The First Draft Club

In the first episode of Season 4, Mary kicks off a four-episode series breaking down the 3-act structure...in a way that won't terrify you, turn you off, or make you feel like you're supposed to be writing by formula.

Choosing a point of view is a critical early step in the novel-writing process. In this episode, Mary talks about how to choose a point of view, and what to look out for in third person.

There are a lot of book writing coaches out there these days. What should you look for in one?

When is a good time to hire a book writing coach? Here's how to know that it's the right call.

I had never heard the term "book writing coach" until I became one. What does a book writing coach do, and how might one benefit you?

You have to get a literary agent to sell your book, and for me, this was the hardest part of getting published. Here are the 5 big mistakes to avoid.

Ever want a writing prompt but not one written for a 12-year-old working on a Halloween story? This writing prompt generator is the only one you'll ever need to jog you out of a stuck place.

What's a book advance, how is it paid out, and how do you get a really big one? Mary covers the last taboo in publishing: money.

The 3 things you absolutely must have in order to write a book—at least a decent one.

Can you write a whole novel draft on the Notes app on your phone? Sure—Gertrude Stein basically did.