#33: 5 Takeaways From Coaching Writers in 2020

In today’s episode, I'm sharing some of the lessons I learned from coaching writers this year. My hope is that these lessons will help you to keep moving forward with your work in the most efficient way possible. Here's a quick preview:

[01:20] Lesson #1: It’s totally possible to write the first draft of a full-length novel in 90 days IF you do the hard work to outline and pressure test your story upfront. 

[04:25] Lesson #2: It’s okay to start with the plot of your story, or the external stuff that happens, AS LONG AS you have some idea of your character’s internal arc.

[07:25] Lesson #3: If you learn how to write a scene that works,  it will be MUCH easier to write a first draft that works. Plus, your writing will improve a lot, too!

[10:25] Lesson #4: It’s okay if your first draft (or even your second draft) isn’t perfect. No matter how much work you do upfront, you will NEVER have everything figured out before you start writing.

[13:05] Lesson #5: Your second draft is where the magic happens! Focus on getting the first draft done so that you can benefit from all the 'a-ha' moments and new ideas that come from getting to know your story more.

[15:15] Key points and episode recap. Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts! If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!

Links mentioned in this episode:5 Questions to Help You Craft Compelling Characters (article)How to Write Scenes That Work via Story Grid (article)First 5 Pages Workshop: Learn the 5 key elements to include in your first five pages so that you can hook and hold the reader's attention.