Eat. Sleep. Breathe. Think of your book.
That sums up life lately, and you’re not mad about it. You think about your characters and plot so often that you sometimes forget they aren’t real – yet. Even your *literal* dreams have become storyboards for your novel.
Clearly, this is your calling.
You just have to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page so you can hold that first printed copy in your hands, scream with delight, and proudly proclaim, “I’m an author.” Best. Feeling. Ever.
If only you weren’t frozen at the START line.
How do you craft that first, compelling sentence? Should you start by writing on a whim or wait until you’ve created an iron-clad outline? And what about the segues in between chapters?
The not knowing is keeping you not writing.
Or, maybe you’re a few chapters in, BUT …
The cracks are showing in your writing foundation because (let’s be honest) you didn’t build a solid one. Now your story is hanging by a thread and:
➤ You’re stuck on the mechanics of novel writing.
Knowing where to start is just one hurdle. Then there’s structuring your plot, mastering your story arc, developing your characters, and more. How do the bestsellers do it without needing a Ph.D. in fiction writing?
➤ You’re struggling to squeeze writing into your busy life.
Just when you think, “Sweet! Time for some uninterrupted writing time,” the world around you seems to implode. If it’s not your kids requesting their 38th snack of the day, it’s other unavoidable life stuff robbing your focused attention.
➤ You’ve got no one to keep you accountable.
You set a rough finish date but didn’t tell a soul – not even your partner. With no one to check in on you, it’s been all too easy to push that date out … and out … and out. At this rate, you worry your book may never see the light of day!
➤ You’re letting limiting beliefs hold you back.
Most days, you’ve got confidence on lock. But sometimes doubts like, “Who am I to write a book?” and “What if my mom is the ONLY person to buy a copy?” send you straight to your snack cupboard or have you slamming your laptop lid down in defeat.
But here’s what I know about you:
You didn’t come this far to give up in frustration.
If you’re looking for a way to...
➤ Move forward with a solid story structure and clear roadmap…
➤ Create consistent writing habits that defy your crazy-busy schedule…
➤ Get the coaching and support you need to get unstuck and stay on track…
➤ Quiet the inner doubts that have you second-guessing your brilliance…
Then Google (or whatever you clicked to land here) has brought you to the right place!
RAISE YOUR SHARPENED PENCIL TO
Steps to Story
A 12-week, small-group program for emerging authors who want to draft their novel manuscript with community, craft, and coaching.
Picture three months of self-paced writing workshops, weekly Q&A calls with high-touch coaching from Yours Truly (a multi-published author and certified book coach), and ongoing community support from people who are on the same path as you to achieving their novel-writing dreams.
Time to roll up your sleeves and master your manuscript
In Steps to Story, we’ll dive into:
Your WHY + Story Message
Understanding your WHY and honing in on your main message is the foundation for everything. Skip this crucial step, and you’ll be pulling your hair out after.
Your Audience + Genre
Next, we’ll get super clear on who you’re writing to (Hint: It’s not “Everyone who can read”) and where your book will fit in the busy marketplace.
Healthy Writing Habits
“When I feel like writing” or “When I have time to write” aren’t the best strategies for success. I’ll show you better ways to keep your book on track.
Story Goals + Story Arc
Want your readers to stay hooked throughout your entire novel? Learn how to create a page-turner by mastering your pacing and story arc.
Character Development
Ever finished a book and missed the characters? That’s when you know they were written to perfection! I’ll teach you how to do the same.
Voice, POV, Narration
Will you write in the third person? Through the eyes of your main character? Flip from one perspective to another? We’ll uncover all of this and more.
Setting + Dialogue
Discover how to paint a vivid picture of time and place – with dialogue that sounds like real humans and moves your story forward in an engaging way.
Scene Structure
Learn the elements of a compelling scene and write them with “Show, don’t tell” language that pulls your readers into every word.
Common Roadblocks
Writing a fiction novel is no joke! I’ll show you how to navigate common roadblocks, so you can finish your manuscript faster than ever.
Effective Revisions
Completed your first draft? There’s more to be done! Learn how to hone your words and fill in gaps so you can take your manuscript from raw to ready to publish!
“Thank you so much for starting this group. Is it cheesy to say life-changing? It definitely changed my writing and my perspective on what’s possible!”
– Kelly, Steps to Story Student
CUE YOUR FAVORITE PUMP-UP MUSIC AND
Let’s get this writing party started
Steps to Story combines the best of self-paced training, small-group coaching, and community support. Here’s what’s waiting for you inside the program:
➡️ 12 WEEKS OF WRITING WORKSHOPS
Each Monday, starting on March 11th, you’ll receive access to a new training module to help you improve your writing habits, level up your craft, and strengthen your manuscript. Since these workshops are pre-recorded, you can watch them any time, from any quiet and comfy nook in your home.
➡️ WEEKLY LIVE Q&A CALLS
As you’re watching the workshops, questions may naturally pop up for you. Rather than going down a dizzying Google spiral for answers, simply show up to my LIVE Q&A calls (held every Thursday) to get the clarity and support you need. Can’t make Thursdays? No problem! You’ll get the replays every time.
➡️ ONLINE WRITING SESSIONS
Have you been “procrasti-cleaning” and doing other random errands to avoid writing? Come write and revise with other members on weekly Zooms. During these 60-minute sessions, you’ll drop your intentions into the chat, turn off your camera to quietly write, and then regroup for a quick minute to celebrate your progress.
➡️ PRIVATE SLACK COMMUNITY
Writing in a bubble can get lonely, which is why the community inside Steps to Story has become one of the most-loved features of the program! Join us in Slack so you can share, support, and create accountability with fellow writers who have similar dreams and know exactly what you’re going through.
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➡️ OPTIONAL: MANUSCRIPT EDITING
As a valued member of Steps to Story, you’ll have the option to purchase a full developmental edit on your manuscript at a special rate. Note that this is not included in the program pricing, but is a wise investment if you want a thorough and professional review of your work. (Keyword: professional. Spouses don’t count as editors!)
Did someone say BONUS TRAINING?
Fast movers of the world, this one’s for you. If you’re one of the first 10 people to join Steps to Story, you’ll also receive my bonus masterclass: How to Navigate The Publishing Path That's Right For You.
Sure, you might still be in writing mode… but soon you’ll need to start thinking about different publishing avenues – like self-publishing, small presses, traditional publishers, etc. This video training will help clear everything up so you can take that next step with confidence.
“I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for the support this group is providing.”
– Megan, Steps to Story Student
Just imagine…
You. Your completed manuscript. The pride of knowing you didn’t just talk about writing a book. You actually did it. You’ve been an avid reader all your life and now you – yes, YOU! – have a novel out in the world too.
*Cue the happy tears*
If right now this seems like a beautiful but far-fetched dream, it’s time to find your strength in numbers in Steps to Story.
I WANT THIS TO BE ME!
Let's make sure the fit's as perfect as avocado + toast
You + Steps to Story are a perfect match if:
✔ You’re in the process of writing a novel (for adults or young adults) – and are either just starting out or are stuck halfway through.
✔ You’ve been writing on a whim and it’s worked for a while – until it hasn’t. Now you’re craving more accountability so you can give your book the attention it deserves.
✔ You don’t just want to finish your manuscript – you want to make sure as strong as possible. You’re excited to level up your storytelling and create a page-turner.
✔ You’ve dreamed of being an author for longer than you can remember – and you’re ready for expert coaching and community support to make it happen!
You should pass on this if:
✗ You’re not ready or willing to put in the time for this program. (All good things require some upfront work.)
✗ You’re set in your storytelling process and aren’t open to learning how to improve your craft.
✗ You’d rather go solo than engage in an active community of fellow writers.
✗ You don’t know how you landed on this page. You were googling how to demo your staircase steps. Weird.
“Your method of breaking down content into digestible chunks with relatable examples has made learning enjoyable and accessible. That's invaluable!
– Candice, Steps to Story Student
Oh, hey! Nicole here.
AUTHOR & CERTIFIED BOOK COACH FOR FICTION WRITERS
I believe there's never been a better time to become an author. I also know that taking the steps to get the story out of your head and onto the page is one that requires support. Sure, you could lone-wolf it … but you’ll make so much better progress on your manuscript when you leverage the expert training, coaching, and community inside Steps to Story.
After three published novels of my own (and another one launching soon), I can confidently say that writing a novel is no small feat! When I started, I struggled with the process and wished I had someone to walk alongside me from beginning to end.
That’s what you’ll find in Steps to Story – myself plus a thriving author community to show you the ropes, keep you accountable, and cheer you on. No more just sitting down to write when the feeling strikes you. From this point on, you’ll have a clear roadmap for moving forward with your best work!
Should we be wearing superhero capes?
(Asking for a friend.)
I’m just going to say it: Writing fiction can require superhero strength.
Unlike our non-fiction counterparts, we fiction authors not only need to tell a compelling story, but hit all of the elements of story structure – pacing, plot, character, setting, point of view, and conflict.
We’ve also got the crucial job of hooking our readers and bringing them along on the characters’ journey. No biggie, right?
This isn’t to scare you. It’s to show that it’s only natural to seek some outside support in writing your novel. Why keep spinning your wheels when you can simplify and speed up the process with help from a multi-published fiction author? (*Cough, cough. That’s me!*)
Got a case of the Hums & Haws?
LET ME ANSWER SOME FAQS…
I’m a non-fiction writer. Can I still enroll in Steps to Story?
I’m just in the idea phase of my novel. Is it too early to join this program?
I’ve already done free writing webinars and courses. Do I still need this?
How much time will I need to invest in this program every week?
Will you also help me publish my book?
What makes Steps to Story different from other novel-writing programs?
Why is NOW the best time to join Steps to Story?
When does the next round begin?
"I love the class. I love your enthusiasm and knowledge.
I am grateful for finding you and this group!"
– Christi, Steps to Story Student
ONE LAST LOVING REMINDER…
You’ve got what it takes to write
your novel.
(Stamped it, no erasies!)
But trying to do it all on your own, staring down your blank Google Doc without a clear roadmap, is making the process harder than it needs to be. If you’re ready to simplify your life – and gain some new author friends in the process – choose your Steps to Story path below.
Join the Waitlist for Steps to Story
Fine print catch your eye? If you’ve got any questions about Steps to Story that weren’t listed above, shoot me an email at [email protected]. My inbox is always happy to make new friends!
