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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.

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Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Book your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecall

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 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

Hello Writers!: Recent Episodes

Stephanie Dethlefs

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.

39: Writing Buddies, Critique Groups and Coaches...Oh My!

33: What Kind of Feedback Do You Need?

39: Writing Buddies, Critique Groups and Coaches...Oh, My!

33: What Kind of Feedback Do You Need?

25: Build Your Support System

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

001 Introducing a brand-new podcast for writers. Whether you're a novice or experienced, published or unpublished, writing consistently or never quite finding the time, this is the show for you.