Today’s Small Business of the Day features an interview with Codi Chen. Please find our conversation below.
Thanks so much for joining us today. We’re excited for our readers to learn more about HeartWorks Writing. Kick things off for us – what should they know?
HeartWorks Writing started as a specialized mental health writing company, serving the foster care system and therapy offices. We identified a crucial need within these sectors for documentation organization and diligently helped these companies stay proficient and up-to-date with their necessary paperwork. Over the years, my wife (also the co-owner of HeartWorks Writing) and I have amassed almost two decades of combined experience working within the mental health realm, and we are proud to have built a loyal clientele who trust in our expertise and dedication.
In 2021, we decided to sell that portion of our business and focus more on the artistic side of writing. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits began to approach us to help with their writing needs, such as copywriting for their websites/projects/social media, editing their programs, and one-on-one book and content coaching to get their ideas out into the world. In addition to coaching, I’ve been entrusted with ghostwriting a memoir and several children’s books. It’s an honor to bring these incredible stories to life, especially for clients who struggle to articulate their narratives beyond initial drafts.
At HeartWorks Writing, our passion for writing is not just a profession but a lifelong dream of being creators. We find immense joy in helping clients articulate their ideas effectively across various platforms. Our work is not just about writing; it’s about building relationships. The majority of our clients come through personal connections and referrals, a testament to the trust and rapport we’ve built. We are selective in the projects we undertake, preferring to work with individuals and organizations aligned with our values of inclusivity, positivity, and making a difference in the world.
What is your favorite service offering and why?
I absolutely love helping people find their voice and execute their writing exactly as they envision it. This applies to all of our services, whether I’m editing, copywriting, or coaching.
One of my favorite service offerings is Book Coaching. I get to connect with my clients one-on-one either for an hour or months at a time, whatever the client needs. I offer book and content coaching, which often go hand in hand when it comes to writing and selling books. I’ve done group memoir coaching and individual book coaching across all genres, and I love to see people get excited about their creative ideas.
Writing a book can often feel overwhelming, no matter where you are in the process. Whether you’re just forming the outline, in the middle of your project, or need an opinion toward the end of your book, I’m your gal. I’ve been a lifelong reader and writer. I’ve literally circled the world in a ship and traveled to many countries, so I understand the ins and outs of bringing your vision to life and how it will translate to readers across the world.
Often, individuals approach me with a story that has been percolating in their minds for years, reaching a point where they feel compelled to put it on paper. Many have attempted to write their books on their own but find the process daunting once they begin. This is especially true for memoirs and nonfiction, where deciding what to include and what to omit can be particularly challenging. Additionally, the fear of sharing their work with others can be so intimidating that it prevents them from starting at all. Whether we work together once or for several months, witnessing my clients gain clarity and confidence in their writing journey is incredibly rewarding.
If we work together from the start of the project, I help my clients decipher what will work best for them, their lives, and their writing habits. I do not believe in a “one size fits all” type of coaching, and each client is an opportunity to expand and stretch my own creativity. I work within people’s budgets and try to pack as much guidance as I can into each session so no time or money is ever wasted.
When working with someone in the middle of their project, oftentimes when the author is stuck on which way to go or what to add in, I like to ask a lot of questions to lead the author to clarity. This is their project, and I’m just here to coach and guide them, helping unlock their brilliant ideas lurking under the surface.
Oftentimes, when working with someone at the end of their project, they’re ready to be done with this book, and doubt starts to creep in. They’ve read their story a million times over themselves, and everything starts to feel lackluster and stale. With fresh eyes, I’m able to provide reinforcement, encouragement, and really dig into any plot holes or anywhere that lacks essential information. Suddenly, the client is freshly inspired and motivated like they were at the beginning of their book, and they are able to drive the ending home.
I’ve often worked with authors from the beginning to the end of writing their books, which is absolutely incredible to witness. It is awe-inspiring to see an idea start as a seed, sprout into chapters, and eventually turn into an entire new world by the end of the project.
I’m a coach, cheerleader, and accountability partner. I believe that every author could benefit from a coach (including myself!), and you’d be surprised at how many writers actually consult with coaches. I’ve learned that writing a book and getting it published is often a team effort. Yes, the writer is responsible for creating the book, but so many other people play a hand in coaching, editing, marketing, and cover designs. It’s nice to know that it doesn’t all rest on one person alone.
If you have an idea for a book but don’t really consider yourself a writer, that’s perfectly fine. Most of our clients aren’t professional writers! They’re wonderful humans with compelling stories, and they deserve to be out in the world.
I’d love to connect with you and hear about your project.
Alright, before we go, let’s do a quick lightning round.
Favorite book?
I read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert at the exact right time in my life, which propelled me into the world of travel.
Favorite movie?
The Family Stone is one of my favorite movies for sure. I watched this with my family when my mother was going through chemotherapy, and it touched something in me that no other move had at that point.
Favorite genre of music?
Because I spend so much time writing, usually instrumental music is playing in the background somewhere.
Favorite TV show?
Schitt’s Creek is definitely one of my favorite shows. Hilarious characters and great LGBTQIA+ representation.
Favorite cuisine?
Dim Sum
Surprising Fact
I circumnavigated the entire world on a ship in 2008.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heartworksw.com
- Instagram: @codielizabeth; @heartworkswriting
