Hello Writers!

2023 is bringing some changes to the Hello Writers world. Take a quick listen to hear what's new! Links: New YouTube ChannelGrab my newsletter!

When we set out to write a novel, we have one goal, which is to write a novel. But we also know that having the goal of writing a novel is not unlike standing at the foot of a mountain with the plan to climb it. We know it's going to be amazing at the top but, man, that's a long, hard path to climb. So today we're going to talk about setting small goals along the way. Writing a novel is hard, and fear is part of the journey FOR EVERYONE. The way to accomplish it is to not focus only on the finish line, but on landmarks that are as close together as you need them to be. Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizBook your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecallAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup. Learn more at https://hellowriters.net

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 the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizBook your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecallEp 67: How to Play With Your PlotEp. 47: Tie Your Scenes TogetherCreativity, Inc. by Ed CatmullAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup. Learn more at https://hellowriters.net/. 

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. Links:Book your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecallTake the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizStory Genius, by Lisa CronAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.

You can increase the chances that a reader will connect with your story, and understanding your ideal reader is one way to do just that. If you want the point of your story to come across loud and clear, you need to understand what your ideal reader is bringing to the table.Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizBook your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecallAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.

Self-doubt (a.k.a. imposter syndrome, writers' block and the inner critic) is an experience that all writers have. The question is not how to get rid of it, but how to understand it and work with it. Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizBook your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecallAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

Working with a book coach is a lot like working with a personal trainer for exercise. Can you do it without one? Sure! But are there benefits to working with someone who deeply understands the skills and strategies and will support you as you reach for the big goals? Absolutely. Links:Book a free, no-commitment call to talk through your story: https://hellowriters.net/freecallWant to write a novel but not sure where to start?Started a novel but gotten stuck?Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

Why is your protagonist making the decisions they're making in the story? If you want your reader to care about what happens next, the best way is to answer three essential questions about your protagonist's motivation. You can't guarantee someone will like your book, but you can increase the chances that a reader will connect with your story. Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizWant to learn more about book coaching? Visit https://hellowriters.net/servicesAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.  Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

What does it actually take to write a novel? This episode is all about what to expect in terms of effort, time investment and emotional exertion.  Writing a novel is hard, and it takes a long time. But it's worth it! Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizWant to learn more about small group coaching? https://hellowriters.net/groupAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.  Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

Feeling unmotivated or uncertain about your current work-in-progress? In this episode, we'll dig into an important question that will unearth reasons you didn't even know were there and give you the confidence you need to move forward.Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizWant to learn more about small group coaching? https://hellowriters.net/groupAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of writing a novel? No lie, it's hard work. But this episode lays out a three-phase process that is structured enough to support you while allowing for your creative inspiration. There is no “right” way to write a novel, but you and your story deserve clarity, efficiency, and intentionality. This is how you get it.Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizWant to learn more about small group coaching? https://hellowriters.net/groupAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.  Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

When was the last time you sat down to write your book? If you're experiencing difficulty finding your way to the page, this short episode is for you. We'll peel back the layers to find out what's beneath it, and learn how to manage our self-doubt in order to write anyway.Links: Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizSchedule a FREE discovery session! https://hellowriters.net/discoveryAbout:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

Your protagonist is not just bouncing from one event to another. They are changing as a result of those events. In this episode, we dig into your protagonist's arc of emotional change, both why it matters and how to establish it. Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizSchedule a FREE discovery session! https://hellowriters.net/discoveryEpisode 12: What is it really about?About:Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

You know that there's value in planning your novel ahead of time, but you just can't quite make yourself do it. You are not alone! In today's episode, we talk about the plotter/pantser continuum and how to explore the options for starting a novel in a way that is authentic to your own writing practice, while also challenging some old beliefs you might be able to let go of. Links:Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quizSchedule a FREE discovery session! https://hellowriters.net/discovery

Have you got an idea for a novel but you're not sure where to start? Or maybe started and gotten stuck? Here are two easy-breezy but powerful (and did I mention FREE) ways to kickstart yourself with actionable, practical next steps:Take the QUIZ! I want to write a novel...where do I start?Book a FREE discovery call with yours truly and let's talk about it! 

#056  Knowing where your novel starts and ends provides structure, efficiency and focus within your novel-writing journey. In this episode, we explore three strategies for making these early decisions in a way that feels true and right for your story. 

While secondary characters might seem less important than your protagonist, they actually serve a very important purpose. They drive the story forward and give the protagonist context, relationships, roadblocks, relief, and more. In this episode, we look at the role of secondary characters in your novel and ask questions that will clarify their purpose in your novel. For more like this or to learn more about working with a book coach, visit https://hellowriters.net.Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

#54 How do we create primary characters that are nuanced and complex without being stereotypical, flat, or strange caricatures of themselves? The key is to know them. Like, really know them. And it's more than knowing things like their favorite sandwich or where they grew up. We have to know what makes them tick! Here are some questions to get you started!For more like this or to learn more about working with a book coach, visit https://hellowriters.net.Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

We're not making resolutions here. We're looking at what worked last year and what didn't, what we want to accomplish in 2022 and how we're going to make that happen! While much of the world is out of our control, our writing lives and our results are fully within it. Let's do this, writers! Links: Free guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your NovelHello Writers on Instagram

Why does your character make the decisions she makes? Why does the "bad guy" act the way he does?  Hint: there is ALWAYS a reason. In today's episode, we're looking at the four questions that will get to the root of your character's motivations and help keep their actions heading in the direction you want them to go. Links:Blog / Podcast notesFree Guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

"Writing for kids is easier than writing for adults." WRONG! Writing for young readers takes the same amount of consideration as writing for adults, plus we have to consider their developmental stages. In this episode, we talk about the various categories of books for young people (specifically middle grade and YA) and explore how to pinpoint your ideal reader within this rapidly changing population. Links:Free guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your NovelEpisode 30: Who are You Writing This For?

VOICE is one of those elements of writing a novel that is hard to explain...which makes it hard to learn! In today's episode, I'm teaching you how to study a mentor text to learn what makes the voice work. Links:Free guide! 10 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your NovelEp 27: Use a mentor text to up your writing gamechildren's book author Leah Henderson

There is a LOT of writing advice out there. So how do we navigate it in an intentional and useful way? In this episode I share my strategy for learning and improving my own writing while staying focused on my current work in progress. Links:Free guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

In this short, short episode, I give you a quick rundown of where we've been and where we're heading next. Please let me know what you think! >>Links:  Contact me with your thoughts, opinions, and questions! Click here >> Free Guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

Yep, humans. Not fantastical flying creatures or beings from other worlds. Plain old, everyday humans. Which means that we don't have the luxury of quite as much space on the page to describe them, or else we run the risk of boring or annoying our reader. So how do we know what to include, how much to include, and how to weave it in? That's what we're talking about today.Links:Free Guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

We've all run into the problem of finding ourselves in plot territory that we weren't expecting and not knowing how to get out of it. In this episode, I give you a - dare I say? - magical  phrase that will help you know exactly what scene needs to come next AND keep your reader engaged. Links: FREE GUIDE! 10 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

You've finished your first draft of your novel. Congratulations! Now what? In this episode, I give you a specific, concrete strategy for approaching revision. It doesn't make the work of revision easier, but it does make it more focused, organized and efficient. Links:FREE GUIDE! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your NovelPast episodes about getting feedback:#45: Got Feedback...Now What?#39: Writing Buddies, Critique Groups and Coaches...Oh My!#33: What Kind of Feedback Do You Need? 

What is a book coach? I get asked that question a lot. In this bonus episode I give you a quick breakdown of what a book coach does and what it's like to work with one. Links:Book Coaching FAQsFREE GUIDE: 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

You just received the feedback you requested on your pages. What now? In this episode, we take three steps toward using this feedback effieciently and effectively (without crawling under the covers).  This episode is Part 1 of 2.Links:Free Guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel Previous episodes about asking for feedback:#39:  Writing Buddies, Critique Groups and Coaches...Oh, My!#33: What Kind of Feedback Do You Need?#25: Build Your Support System

Tension within a story is what keeps the reader turning the page, wanting to find out what happens next. But aside from arguments and full-blown battles, how does a writer build tension in a story? In today's episode, we're talking about tools for building tension, whether you are writing a fast-moving whodunit or a quiet contemporary story. Links:FREE GUIDE! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

#043  "What is your book about?" It's a daunting question, and many working writers aren't in the position to answer it. But having a concise summary of the what and why of your book is beneficial, not only for those awkward moments at a party but for your own writing process. In this episode, we look at examples of short book summaries and break down what they are and how they help us. Links:FREE GUIDE! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

#042   Writers bring ourselves to our fiction in big and small ways, but we don't always recognize that we're doing it. In this week's episode. we'll explore some of the ways we put ourselves in our fiction, and the number one reason why it's important to know how much of this story is OUR story.Links:Free guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

#041  How much should I be writing? Am I writing enough? These are questions that plague writers, especially those of us who have busy lives outside of writing. And we usually answer ourselves with a resounding NO. In today's episode, I'm giving you a strategy to figure out exactly how much writing time is your minimum. (And guess what? It's different for everyone.) Once you know this, you'll never need to ask this question again. Links: Free Guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

#040   We all know the maxim that writers should be avid readers. But did you know that part of the reason is because your reading life can add to your revision strategies? In this episode, we look at three specific strategies for using your reading life to revise your current work in progress. Links: Free Guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Novel

#039  You want to join a "writing group," but do you know exactly what you're looking for? In this episode, we'll make the distinction between writing buddies and critique groups, as well as between editors and book coaches. Links:Free Guide! 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Your NovelA good article re: different types of editor servicesPrevious blog + podcast episodes re: getting feedback:Ep. 25: Build Your Support SystemEp. 33: What Kind of Feedback Do You Need?

#038   Have you heard the phrase “show, don't tell”? Have you ever had a reader suggest that you “show” as scene rather than just explain it? And have you wondered what the heck they mean or how in the world to do it?  In today's episode, I break it down to the essentials and give you an exercise to try with your own WIP. Links:Unstick Your Story consultation

#037  Is your narrator telling the story from the future or from the present? This is a crucial question to ask as you set out to write your story. In this episode, we talk about why it matters and how to figure it out. Links: Unstick Your Story consultation

#036   What does your commitment to your writing look like? This is what we explore in this quick but essential episode. Without commitment, it won't get done. Let's explore what commitment means and how to evaluate your own (with zero judgement or shame). Links:Unstick Your Story consultation

#035    There is more to an effective writing practice than simply writing. In this episode, I break down the seven (plus one) things you want to do on a regular basis in order to grow as a writer and strengthen your works-in-progress. Links: Ep 27: Read Like a WriterEp 34: Revising Along the WayUnstick Your StoryAccountability and Time Management coachingFree course!  4 Steps to a Solid First Draft of Your Book

#034   Don't save your revision until you've written an entire first draft...revise along the way! In this episode we discuss the value of intentionally revising a little bit each week, starting from the very beginning of the project. Links:Episode 34 handoutPrior episodes about planning:      #16 Three Reasons to Plan Your Story     #19 Two Things to Know     #26 Know the End From the BeginningStephanie's book coaching servicesFree course! From Stuck to Story: 4 Steps to a Solid First Draft of Your Book

#033  We might think that all we have to do is hand our pages to someone and say, "Let me know what you think!" But there are types of feedback that are useful (and not so useful) at each stage of the writing process. In this episode, learn what to ask for and how to guide your reader to give you the kind of feedback that will make the biggest difference. Links:Stephanie's  coaching servicesFrom Stuck to Story: 4 Steps to a Solid First Draft of Your Book (FREE COURSE!)

#032    The man was running down the street. The man ran down the street. One of these sentences contains active language, while the one is passive. How do we know, and why does it matter? This is what we explore in this short episode. Hint:  it matters for more reasons than your English teacher taught you in high school. Links: Grammar Girl - How to Write in Active VoiceUnstick Your Story consultation 

#031   The genre of your book is one of the first things you need to decide for a number of reasons, not the least of which is getting it on the shelves for readers to find. In this episode, we're talking about three simple steps to getting clear on your genre and how it will help you as you write. Links:Unstick Your Story consultationGrab the newsletter!

#030  In order to create a rich experience for your reader, it is essential that we consider who your reader is! In this episode, we're looking at the three categories of potential audience and crafting a story that will give them what they are looking for. Links:Episode 30 worksheetUnstick Your Story consultationGrab the newsletter!

#029   Creativity can both impact and support our mental health. But when our mental health is already challenged, how do we find the focus to write? In today's episode, I get personal about my own experiences and share with you a practice for finding the energy and focus to write, even when you don't think you can. Links: Unstick Your Story consultationGrab the newsletter

#028 Getting feedback on your writing is a critical part of the process. But when, and how? In this episode, we talk about practical steps to asking someone for specific feedback AND address those pesky thoughts that make us so afraid to share our work. Links: Ep 28 handoutBook your free introductory callUnstick Your Story consultationGrab the newsletter

#027 We all know that writers should also be avid readers. But do you know what it looks like to actually study a book to see what makes it work? In this episode, we're exploring what it means to use a "mentor text" to improve our own writing skills. I'll give you six steps to set yourself up for success as you learn from those who've made it work on the page. Links:Ep. 27 handoutUnstick Your Story consultationTo Night Owl From Dogfish, by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg WolitzerGrab the newsletter!

#026 Want a strategy that will help you stay focused AND save you time as you write your story? Decide how the story is going to end before you even start writing. In this episode, we'll be diving in to why this is useful and I'll give you some tips to do it effectively. Links:Unstick Your Story consultationFranklinCovey.com/the-7-habitsGrab the newsletter!

#025 Who supports you in your writing goals? Who is giving you regular feedback? Who is your writing community? In this episode, we are busting the myth that writers need to work in isolation, and building ourselves a team to help us from the first word to the final chapter. Links:Book Coaching FAQFREE COURSE! From Stuck to Story: 4 Steps to a Solid First DraftSign up for the newsletter

#024 If you can grab your reader by the collar in your first page, first paragraph, or even the first sentence, you are more likely to keep them engaged through the rest of the book. In today's episode, we're digging into four strategies with the help of one of my favorite "hooks" ever. Links: Episode 24 handoutUnstick Your Story consultationThe Miracle Life of Edgar Mint (sneak peek)The Glass Castle (sneak peek) (Please buy books from your local indie bookseller!)Grab the newsletter!

#023 If you want your reader to be invested in and care about what happens next in your story, the best way is to answer these three essential questions about your protagonist. For links and more, visit hellowriters.net/podcast.