Coaching writers, creatives, and orgs to align with their purpose through their message, craft, and vision with confidence and sustainability

  • Do you know what you want to connect with your audience about?
  • Are you unsure of how to take the next step to share your message?
  • Are there hurdles and mindsets you need to overcome?
  • Are you going to take your craft seriously and choose to move forward?
  • Are you hoping to launch your vision–like a book or campaign–into the world and need guidance?

If you answered yes to even one of these, I’m here to help you.

Coaching Creatives to get unstuck and move forward with their message making the world better

Coaching Creatives

Whether you are a creative influencer, writer, podcaster, speaker or artist, I’ve shared your struggle! Or at least many of them, whether you are just starting, or are successfully connecting with an audience and making money.

If you are drawn to creating and aren’t sure what you want to say through it, let alone get public with it, coaching can help you figure out how to move from dabbling to fully embracing your creative-self.

On the other hand, if you have a message or a voice you feel compelled to get to the world, I believe you. We need to hear it! I can guide you to grow an audience.

Then there is the “too-much” or “too-little” aspect of creating. Sometimes we look at a blank page and have all our creative juices evaporate. Or the opposite–have forty-eight content ideas all vying for my attention, and we feel unsure of what to focus on.

What about making time to write and create? Or how to develop a proposal? Pitch an agent? Determine a sustainable way to launch your book or podcast without burning out? Whether it is finding your voice, clarifying your message, discovering your audience, developing engaging branding, marketing, and even practicing your craft–each can be huge hurdles. The list of concerns we face goes on. And even after doing the work, when does it ever pan-out as planned?

This doesn’t even mention how our identity is tied to our creative practice! Imposter syndrome, anyone? Feeling like everything you create is terrible? Been there! Hustling to prove yourself in your craft? Yep! Don’t let your mindsets stay your greatest barrier and invite me to be your cheerleader!

Messaging for Grassroots, Nonprofits, Start-Ups, and Social Good Projects

The first time I started a nonprofit I wasn’t exactly sure how to begin communicating about it. I was thankful for those around me who knew more than I did! I know how valuable it can be to find guidance–and not just from a video tutorial or studying marketing books!

Having a personal guide as you set up or revamp your message and communication is often essential for businesses or other types of organizations to succeed. Even just having a coach go through your content for feedback is energizing and helps your organization move to the next level.

Whether you need help branding, creating story-driven content/copy, are trying to understand where to start with a blog/website and how to design it, or are working on your social media presence and overall marketing strategy, I am your girl! I also have experience managing communications teams and creating policy so that when you scale, you are on the same page.

If you want your communication to align with your mission and you want to put your efforts, time, and money into the biggest bang for your buck, schedule a coaching session with me. You don’t have to figure it out alone; I will be on your team as you glean from my fifteen years of experience and continual learning in this area!

Then, together we’ll determine your most practical steps.

I’m ready to come alongside you in all of it.


I want you to become more fully alive as you practice your craft, develop your message, and share what has been formed in you to make a difference in the world!

Plants with Elisa Coaching "Elisa is a fantastic listener who really knows how to ask questions"

Coaching FAQ:

How do I offer sessions?

  • Weekly, biweekly, or monthly sessions one session (pay as you go)
  • Package of 6, 9, or 12 sessions (less expensive)
  • Coaching intensives (long sessions)
  • Coaching scholarship (one-at-a-time sessions)
  • In-person in a public location (San Diego)
  • Virtually over Zoom, Google Meet, or Facebook Messenger

What will our coaching experience be like?

  • As needed, a discovery conversation to get a feel for whether we like each other
  • Scheduled meetings with me
  • Short overview of the coaching relationship
  • Intake questions to help me know how to help
  • Most sessions will use the C-A-R-I-N-G co-active coaching model–this mostly means I ask you a lot of questions and guide you through a process
  • Each meeting will end with the next steps and goals that you choose
  • Availability through short emails and text
  • As needed, tools, worksheets, and referrals to developmental tools
  • Encouragement and support along the way!

“Being Creative is not a hobby. It is a way of life.”

– Unknown

My Coaching Philosophy

Are you a creative communicator? You have something meaningful to bring to the world! Whether you are a seasoned writer, rebranding a nonprofit, or starting a podcast–in our world of overwhelm, it’s easy to feel lost in the noise and get stuck moving forward.

I enjoy working with communicators at all stages, but I especially love working with those who are clarifying their message, finding their voice, and building their platform. I also love coaching creatives who are pursuing sustainability in the launch of their book, blog, or campaign. I greatly value empowering writers to leverage what they have (such as their values, schedule, and experiences) to make a difference.

Coaching session testimonial

I believe your craft + message holds great value. Practicing your craft (your art, writing, speaking, etc…) is worth doing for just you. Even if no one else appreciates it, you need it to become more alive. Choosing to explore your creative gift is a declaration that you are as important as any audience.

Still, our art and ideas cannot just belong to us. As they mature, they need an outlet so they can be shared with the world. I disagree with the popular notion that you need to go viral or have a large platform to make an impact. What you give matters regardless if it is received by five people or five hundred. And any influence you have starts from modeling your message in real life.

As your coach, I encourage you to tap into your own experience, agency, and God-given wisdom. Your feelings and thoughts count in this process just as much as your external goals, time management, and actions. It is often revealing to simply be listened to, have your hindering mindsets reflected back to you.

My mission is to ask you powerful questions, encourage you, and come alongside you as a guide. We’ll create a safe space for you to be gently challenged and guided to clarify your next steps as a creative communicator.

Why Should I Be Your Coach?

Beyond consistently writing as a blogger since 2005 for multiple blogs, I’ve self-published two books and written for publications like HuffPost, U.S. Catholic, Scary Mommy, EarthBeat, Women of Welcome, and the Grit and Grace Project. Speaking publicly and conducting interviews for the Justice Daily Podcast have also contributed to my experience. I’ve also started two nonprofits, worked for ministries, and founded multiple communication teams. Many “flops,” plus two decades of ministry and pastoring, being a parent, and practicing life coaching since 2017 has prepared me to serve you.

Certified as a Writers Coach

It took me over six months to complete a co-active coaching cohort program designed by Katie Riney under the IFC principles through Hope*Writers*** to learn to work specifically with creatives, writers, and others with a message of hope. I received top marks in my feedback-driven program and continue to be a contracted coach for this organization. There is a reason they advertise us by stating, “Say goodbye to overwhelm and finally make progress.”

***Note: the training for the Hope*Writers coaching certification has changed its standards and practices under new leadership. If you are interested in the specifics of my training please contact me.***

Elisa Johnston certified writers coach with yellow balloon

“Marketing is not longer about the stuff you make, but the stories you tell.”

– Seth Godin
Coaching and consulting intensives with Average ADvocate

Coaching-Consulting Intensives

For those starting a creative business based on communicating a message, a combo of a coaching consulting session might be in order. Here I can teach you from the ground-up how to start your speaking business, podcast, or plan for becoming a published author. This is good for those who want to brand, start a blog, get the in’s-and-out’s of the business of your craft. And although laws vary state-by-state, I can cover the basics of the things you will need to have in order, from contracts, policies, and fee schedules.

Alternatively, we can pivot what you’ve already started to move forward, such as starting an online presence for your business or nonprofit.

What to expect:

  • Intensives run for 2+ hours
  • You will be sent follow-up notes, resources, your plan of action, and any referrals.
  • After one month, I’ll check in with you via email or text to encourage you onward!

An intensive begins like most coaching sessions, pivoting to where you need guidance. In it, you are invited to ask any and all questions to learn from my experience. We might brainstorm or I might do a lot of teaching.

But I can guarantee that if you have an idea that needs to come alive, you will make progress by leaps and bounds! I will help you flesh it out, provide feedback, wisdom, and make a plan to bring it to fruition!

Coaching/consulting intensives are thrilling to be part of, because throughout the meeting something new and needed in the world will be birthed!

“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”

—Somerset Maugham

Other Services I Offer:

Mentorship Circle Womens Discipleship Group



Coaching Changemakers to make the difference they were born to make
Consulting for nonprofits social good projects, small orgs
Life Mapping Coaching at Average Advocate

Instead of feeling apathetic, unsure, or frustrated, at the end of each coaching session you will feel like you are finally moving forward.

“Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business.”

—Steve forbes

Am I the right coach for you?

This image is from when I was first diagnosed with lupus while deathly ill and pregnant with my fourth child. I was handicapped for more than eighteen months I was also in and-out-of hospitals more than eighteen times for just myself (and many more for my baby).

During this, I was already in the process of getting my writers coach certification. Here’s how the leaders so gracefully handled it!

Elisa Johnston preparing to coach writers
This isn’t my best picture. But there is a story.

After burning out, my own life changed when I started implementing coaching practices. Then my writing and online business also became more enjoyable, effective and focused when I began receiving coaching as a writer. It was a huge step for me to even invest any money in my passion, first with a few courses and tools. Then later group coaching, writers communities, and one-on-one coaching.

I don’t regret the path I took, but I frequently wonder where I would be now if I chose to partner with others sooner. When I coach other communicators, influencers, and writers, I hope to be for them what I needed.

As a synergist, working with others empowers me greatly to move forward. I hope to play that role for you. Collaboration can be the most important tool for communicators.

The slow journey of becoming a successful communicator–as well as my strengths as a natural entrepreneur, innovator, visionary and connector have shaped me into a unique coach to walk alongside others. As an Enneagram 7 and ENFP on the Myer’s Briggs, I tend to pivot well because I enjoy new ideas, discovering all the things, and I can easily find the positive perspective. However, through challenge, I have also learned to walk the long path of endurance, coming alongside others in empathy and encouragement to give them hope.

Elisa is the best cheerleader quote with plants in the background as a client testimonial for Elisa Johnston

What Will We Do Together?

There are lots of ways I can empower you as a coach, but here are some. I help you…

  • Gain clarity on a problem or project in your writing/art/message/branding
  • Recognize and overcome hindering mindsets
  • Look at things from a different angle and perspective
  • Find accountability
  • Be given encouragement and support
  • Make goals that work for you
  • Discover your ideal reader/consumer
  • Learn about networks to connect with
  • Determine how you want to share your content
  • Find methods to interact with social media in a healthy way
  • Brainstorm and plan

We’ll create a safe space for you to be gently challenged and guided to clarify your next steps as a writer or other type of communicator.


Thank you for considering me as your coach! BOOK A FREE, NO PRESSURE DISCOVERY CALL TODAY

Click here or contact me and we’ll see if we are a good fit

(Also, as I like to just get to know people, this will be fun regardless!)


I can guarantee that if you move forward in coaching, you can expect to be transformed.

Coaching Fees

Your 20-30 discovery session is free! This helps us get on the same page to help me understand where you’re at, how I can come alongside you, and see if we are a good fit.

Coaching sessions are based on a sliding scale as follows:

  • Professional rate: $120 per session (helping me provide lower rates for those who cannot afford the coaching they need)
  • Regular rate: $85 per session (for those who are able to pay the regular rate)
  • Scholarship rate: Pay what you can (based on availability and others paying the full rate)
  • Coaching Consulting Intensives are priced at $325.

Go here for my full coaching and consulting fee schedule.

How To Starting Coaching With Elisa

  • Set up a “discovery” call or meeting to see if we are a good fit on Calendly (it doesn’t matter if your session time is different than the hour listed) or contact me if these times don’t work.
    • NO PRESSURE TO BOOK–I HATE THAT!
  • Purchase a coaching session, package or intensive via Venmo (AverageAdvocate) or Paypal.me/AverageAdvocate
  • Book your first session (please note what type of coaching/consulting it is) on Calendly (it doesn’t matter if your session time is different than the hour listed) or contact me if these times don’t work.
Schedule time with me

Coaching Polices

  • Coaching sessions are approximately 50-55-minutes long.
  • Unless explicitly requested, coaching will take place virtually (this requires the technology and willingness to click on links/fill out virtual forms)
  • The official policies and fine print I am required to have is in the Welcome Packet Coaching Contract
    • Before you get too excited and immediately fill this one out, as it is a public link, please make a copy and share it with me or let me send you a copy with your initials in it. I want your privacy to be protected!
  • With the exception of a discovery call/conversation, you must agree to this contract before we meet (or you can sign it during our session)
Referral make a difference
Elisa Johnston coaching with referrals