Stephanie Dethlefs

writer and book coach
 

Writing a novel is hard. The good news? You don’t have to go it alone.

What's Book Coaching?Who's Stephanie?

You've got a novel on your heart! The problem is...

        • you’ve started a first draft but aren’t finishing it.
        • you keep revising the first chapters, hoping that eventually the rest of the story will become clear.
        • you are doubting that your idea is any good.
        • you worry it might turn out that you’re a terrible writer.
        • you have trouble just making yourself sit down and write already.

My friend, I’ve got you.

I help writers who have a story on their heart find clarity and accountability so they can finally write their novels.

If you write contemporary fiction for adults, young adults, or middle grade readers, I’m your person. Learn more about my coaching services here

Our stories matter.

Why contemporary fiction? Because I love stories of regular people living regular lives, experiencing extraordinary emotional growth and change. Read more about my passion for stories here.  

How can I help you?

Not quite sure? Email me with your questions!

What people are saying….

Stephanie is amazing! I have always dreamed of writing a book and it has never been closer to a reality than after working with Stephanie. This program helped me know my characters and plan my story better than anything I’ve ever tried before! It is worth every penny!
Alison Shely

writer

Many people can provide advice, tools, and resources to help writers refine their craft and perfect their work. Stephanie brings something far greater. Her compassion and sensitivity affirm our journey as writers and provide purpose for every aspect of our writing lives. Whether you write for a living, for fun, or anywhere in between, these gifts will help you remain true to your voice in any work you create.
Bob Blankstein

writer

Stephanie helps me GET ‘ER DONE. Up to now I’ve been a pantser, but when I had a specific idea for a book she guided me as I built the structure, making sure my scenes led with emotional resonance to those that followed. This whole-picture approach was new to me and it has helped me keep the overarching theme (s) as the story unfolds. Now that the arc is in place, I am ready to add meat to the bones, indulging my pantser impulses once again—just within the container the structure provides me. Stephanie is organized, warm, and keeps me accountable with manageable homework assignments. I am indebted to her for making significant progress in an efficient time frame.
Karen Andrus

writer

The concept for my book was a messy ball of ideas—about structure, who my protagonist is, even about the message. What once felt confused and cloudy now feels clear because of Stephanie’s brilliant questions, guidance, and coaching. Thank you, Stephanie!
Colleen Haggerty

writer

Stephanie’s skills have been indispensable in assisting me in writing my book. She has provided all the elements necessary in a coach to keep me motivated to write. Stephanie has been there every step of the way to celebrate my achievements and support me out of dark holes that have made writing difficult. Her insights into the writing process have been enormously helpful. The most exciting part for me is how much my literary skills have grown since we began working together.
Jackie Brown

writer

Here is what I know for sure …

  1. Your story matters. You deserve to write it and you have a reader out there who needs it.
  2. There is no “right” way to write a novel (but there are some things that can help).
  3. You can write a novel with a schedule that fits your life.
  4. The deeper you understand your story, the more your reader will be impacted by it.
  5. Your story will only get written if you write it. 
  6. Self-doubt is part of the process, and it doesn’t need to keep you from writing.
  7. You’ve waited long enough to become the writer you’ve always wanted to be.

Let’s do this.