Since I started writing in 2002, I’ve sold seven novels to major publishers in four different countries. Six of those seven novels were sold on the basis of nothing more than a proposal which consisted of a synopsis, an outline, and a sample chapter.
I’ve been able to do this thanks to the method I use to thoroughly organize and prepare my novels before I sit down and write them. This method also gives me an extremely detailed project bible that I use to keep my scenes, characters, and settings straight while the project is underway. This allows me to write the scenes I want to write whenever I want to write them, even if I’m writing them out of order, which keeps my creativity and enthusiasm for the project high. Even better, it lets me know pretty quickly when an idea isn’t worth pursuing, so I don’t waste valuable time and energy.
Later this month I’m going to be offering a six week workshop through my creativity coaching business, Xtremelife Coaching, that will explore this process. In the Jump Start Your Novel workshop, I’ll walk you through the methods I use from start to finish. Since I’ve just signed a contract to write three new novels, I’ll be using one of those as a living, breathing example, sharing each step with you. In addition, participants will receive personal coaching from me, including feedback on the exercises you’ll be doing on your own project.
We’ll do this step by step:
Week One – Character and Plot Sketches, Summary outline
Week Two – Research
Week Three – Story Flow
Week Four – Building the Outline
Week Five – Ferreting Out Dangling Plot Threads and Shoring Things Up
Week Six – Revisions and the Final Outline
At the end of the six weeks, you’ll have an extensive outline and project bible which you can easily use to develop a rough draft without the usual false starts and stalled momentum. You should also be able to create a strong synopsis and a proposal from what you’ve completed.
There are twelve spaces available and the cost of the workshop is $110.00.
If you are interested in participating, please email me at coach@xtremelifecoaching.com and I’ll give you all the details.
-Joe
