Hi Reader,
I usually start these emails with a story, but today I want to get straight to the point so you don’t miss the free class I’m running next week.
I’m running a free class next week called Finally Finish Your Book: Stop Making the 5 Revision Mistakes Keeping Your Story Stuck.
I’m running four sessions on four different days (including Saturday) so you can pick the one that works for you. If none of the times work, that’s okay. I’ll share a replay as soon as the class is over! The content will be the same for each session.
Here’s what you’ll learn if you attend:
- 5 solutions to the most common revision roadblocks I see as a developmental editor & book coach who has worked with 50+ fiction authors
- How to approach revision strategically so you can stop aimlessly rewriting the same four chapters over and over again
- How to make revision feel doable by narrowing your focus to what really matters
- The power of setting a vision for your book before you rewrite another word
- Process-friendly tips so you can figure out what works for you, instead of forcing yourself into some one-size-fits-no one box
You can learn more about the class and sign up here.
Better Writing
This week on the podcast, I talked about my favorite revision tool ever: the reverse outline.
I like to call myself a pantser-friendly editor & book coach and I firmly believe that pantsers can write great books, but only if they do the in-depth revisions that are often needed to turn a messy, built on-the-fly draft into a story that works for readers.
Why?
Because pantsing is a recipe for subplots that spring up out of nowhere, conflicts that fall off without escalating effectively, and character arcs that are implied at best, absent at worst.
These are not failures.
They are simply a function of a writing process that relies on revision for structural cohesion rather than planning.
The problems happen when pantsers fail to do that revision work. If you write like a pantser, you can’t revise like a plotter.
That’s where a reverse outline can save the day by allowing you to see what is and isn’t working in your draft at a structural level. It allows you to see at a glance where your conflicts are falling short or subplots are meandering. It allows you to plan changes without needing to wade through all 500 pages of your draft at a time. It’s the foundation of my teaching in Reader Ready Revisions.
You can learn more about the magic of reverse outlining in Episode #24 of the podcast, available here.
Plus, if you watch the video version, you’ll get to see Min make an appearance as well.
Better Reading & Living
I'm combining sections this week because I'm reading a self-help book.
One of my newsletter subscribers/RRR students recently told me that there is a writer version of the 12-week year, The 12 Week Year for Writers by Trevor Thrall*.
I immediately ordered a copy and I’m about ¾ of the way through. A lot of the information is similar to the original 12 week year book, but I think this version has more of a focus on repeated strategic tasks and time blocking, which I’ve found helpful.
Way back in January when I first mentioned reading the The 12 Week Year, I promised an update on my progress. To be honest, the results have been mixed.
Pros: Thinking about short-term goals has been helpful, as has brainstorming specific tactics. I also gave my dad a copy and we have been having weekly accountability calls which is such a great way to catch up even though I live ~2,600 miles away from my parents.
Cons: I’m trying to do too much. It’s a chronic, life-long habit but calling attention to it and figuring out what doesn’t work has made it easier to see where I need to make changes. My next “year” starts on June 22nd, and I’m excited to recommit to fewer goals and fewer tactics to get there.
Do you have a favorite goal setting/productivity strategy for your writing life? Hit reply and let me know what's working for you!
Thank you so much for reading another issue of the Better Writer Weekly!
Have a wonderful week and happy writing!
Olivia
P.S. Don’t forget to register for my FREE masterclass so you can get unstuck in revision and finally finish your book!
Your story matters. Let's make it great.
Curious to know how I can help? Check out my services here. I can't wait to work with you, so you can write the book your future readers are waiting for!
600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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