift. Joy began to return, little by little.

Prayer became the catalyst that reawakened my purpose. I began to write again. I became certified by the John Maxwell Leadership Team in coaching, speaking, and training. And now, I use those tools to help others rediscover their purpose too.

schedule a complimentary coaching session with me: email me at writerworks@gmail.com

If you’re struggling, if you’re searching for meaning, I invite you to read my memoir, “The Invisible Child”, and take that next step toward joy.

UNPLUGGED, UNBOTHERED, UNSTOPPABLE

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO UNPLUG? WJAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?

For years, I operated like I was drinking water from a firehose—constantly moving, always pushing, and wondering why I was overwhelmed, frazzled, and rarely finishing what I started. I thought hustle was the answer. I was wrong.How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?

Everything changed when I attended a Tony Robbins event. He shared his daily rituals, and one that stuck with me was his priming exercise—a practice designed to energize the body, boost brain activity, and sharpen focus.

Now I practice priming at least once a day. And when I feel my energy dip or my clarity fade, I pause and prime again. Bam—my focus returns, my body recharges, and my creativity flows.

Since adopting this practice, I’ve doubled my energy, increased my blog output, expanded my reading and tech skills, and found deeper sleep. Even my meditation is richer. Unplugging used to feel like a luxury—now, it’s a strategy.

Someday I hope to meet Tony Robbins and thank him for sharing this life-shifting tool.

More Than a Friend—A Loyal Force

Daily Prompt

When it comes to friendship, I value many qualities: honesty, integrity, responsibility, and dependability. All are important—but if I had to choose just one, it would be loyalty.

Loyalty is more than just being present. It’s being steadfast when things get tough. It’s standing by me—not just when I shine, but when I stumble. A loyal friend becomes my greatest cheerleader, my trusted confidante, someone who tells me the truth with love, and never questions their commitment to the bond we share.

To me, loyalty crosses many borders. It’s the thread that weaves together trust, honesty, support, and commitment into the fabric of a true friendship. Without it, the rest feel hollow.

As I reflect on my closest relationships, I’m reminded that it’s not perfection I seek—it’s presence, truth, and loyalty.

From Tobacco Fields to the Coaching Stage: My Journey Through Work

Daily Prompt: What jobs have you had in your life?

I started working at the tender age of six. My grandmother placed me in a job known as “handing tobacco” — passing tobacco leaves to be strung and hung in the barns to dry. While the work was simple and uneventful, I wasn’t alone. My young relatives were there too, and together, we used our creativity and energy to turn the mundane into something fun. We didn’t fully understand what “work” meant, but we were excited to contribute.

Imagine my surprise years later, at twenty-one, when my mom handed me a check for $5,000. She had saved my earnings from that time and invested them in a Certificate of Deposit. That moment taught me the value of hard work and the quiet sacrifices of love.

By fourteen, I was babysitting for neighbors under my mother’s supervision. The pay varied: sometimes $2, $5. At sixteen, I began babysitting younger relatives. Again, the pay wasn’t fixed, but the experience taught me responsibility and trust.

In college, I worked in retail during summers and holidays, earning $3.50 an hour. Though the jobs were short-term, they gave me a strong foundation in communication, service, and human connection.

I’ve always been drawn to writing and listening. I loved hearing people talk about their lives — their present reality and the futures they dreamed of. That natural curiosity led me into a career in social work, a calling that fit me perfectly.

Then, life took a turn. An unexpected illness changed everything. Physically, I could no longer continue as a social worker. But that detour led me into a new chapter — one filled with writing, coaching, and public speaking.

Today, I’m the author of two books:
The Invisible Child: A Memoir
Angels in Action

Every job, from tobacco fields to bookstore shelves, shaped who I became. They weren’t just jobs — they were stepping stones on the journey to purpose.

Share your story in the comments — I’d love to hear what work taught you.

Daily writing prompt

Do you practice religion?

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Spiritual, Not Religious: Exploring Faith from Within

Do you practice a religion?

I don’t follow one particular religion, but I do hold space for spiritual truths. While I don’t belong to any single faith tradition, I occasionally attend services across different denominations because I’m curious — seeking understanding and wisdom wherever it may live. I take what resonates from each doctrine and release what doesn’t align with my spirit.

I identify as spiritual.

For me, spirituality is a daily practice. I meditate, I journal, and I reflect deeply on who I am, why I’m here, and what value I bring to the world. I believe in a greater power — something vast and infinite, beyond what we can see.

So I go inward.

I explore my thoughts and emotions. I ask what behaviors I need to adopt to live with more courage, purpose, and truth. My goal is not just to believe, but to live my beliefs — to let my life be my faith in action.

Wherever I go, I try to practice compassion, care, and kindness. That, to me, is the core of any meaningful spiritual path.

FROM SUNSHINE TO SCREEN TIME

Daily writing prompt

Do you remember life before the internet?

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From Sunshine To Screen Time

Yes, I remember life before the internet.
There were fewer screens, more sunshine, and a lot more trips to the library.

But for me, the internet has been a game-changer, even a godsend.

As a writer, reader, and researcher, it opened doors I didn’t even know existed.
Now, I complete projects faster, pitch more confidently, and collaborate with people across the country—all without leaving my home.

I’m able to coach clients, host online workshops, and connect with creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from every walk of life.
Time that once went to travel or digging through card catalogs now goes to writing, building, and growing.

Of course, there are challenges.
Technology evolves quickly, and there are days I feel like I’m playing catch-up.
And while I spend less on gas, my budget still stretches to cover subscriptions, tools, and outsourced support.

But I see it as an investment—because the internet has allowed me to expand my vision, increase my impact, and walk boldly in my purpose.

And that? That’s worth every penny.

Call to Action (CTA):

What has the internet unlocked for you?
Have you been thinking about using it to share your voice, build something bold, or finally launch that dream?

If you’re ready to create, grow, or reset your path, I’d love to support you.

Contact Coach Diane at writerworks@gmail.com
Let’s harness your vision and move forward—together.