Frequently Asked Questions
About Emotional Intelligence and Writing
What is emotional intelligence and how does it apply to writing?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, connect, understand, and manage emotions effectively. For writers, these skills translate directly to creating authentic characters, building emotional arcs, and knowing how to evoke specific feelings in readers. The MSCEIT assessment measures four key areas: perceiving emotions accurately, connecting emotional features across different contexts, understanding emotions and how they change over time, and managing emotions effectively.
What makes your approach different from other writing coaches?
I combine MSCEIT-certified emotional intelligence expertise with PhD-level research in psychology and practical writing experience as a published author. Rather than focusing solely on craft techniques, I address the psychological foundations of compelling storytelling. This research-backed approach helps you understand not just what to do, but why emotions work the way they do in narrative.
I’ve tried other writing advice and it hasn’t helped. Why would this be different?
Most writing advice focuses on technique—”show don’t tell,” “create conflict,” etc. But if your characters feel flat, the issue is often deeper: you may not be perceiving or understanding emotions accurately enough to portray them authentically. By developing your emotional intelligence skills, you gain the psychological foundation that makes all other writing techniques more effective.
About Assessments
What assessments do you offer?
I offer three optional emotional intelligence assessments: the Writer’s Emotional Compass (quick strengths assessment), the Writer’s Emotional Map (in-depth analysis), and the MSCEIT (gold standard EI test). Each provides valuable insights into your emotional intelligence strengths and development areas for writing.
What is the MSCEIT?
The Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) is the gold standard for measuring emotional intelligence, used by Fortune 500 companies for leadership development. Unlike other Emotional Intelligence assessments (sometimes referred to as EQ), MSCEIT is an ability-based test that objectively measures your emotional intelligence skills across four areas.
Do I have to take an assessment to work with you?
No, all assessments are optional. However, they provide valuable insights into your specific emotional intelligence strengths and development areas, making our coaching more targeted and effective.
Will you share my assessment results with anyone?
Absolutely not. All assessment results and coaching discussions are completely confidential.
Coaching Services
What happens in a Discovery Session?
During our 90-minute Discovery Session, we’ll discuss your current writing challenges, assess where emotional intelligence might help, and create a personalized development plan. You’ll leave with specific techniques for your genre and style, whether you decide to continue with additional coaching or not.
How does your coaching work?
Coaching is flexible and purchased by the hour at $150/hour. New clients start with a 4-hour minimum ($600) to ensure meaningful progress on your goals. You can purchase as many hours as you need—4 hours, 6 hours, 10 hours, whatever works for your project and timeline.
What’s included in coaching?
Everything! Your hourly rate includes manuscript review between sessions, email support for quick questions, access to my resource library, and custom exercises tailored to your projects. No hidden fees or surprise charges.
Do you work with specific genres?
I work with writers across genres, though my background is strongest in science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller/suspense, mystery, and literary fiction. The emotional intelligence principles apply universally—every genre benefits from authentic character emotions.
Can you help with specific writing problems like dialogue or character development?
Yes! We’ll work directly on your manuscripts, applying emotional intelligence principles to solve specific challenges. Whether it’s making dialogue feel more natural, building believable character arcs, or creating stronger emotional connections, we’ll address your particular needs.
How long are coaching sessions and how are they conducted?
Most coaching sessions are one hour long (except the 90-minute Discovery Session) and conducted via video call. This allows us to share screens and work directly on your writing when helpful.
Manuscript Consultation Services
What is a manuscript consultation?
A manuscript consultation is an in-depth review of your manuscript with a focus on emotional authenticity and reader engagement. Unlike traditional developmental editing, I examine your story’s emotional landscape with a researcher’s eye, providing detailed analysis of character development, emotional arcs, and specific suggestions for strengthening emotional connections.
How is manuscript consultation different from coaching?
Coaching is interactive and focused on developing your emotional intelligence skills. Manuscript consultation is a comprehensive written analysis of your completed or near-completed manuscript. Many writers benefit from both—coaching to develop skills, then consultation to apply those skills to a specific project.
How long does a manuscript consultation take?
Typically 2-4 weeks, depending on length and complexity. I’ll confirm the timeline when I provide your custom quote.
What do I get in a manuscript consultation report?
You’ll receive a comprehensive analysis including overall impressions, scene-by-scene notes, character development feedback, and actionable suggestions for enhancing emotional impact. This isn’t line editing, but a focused analysis of your story’s emotional effectiveness and reader engagement.
How much does manuscript consultation cost?
Manuscript consultation starts at $6 per 1,000 words, with final quotes based on word count, complexity, timeline, and specific feedback needs. Contact me with your project details for a custom quote.
Logistics and Business
How do I get started?
The best starting point is booking a Discovery Session where we can discuss your specific needs and determine the best approach.
What are your payment options?
I accept payment via major credit cards and PayPal. Payment is typically due before we begin work, though we can discuss payment plans for longer coaching packages.
Do you offer any guarantees?
While I can’t guarantee specific outcomes (writing development is a collaborative process), I’m committed to providing valuable insights and actionable feedback. If you’re not satisfied with your Discovery Session, we’ll work together to address your concerns.
Can you work with writers outside the US?
Yes! Since sessions are conducted via video call and manuscript consultations are done digitally, I work with writers internationally. Just keep time zones in mind when scheduling.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
I typically respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
About Benjamin
What are your qualifications?
I’m MSCEIT-certified and an Industrial/Organizational psychologist researching emotion and resilience in writing and other creative fields. I’m also a published author. I’ve experienced firsthand the journey from writing flat characters to creating compelling ones, which informs my coaching approach.
Why did you start this business?
After struggling with my own writing, I discovered that emotional intelligence research provided the missing piece. When I applied these principles to my writing, everything changed. I wanted to help other writers discover these same insights without having to stumble through the process alone.
Have a question not covered here? Feel free to reach out—I’m happy to discuss your specific situation and how I might be able to help.