Hello Reader,

We're a few days into NaNoFUNMo, and I've noticed an uptick in questions around my prewriting process as I work on a new story.

And I get it--writing a novel is hard! But you don't have to do it alone. I'm here to help.

I've already given a high-level overview of my process over on Instagram, starting with this post about finding a high-concept story idea and going through things like character arc, themes, and more.

If you're looking for even more detail than an Instagram post can provide, check out Using a Messy Synopsis to Plan Your Novel over on my brand-new Substack. It builds on the Tent Pole Scenes outline I've shared here before and helps you expand that into a powerful working document that can clarify your narrative arc throughout planning, drafting, and revision.

This is actually the exact process I've been going through with my own story, except in quadruplicate (is that a word?) due to the multiple POVs and timelines in this new story I'm working on. So I know it's a lot of hard work, but I promise the knowledge you'll gain about your story will keep you from writing yourself into a corner while you draft.

Next up: The Seven Key Scenes

Even once you've figured out your Tent Pole Scenes and crafted a messy synopsis, there is a tiny bit more planning to do before you draft. That's why this month's installment in my $25 webinar is "The Seven Key Scenes."

So if you still don't feel ready to start drafting and are struggling to figure out what to do next, I've got you covered!

​Join me at 4pm Pacific on November 13 as we tackle The Seven Key Scenes you need to structure your novel. Even if you're a pantser who is allergic to outlining, identifying these seven key scenes up front will help ensure that your narrative arc has enough heft to support a full novel. As always, these webinars are recorded for registrants who aren't able to attend live.

I actually use the seven key scenes within the messy synopsis I was talking about above to add some amount of structure to my manuscript without going full-on into outline mode. Whether you're a planner or a pantser, this webinar will give you practical tips to use as you write your novel.

This hour-long webinar with Q&A at the end is a great introduction to story structure suitable for those who are at the beginning stages of planning a novel or who are ready to dig deep into story structure as they prepare to revise.

Hope to see you there!

Warmly,

Julie

PS - Don't forget that applications are open for The Wyrd Words Workshop. This is the last chance to join the workshop until the new year, so apply today!