Written by: Ingrid Hu Dahl, author of Sun Shining on the Morning Snow (out May 2025)
A year ago, I had an idea to write a memoir. And this May, it’s getting published by Page Two Publishing. How that happened so quickly: investing in expert book coach Stacy Ennis.
Last year this time, a former colleague of mine and I were connecting on our shared experiences of loss and feeling burned by big tech. We were in roles that were meant to cultivate leadership and inclusivity, and after being spat out, we ended up with a gift of time. For my friend, who left nine months earlier, that extra time was spent writing a book that was coming out after the holidays. I was amazed. How did she accomplish that so fast? I remember when I asked, she gave me an excited smirk before beaming into a full-fledged smile.
“Let me introduce you to Stacy,” she said, and I thank her every day for that introduction.
When I met Stacy and shared my book idea with her, she listened and followed me as if we were close friends. She offered to work with me and how she could guide me from idea to draft. She had a training component that helped inform newbies about the book-writing process, but also about everything that happens after the writing process. The editing and types of editing, the different kind of publishing, and all the packages and offerings from marketing to book designs.
Stacy met me there, exactly where I was, with nothing short of kindness and curiosity.
As a first-time author, I was starting from scratch. And Stacy met me there, exactly where I was, with nothing short of kindness and curiosity. She made it her purpose to encourage me to tell my story, and she’d be with me along the most important part of the journey. What I didn’t realize is she would spark confidence in my writing to get my story down on paper. She so thoughtfully and carefully held each chapter of my story, with lovingkindness, and felt my story. She challenged me to go deeper when I needed it and showed me how to write more descriptively. In the process, we developed trust and kinship.
She challenged me to go deeper when I needed it and showed me how to write more descriptively.
I remember telling my wife the price point of Stacy’s dedicated and attentive services. We both talked about the investment, which I can say without hesitation was worth every cent. Because Stacy’s coaching effectiveness, the tools and guidance, and her care and encouragement land results. From working with her, I reached out to and secured my dream editor and received three service agreement offers from hybrid publishers, all of whom she had introduced me to. She reviewed the agreements with me, helped explain the line items, advised on what she felt I needed and what was a higher priority, and reminded me she’s still available if I need her support.
If there is such a thing as a shaman for authors—Stacy is that.
My story of identity, loss, and fortitude is about to get out into the world. I couldn’t have done it without her.
For every first-time writer, don’t do this alone. Stacy designed a system for ideating and an outline and plan to follow. She provides ongoing support and accountability and detailed feedback and comments on writing from a sincere vantage point. If you want a book shaman who loves what she does and gives you a part of her shine—reach out to Stacy’s team.
It’s my turn to give a smirk and beam into a smile. We get to share word of this total gem. Get your story out into the world with the best writing coach there is.
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