Novel Writing Tips and Tricks
How to ensure NaNoWriMo success
This simple mindset shift will help you stay motivated throughout National Novel Writing Month.
How to stop procrastinating on your novel
Here’s the reason why you’re procrastinating and how you can overcome that impulse.
5 things I wish I’d known about writing a novel
Setting reasonable expectations about the process increases your chances of success.
How to write a novel: developing your protagonist
5 things you must know about your protagonist before you start to write your story.
Cultivate a growth mindset to overcome perfectionism in your writing
The key to overcoming perfectionism will also help you write your novel.
Why pantsing doesn’t work for perfectionists.
Writing by the seat of your pants can be a sneaky way perfectionism keeps you stuck.
What It Takes to Write a Novel
Who can write a novel? Here’s what it takes.
What to Do When You’re Not Feeling Motivated to Write
Learn what a lack of motivation really means so you can move past it.
Story Craft Series: The Bromance Book Club
It’s a story about change, spurred by a romance novel.
Story Craft Series: Confessions of a Shopaholic
What shopping and debt taught me about writing character motivation.
Story Craft Series: One to Watch
How a book about a reality dating show teaches us to establish a misbelief for the protagonist
5 Steps to Revise Your Novel
With a clear plan, the editing process doesn’t have to be daunting.
Change the Story You Tell Yourself
If you want to share your story with the world, look at the story you are telling yourself.
3 Tips for Writing a Novel Quickly
Sorry, Pantsers…one of the tips is plotting.
Should You Share Your Rough Drafts?
The short answer is yes, but don’t give them to just anyone.
Why You Should Outline After Writing Your First Draft
An outline creates a map for your revision process
Do You Need to Know the End of Your Novel Before You Start Writing?
Not exactly, but you need to know the end of your character’s arc
What does a book coach do?
My running coach asked me this question. Here’s my answer.
“Real” writers don’t do it on their own
The myth of the lone genius writer is so misguided.
7 Ways to Put Your Own Spin on a Story Idea
You don’t need a completely original idea to write a great novel.
Learn to Write by Dissecting Your Favorite Novel
You already own your best writing guide.
How to Write a Compelling Story...
And avoid the six most common novel-writing mistakes.
How to Keep Writing when Self-doubt Sets In
4 tips to help perfectionists stop worrying and start writing.
How to Start Writing a Novel
The first step is figuring out what you want to say.
What People Are Saying
“From the first second Heather and I started talking about my manuscript I knew I was in good hands. She is professional and clear—so I knew what she needed from me and what I could expect from her which was very helpful! When talking about my manuscript, I felt she had a deep understanding of both my characters and storyline which was such a comforting and encouraging feeling. Our conversation truly felt like a gift—to be able to speak one on one with someone who is fully invested in your story and success is all an aspiring novelist could dream of! Heather was able to identify and carefully explain scenes/lines that weren’t *quite* working and then provide amazing insight and advice in terms of what might work instead or helped me talk through which direction would be best to go in. I’ve been editing for a while and was nervous for another round of edits but now after working with Heather I feel inspired and reenergized to get back to the process and bring this novel home! I’m so grateful for Heather’s expertise.”
— Colleen Temple
You’ve always wanted to write a novel, but could a perfectionist mindset keep you from finishing your book?
Perfectionism might not be what you think it is.
If you’ve ever felt like you might not be smart, creative, or talented enough to write a novel, the real culprit holding you back might be a perfectionist mindset. The way perfectionism manifests will surprise you because it doesn’t mean that you strive to do things perfectly. It’s a strategy to avoid imperfection and rejection.
If this is starting to sound like you, the first step to overcoming perfectionism so you can write your novel is to learn more about it. This guide explains:
What perfectionism is
What it isn’t
How it shows up in your writing
And how you can begin to change