by Stephanie Dethlefs | Feb 1, 2023 | Accountability, Character Development, First Draft, Planning your book, Plot development, writing craft
I know what it feels like to be at the beginning of writing a novel. It’s thrilling. And also… 😱 overwhelming. 😱 confusing. 😱 full of self-doubt. Writing a novel is a big job, and we often think we have to have all of the pieces in place first. 🤔 We think we should...
by Stephanie Dethlefs | Feb 1, 2023 | First Draft, How to write a novel, Mindset, Planning your book, Plot development
There is this pervasive idea that there are two ways to write a novel: either you plan it all out or you wing it. And what’s worse: both camps think the other way is wrong. This frustrates me to no end, because the truth is there is no “right” way to...
by Stephanie Dethlefs | Nov 1, 2022 | First Draft, How to write a novel, Planning your book, Plot development, writing craft
There is no one “right” way to write a novel. But there are basic types of plot points which every story, no matter how simple or complex, needs to include. Using a strategy like this Pixar storytelling model is one way to make sure you’ve got them covered. Links:Take...
by Stephanie Dethlefs | Oct 18, 2022 | Planning your book, Plot development, writing craft, Writing middle grade, Writing YA
Having vague or fuzzy ideas can lead to self-doubt and discouragement, but self-doubt does not need to keep you from writing your book. In this episode, we’re playing with plot ideas by asking the question “what if?” and watching as a story begins to take shape....
