I'm a Jordanian-American author and journalist with over two decades of experience.I help authors, both aspiring and established, publish their books through book coaching or memoir ghostwriting. I publish the weekly newsletter "The Storyteller Quest," which offers tips on monetizing your writing and navigating the content creation journey.
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📚 Helping You Write That Darn Book, Finally!
Published 3 months ago • 3 min read
Hi friends,
I know, I know it’s been a while. I’ve been rethinking my newsletter strategy and wanted to share where I’ve landed. As many of you know, I run two different newsletters:
✍️ Read and Write with Natasha (Substack): This is my storytelling space: essays, reflections, and behind-the-scenes notes on the writing life. It’s also where I share my podcast interviews with authors, publishing insiders, and thought leaders.
Goal: to inspire, share stories, and spark conversations about books and the creative process.
📚 The Storyteller Quest (Kit): This is my practical space: step-by-step guidance to help you finally finish and publish your book. You’ll find coaching insights, publishing strategies, editing advice, and resources I use with my clients.
Goal: to give you the structure, tools, and encouragement to get your book out of your head and into the world.
Why the shift?
Over the past months, I’ve realized my biggest impact isn’t in helping writers monetize their skills—it’s in helping them finally publish the book inside them.
That’s why I’m re-focusing this newsletter The Storyteller Quest to serve exactly that mission. If you’ve ever thought, “I know I have a book in me, but I don’t know how to get it done,” this newsletter is now 100% for you.
Thanks for being here, and get ready for practical steps, encouragement, and insider strategies to help you finally publish your book.
Stay Creative.
🖼️ Photo of the week
My new novel, 'Karma Unleashed', a suburban thriller set between the US and the Middle East, is out now
✍️ This week’s insight: The 'Elephant Problem'
People keep telling me that they want to write a book, but they don't know where to start.
The other day, I heard these exact words from my book coaching client, Karen, during our first coaching session. If you've been carrying a book idea around for months (or years), her story might sound familiar.
Karen had been thinking about writing her memoir for over a decade. She had stories, experiences, and a message that could genuinely help people. But every time she sat down to write, she felt paralyzed by the enormity of the project.
Sound familiar?
Most aspiring authors suffer from what I call the "elephant problem." They're trying to eat the whole elephant at once instead of taking it piece by piece.
The solution isn't more motivation or inspiration. It is structure.
In our session, Karen and I transformed her overwhelming book idea into a clear, actionable roadmap:
✅ Created a 4-part book structure:
✅ Set up a collaborative workspace where she can write and I can provide real-time feedback
✅ Mapped out a 16-week timeline with specific milestones for each chapter
✅ Developed a compelling opening strategy (no more "I was born on a cold winter day..." beginnings!)
✅ Established an accountability system with weekly check-ins
By the end of our call, Karen's energy had completely shifted.
"I'm getting excited and pumped up!" she said. "I like how you've sectioned it like that. That is awesome."
I've worked with several aspiring authors, and I've noticed a pattern.
The ones who succeed treat their book like a project with deadlines, milestones, and accountability. The ones who struggle treat it like a hobby they'll "get to someday."
The difference? Structure and support.
In my "Write Your Book in 120 days" program, we complete first drafts in four months, not four years, because your story deserves to be told while it's still relevant, while you still have the passion to share it.
🎁 The Writer’s Goody Bag
Each week, I’ll drop a handful of tools, tips, and treasures to keep your writing journey inspired and moving forward.
✍️ Must-Have Tool:Scrivener – the ultimate writing software to organize your book drafts. I wrote all my books with it and recommend it to all my coaching clients. .
🎧 Podcast Episode: Check out my interview with author Neera Mahajan in which we discussed how tobuild a consistent writing habit and get your words out into the world without overthinking. You can listen to it below:
🤖 AI Tool: Perplexity – hands-down the best AI assistant I’ve found for research. Whether you’re writing an article or a book, it helps you dig deeper, verify sources, and save hours of searching.
🌍 From My Little Corner of The World
My second novel,Karma Unleashed, a suburban novel set between the US and the Middle East, is now available. I am running a special promotion where the Kindle version is only 99 cents. Get it now from Amazon.
I was featured inBethesda Magazine under the section contributor spotlight. It put a smile on my face.
I had a very enlightening conversation with best-selling author Eric Weiner. We had a long discussion about writing habits and AI, of course. You can watch it below:
Develop your concept and chapter plan. Build a writing routine you’ll actually stick to. Edit as you go to keep your voice strong. Decide on the right publishing path for you (traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing).
I'm a Jordanian-American author and journalist with over two decades of experience.I help authors, both aspiring and established, publish their books through book coaching or memoir ghostwriting. I publish the weekly newsletter "The Storyteller Quest," which offers tips on monetizing your writing and navigating the content creation journey.
Hi Reader, Time for real honesty here. I'm going to be vulnerable, so buckle up! I used to think amazing success stories only happened to other writers. That big clients were reserved for the lucky ones. For all the tech bros online who keep flexing. That I was too “suburban mom,” too invisible, too… ordinary. These things don't happen to me. Not in the cards for me (or whatever limiting beliefs I used to tell myself). Once a suburban mom, always a suburban mom Until I sent one DM. Yes, one...
Hi Reader, I’m thinking of experimenting with live, 60-minute paid workshops — short, practical sessions designed for writers, journalists, and creatives who want actionable skills they can apply immediately. However, before I plan anything, I’d love your input. 👉 Which topic would you be most excited to attend? Here are the options: How to Land Ghostwriting Clients Memoir Writing 101: Turn Your Life Story Into a Book How to Self-Publish a Book How to Finish a Book in 120 Days How To Pitch...
Hi Reader, I’m thinking of experimenting with live, 60-minute paid workshops — short, practical sessions designed for writers, journalists, and creatives who want actionable skills they can apply immediately. However, before I plan anything, I’d love your input. 👉 Which topic would you be most excited to attend? Here are the options: How to Land Ghostwriting Clients Memoir Writing 101: Turn Your Life Story Into a Book How to Self-Publish a Book How to Finish a Book in 120 Days How To Pitch...
