“Everyone is motivated differently, and for some, a little coaching can go a long way.”
Studio Somerville By Meghan E.W. Corbett
S
ome people know from a very young age that they are meant to do something. It is not rare to hear a professional singer or performer talk about practicing his or her craft for family members at an early age, or a doctor describe an early fascination with medicine and taking care of people. Some of us are born with a gift for a particular subject, and Leigh Somerville is one of those people who was born to write and share her talents with others. “Starting in 1999, the year I graduated from Salem College, I began my career as a freelance writer,” said Somerville. “I wrote for magazines, newspapers and private clients who hired me to help with the writing of their memoirs. Then, a couple of years ago, Norman Ussery, the executive director of Twin City Stage, called and asked if I'd be interested in working as the marketing director there. I jumped at the chance to work with the theatre, my passion second only to writing. When the announcement was made that he was leaving, I decided to return to my studio to take up my fulltime writing career again; and I decided to call my business ‘Studio Somerville.’” Like many who are destined for a particular career path, Somerville literally played around with the idea of professional writing as a child. “I have enjoyed writing since I was a child,” said Somerville. “Creating illustrated books, pretending to be a librarian and checking the books out to my friends was my form of playing. As I got older, I progressed to writing plays and loved costuming my friends and staging dramas in my basement. Writing as a career is the ultimate success for me as I allow the little girl inside to come out and play again.”
This childhood ability has given Somerville a unique perspective on teaching others. “Children all write, even if the words never find their way to the page,” said Somerville. “That's what imaginary friends are. When I coach individuals or facilitate group workshops, my goal is to lead the ones who think they can't write beyond their fears and back to the joys they felt as children, having fun telling stories. My workshops happen organically; one person expresses an interest, and a group forms around them on a date that is mutually convenient. Individual coaching is also an experience that is tailored to fit the writer's schedule.” For many writers, motivation is the key to success. Everyone is motivated differently, and for some, a little coaching can go a long way. “I've been very fortunate to share my time and studio with other writers over the years,” said Somerville. “Having a writing partner is very helpful during times when facing the blank page alone creates what is called ‘writer's block.’ Sometimes all we need is a supportive friend to get us going again.” Located near Wake Forest University, Studio Somerville is a peaceful and motivational place to create through writing! “Clients find that it is conveniently located and yet offers a retreatlike atmosphere at the dead-end of a quiet street,” said Somerville. “The space has a magic that is very different from any other ‘work’ I've ever experienced.” Studio Somerville is located at 155 Harmon Avenue in WinstonSalem. For more information, including instruction offerings, call 336.631.8571, email Leigh Somerville at lsomervi@bellsouth.net or find “Studio Somerville” on Facebook.