As a Creative Writing Coach, Author and Crystal Mapper, Maria Koropecky encourages her writing clients to discover their own gold, breakthrough writer's blocks and write the book they've always dreamed of writing, so they can leave a legacy. Maria has created a powerful coaching program that explores the relationship between crystals, creativity and writing. It’s called, “the Spiritual Practice of Creative Writing ~ How the Energy, of Colours, Chakras & Crystals Can Help Light the Way.”
“I feel I’m finally doing the work I’ve been training for all my life and I love, love, love helping creatives discover the joy of writing for themselves – hint, hint, it starts with the heart!”
Maria is also an indie author. Her forthcoming novel, Closer to Indigo, which is set to be published on the Summer Solstice in 2022, was inspired during her solo backpacking trip across Spain at 50, and it follows the journey of a single woman as she searches for love that has eluded her throughout her first half-century of life. Each colourful character she meets along the way, helps light her path towards her own self acceptance and the love she has been seeking, in the places she never thought to look before, her own heart and family.
In addition to writing and coaching, Maria is also producing and hosting a 10-episode, TV series called, Saanich: Emerging Land; Emerging People. In a walk and talk style, she guides you to some of her favourite hidden gems in Saanich, BC, that she also features in her novel, Closer to Indigo. Touching on the mystical and spiritual side of nature, viewers have a chance to see geological marvels, modern architecture, and possibly even wildlife, and get to explore how the residents and geography have shaped and influenced Vancouver Island today.
“The first episodes will be shown on Telus Optik TV in mid-June – coordinating with the publication of my book – and then on my Youtube channel!”
Maria draws from a wealth of qualifications that influence her creative work, ranging from certifications in Life Coaching & Mentoring; Spa Therapy; Energy Healing; and
Crystal Reading, plus she has a talent for photography and a degree in English Literature.
Let’s start with your TV series, Maria, how did it come together?
This was one of those moments where I’m so glad I listened to my intuition. I serendipitously came across an opportunity for a storytelling grant for content creators. The guidelines were fairly open other than you had to be a resident of British Columbia or Alberta, Canada and you had to tell your story from your home community.
I came up with an idea to visit places that I wrote about in my novel, Closer to Indigo, and took a chance and applied. Happily, they accepted my pitch and are green lighting my project and now I’m producing my own TV series called, Saanich: Emerging Land, Emerging People!
How would you describe your writing style?
My writing style has a distinctive, galloping rhythm. I’m a very auditory person, so the words have to sound right to me. I also love playing with words. Like for example, if you move the ‘c’ in ‘react’ and add another ‘e,’ it turns into ‘create!’”
As for my forthcoming novel, Closer to Indigo, the story can be included in the Magical Realism and Travel Literature genres and has some epistolary elements in it as well. If you are someone who is likes nature, geology, spirituality and travel, you might enjoy this read.
Maria, you also call yourself a Crystal Mapper – What’s Crystal Mapping?
After looking through my jewellery box and finding all kinds of treasures I had collected over the years, I created what I call, ‘Crystal Mapping,’ a heart to heart conversation that helps people figure out where they are now and where they’d like to go next using the wisdom of crystals.
I’ve done over 100 of these sessions and it still amazes me what synchronicities show up between what we’re talking about and the crystals people pick. Like one woman chose Amazonite from the map and when I told her the name, she said she has actually swam in that river!
Of all the crystals in the universe, which is your favourite?
Oh, that’s tough… but I’d have to say, the Lapis Lazuli. Its deep, royal blue colour has always fascinated me and then it has some golden pyrite flecks running through it, which remind me of twinkling stars in the evening sky. The Lapis Lazuli has been loved since ancient times and it’s all about open and authentic communication, speaking your truth, using your voice, self-expression, freedom, and spirituality – all values I live my life by.
I see how much you love crystals, Maria, but what do they have to do with writing and creativity?
If Mother Nature is an artist – because after all, she knows creativity better than anyone – crystals are her sculptures, paintings and jewellery. As human beings, we’re here to create as well and I like to look to crystals for inspiration. They’re like metaphors for the meaning of life.
I wrote another article for Brainz called, “8 Ways to Use Crystals to Boost Creativity” which is all about how crystals inspire me and my work.
How would you describe your coaching style?
I've designed my coaching programs to help my clients go from, “I want to write a book,” to generating ideas, to developing a writing practice, to making steady progress towards their writing goals – all while enjoying the writing journey.
In my coaching sessions, I spend most of the time listening to my clients and asking questions, helping them discover their own insights for themselves. When they land on a golden nugget, we catch it together and then all of a sudden they light up and new possibilities open up just like that!
“It’s not what I would call, ‘textbook coaching,’ but if you’re looking for a non traditional, spiritual and woo-woo style coaching program, where we tap into the energy of colours, chakras and crystals, so you can find your voice, shine your light and share your gifts, I’m your writing coach for sure!”
How do you feel about this chapter in your life?
“It’s amazing to me that two years ago, I vowed to come out stronger on the other side of this COVID thing and even though we’re still in it to a certain degree, I’m already emerging as the creative woman I’ve always wanted to be. I’m feeling really good about where I am today and where I’m heading and I plan to continue to write, coach, travel and use crystals for many years to come. I also feel called to nurture other storytellers as they travel on their spiritual path of writing as well.”
So, if you’re a creative writer, artist, introvert, coach, energy healer, pilgrim, nature lover, and/or crystal lover, and would like to turn the stories in your head to gold on the page, and you’d like to hear more about working with Maria Koropecky, sign up for a free Blue Sky Coaching call to start.
And subscribe to her Ammolite Wellness Coaching Youtube channel.
Would you like to add anything else before we wrap things up?
“Yes! To anyone who is interested in writing but doesn’t know where to start, I’m here if you want to chat. In the meantime, keep creating and writing from your heart!”
