Daily Inspiration: Meet Michelle Gean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gean.

Hi Michelle, I am so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It wasn’t a straight path to doing what I do today, but those are sometimes the best paths, right? I’m severely hard of hearing, so writing has always been a big part of how I communicate. 

I started writing for different publications and clients several years ago, and that experience allowed me to work as an editor at a magazine. Wanting to further my skills, I completed Columbia University’s Publishing Course, and the rest was history. 

While supporting authors in editing and publishing their books, I noticed they were getting unexpected, therapeutic benefits from writing their stories, and the Pennebaker writing protocol demonstrated why this was the case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAZn9dF3XTo! 

Today, I leverage that therapeutic takeaway in my work: I help authors write their books, and I lead writing retreats and workshops that hinge on techniques based on positive psychology, elevating mental health through writing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The first question people typically ask me is this, “Did ChatGPT take your job?” Talk about a challenge right out of the gate. 

The short answer: ChatGPT saves a lot of time in ideation and research, but today, it still struggles to return writing that would meet or exceed that of a writer. 

One of my favorite copywriters summed up the AI revolution like this, and it’s worth the read: https://www.verygoodcopy.com/verygoodcopy-blogs-11/writing-ai. 

ChatGPT has presented its challenges, but happy to report I still work with lots of authors writing and editing their books as well as doing workshops. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in writing and editing anything from books, white papers, and blogs all the way to leading therapeutic writing workshops. 

(There’s a lot of confusing information out there about what you “need” to write a book. I’ve created these checklists so that first-time authors could feel empowered when they are navigating the publishing process or choosing editors or cover designers: https://payhip.com/b/XW9es.)

What matters most to you?
I truly believe that when we all share our stories, the world gets a little closer to truth, compassion, and understanding, and we all grow from that. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bookwritingaccelerator.com
• Instagram: @Michelle.gean
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-gean-a12b5173/
• Other: https://www.fiverr.com/michellegean

Image Credits
Andi Wardrop (https://www.instagram.com/andiwardrop?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)