Patricia Dawn Robertson

“A strong daily creativity practice is the best way to realize my dreams and accomplish my goals.”

— Eric Maisel, The Power of Daily Practice

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“The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possible can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”

― Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. from A Man Without a Country

I’m a professional writer, editor, memoir workshop teacher and creativity coach for artists. I’ve studied Introduction to Creativity Coaching and Advanced Creativity Coaching with Eric Maisel, the acclaimed U.S. creativity coach and author. I’m a graduate of York University with a Honours B.A. in English and Women’s studies. I’ve worked as a freelance writer for the international print and digital media sectors and I’ve created and staged memoir workshops to help new writers with life writing book projects. I’m the author of the upcoming satiric memoir, Media Brat, to be released in June 2023.

I’ve contributed to international newspapers, magazines, online publications and public and private radio and penned satirical commentaries on politics and the news cycle to arts profiles, book reviews, business features and travel. I’ve written and taught extensively as an entrepreneur and I haven’t held down a straight job since 2001 when I worked as editor-in-chief of an urban entertainment weekly. 

In Canada, my satirical commentaries, arts profiles, lifestyle features, book reviews and business features have appeared on CBC.ca, in The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Toronto Star, Winnipeg Free Press, Maclean’s, Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Western Living, The Walrus, Quill & Quire, Reader’s Digest’s Best Health and Galleries West.

In the U.S., my commentaries and book reviews have appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, Publisher’s Weekly (New York) and Women’s Review of Books (Boston). 

My numerous travel features have appeared in More Canada magazine, Best Health magazine, Chatelaine magazine, The National Post, The Georgia Straight, The Globe and Mail, AAA magazines, CAA magazines, Vacay.ca, The Australian (Australia’s national newspaper) and The Boston Globe.

What is creativity coaching? It’s not therapy. It’s an opportunity to brainstorm and problem solve with an experienced, creative professional about your chosen artistic medium — in a confidential and safe setting.

Most importantly, I offer unconditional support and encouragement for your dreams and projects. I’ll be in your corner every step of the way while you meet the challenges and opportunities of daily life in the arts with optimism and fortitude.

If you’re blocked, I can help you get back into a productive routine. Tired of facing the strain of rejection alone? I can help you put those inevitable losses in perspective, tap into your inner resilience and persist valiantly with your goals. If you want help with self-promotion and career-building, we can map out a dynamic PR strategy together. I’ll be your best sounding board and your loyal artistic ally.

My rates are $150 per hour. If you want to invest more time in yourself, enrol in my Kickstart Program. For $1300, you’ll receive ten one-hour weekly sessions.

I conduct my private coaching sessions directly by phone. Clients receive my full attention as we work together to build a solid foundation for a consistent artistic practice.

Please contact me via the “Contact Patricia” link on my website navigation bar to register for my package or to book a single session of creativity coaching — and let’s get you back into your passion.

Testimonials

“Patricia’s positive and pragmatic no-nonsense approach cuts to the chase and (re)focusses one on the poignant issues… helping to separate what’s important from the din that fuels the cluttered and creative mind.”

— Jeff Nachtigall, painter jeffnachtigall.com

“I was in a terrible state when Patricia reached out to me about being my creative coach. I had just stepped down as publisher of House of Anansi Press due to illness. Although I could no longer take on the complex role of publisher, I certainly wasn’t ready to retire. But what to do? Our meetings were like a balm. They provided structure to my week and, through her questioning, feedback, and stories, I was able to gain back my confidence and see the possibilities. Now I’m consulting. She provided wisdom and hand-holding during a very tough time — just what I needed. Thank you, Patricia!”

— Bruce Walsh, publishing consultant