In this episode Yvette Keller—writer, actor, narrator, and author coach—talks about the many paths available to writers today and how authors create a writing life that actually fits who they are.
Yvette shares how she moved from studying literature and psychology at UC Santa Cruz to working for years in Silicon Valley as a technical trainer in human resources, where she developed skills in coaching, communication, and strategic planning. After returning home to Santa Barbara, she began applying those same skills to her own creative work and to helping other writers clarify their goals, choose the right publishing path, and move forward with confidence.
This conversation explores what author coaching looks like beyond editing a manuscript. Yvette explains how she works with writers at every stage—from those with only an idea to those with a finished draft—and helps them identify their next steps, whether that means self-publishing, hybrid publishing, finding an agent, building a side income through writing, or simply getting unstuck.
Lisa and Yvette also talk about creative careers, success stories, the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, and how writers attend conferences without completely burning themselves out.
Key takeaways
There is no single path to becoming an author.
Some writers want a long-term writing career. Others want to publish one meaningful book and move on to other work. Both are valid.
A writing career should fit your life—not the other way around.
Yvette emphasizes looking at each writer holistically, including goals, income needs, personality, support systems, and energy.
Writers need more than craft advice.
In addition to improving their writing, many authors need help understanding publishing options, career planning, accountability, and decision-making.
Publishing choices depend on your goals.
Self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing all offer different benefits depending on timeline, resources, and long-term plans.
Conferences are marathons, not sprints.
Writers get more from conferences by maintaining as much of their normal healthy routine as possible and resisting the temptation to do everything.
About Yvette Keller
Yvette Keller is a writer, reader, actor, narrator, and coach who helps writers clarify their goals and create practical paths forward. Drawing on her background in psychology, literature, training, and career development, she works with writers at many stages—from those beginning to those navigating later-life creative reinventions.
She offers coaching, strategy, encouragement, and referrals for writers who need help getting unstuck, making decisions, or moving toward publication in a way that aligns with their life and values.
Find Yvette Keller at: YvetteKeller.com
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