What happens on a discovery call?

A discovery call is a thirty minute chat about what you need help with. It’s very informal, and is like having coffee with a friend.

What will we discuss on a coaching call?

We will talk about anything you like to do with your writing. I use my experience as a creative writing tutor to both offer possible solutions to issues, as well as coaching you to understand why you are experiencing the issue and how we can move forward. I also set tasks outside of our time together so that you can work toward your goals. All our conversations are confidential.

Can we meet in person?

During Covid I am happy to work with your time zone and meet you on Zoom.

fiction writing – Rachel Grosvenor Author

Coaching

How to Work with Me When I’m Fully Booked

Post author By Rachel Grosvenor
Post date April 4, 2025

If you’ve come here looking for editing and coaching help and can see that the banner above says I’m fully booked, don’t panic! I book up very quickly, between 10 months to a year in advance, but 1:1 is not the only way to work with me. Check out the following:

The Novel Writing Masterclass

This course includes 40 bite-size classes that fit into your busy life, designed to take you from idea to publication.

It’s been created with you in mind:

The person who wants to write but can’t find the time.
The person who wants to create a novel but doesn’t know where to start.
The person who isn’t sure what comes next when writing their novel.

Imagine:

Finding the time in your week to write.
Sitting down and knowing what you should be doing.
Having a programme that keeps you accountable to the written word.

No more writing woes because you know when to write, what to write, and where to go next.

The Fiction Fellowship

Are you a writer looking for your community?

The Fiction Fellowship focuses on fiction writers who are looking to connect with other creatives and hone their storytelling skills. Learning with others and having writing friends can make such a difference to your productivity and motivation, so we aim to provide an environment where you can make those connections and feel inspired to write.

With twice-weekly writing sprints, monthly community calls, and more, we’ll be with you every step of the way to help you develop your writing skills, expand your craft knowledge, and make progress in your writing.

What’s included:

Community Sessions
Writing Workbooks
Q&As
Complete post archive
Video Lessons
Private Community
Twice Weekly Live Writing Sprints
Accountability and Goal Setting
General Support

Run by myself and Isobelle of Inspired Creative Co, and we know that finding your writing community can lead to great things. So far, our writers have written over a million words!

If that’s what you’re looking for, then this is your space!

Connect with us on Instagram:

@rachelgrosvenorauthor

@inspiredcreativeco_

Writing Workbooks

Are you feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of writing? Are you struggling to find the time to write, unsure about creating a writing routine, and undecided about your writing goals?

If this sounds like you, it’s time to invest in yourself.

I have workbooks available if you are ready to:

Find time to write
Create a writing routine that fits with YOUR schedule
Identify writing areas you would like more information on
Set and achieve writing goals
Reach your targets and see a way forward
Take action and plan your writing year in full

Otherwise, make sure you’re on my email list here, and when I have space again, you’ll be among the first to know.

Craft

What Is ‘The Sacred Flaw’ In Writing?

Post author By Rachel Grosvenor
Post date April 4, 2025

Have you ever heard the term ‘the sacred flaw’ when talking about writing? It’s a common concept and one that is often discussed in writing groups. So, whether or not you have heard of it, let’s chat about what it is and what that phrase means.

‘The sacred flaw’ is a phrase coined by author Will Storr. In its simplest terms, Storr uses it to explain how to build a story as a brain builds a life. He explains that we understand reality by telling ourselves stories. (As a side note, this is the very origin of Creative Writing, the communication of narrative as a way to frame the world around us.)

Storr says: ‘We experience life in three acts, with a crisis, a struggle and resolution.’ (https://theelementsofwriting.com/storr/)

Storr goes on to explain an idea I wrote to you about weeks ago: the difference between character-driven stories and plot-driven stories. When writing a character-driven story, you begin with the character. Storr recommends doing the same to find ‘the sacred flaw’ of your story and then creating the plot around that character to ‘test’ that flaw. Essentially, we are trying to find your character’s ‘flawed idea about the world’ (Storr).

Here are some questions to help you discover a belief that your character finds ‘sacred’ (if you’re struggling to think of what this might mean, let’s use one of my favourite examples, Scrooge from A Christmas Carol. Scrooge mistakenly believes that money and wealth are sacred. The plot tests this mistaken theory throughout, ultimately giving him a different belief system by the end, where the very meaning of ‘wealth’ changes):

What experience might have given your character their belief? (For Scrooge, it was his childhood.)
How does this cause them to view the world? (Think storyview [how your character sees the world] vs worldview [how the world really is].)
How will you create a plot and series of events that challenge this belief, this ‘sacred flaw’?

At the heart of this concept is an understanding that the story is about the character’s journey and change.

So, now we know what ‘the sacred flaw’ means and how to find it. Tell me, what is your character’s ‘sacred flaw’?

Found this interesting and want to read more about this concept? Check out:

In Conversation with Will Storr

Tags author advice, characterisation, creative writing, dialogue tips, editing, fiction writing, narrative voice, plot development, prose style, sacred flaw, Storytelling, the sacred flaw, worldbuilding, writing, writing prompts, writing tips

Craft

Plot-Driven Novels vs Character-Driven Novels: Which Is Right For You?

Post author By Rachel Grosvenor
Post date February 19, 2025

Do you want to write a plot-driven or a character-driven novel? First of all, it’s time to define those terms (and I’ll add helpful examples because I am a helpful sort of person). An easy way to remember the difference between the two is to ask yourself what is driving the narrative forward.

Plot-Driven

A plot-driven novel means that events are happening to a character, regardless of their actions. A great example of a plot-driven novel is The Lord of the Rings. The one ring needs to get to Mount Doom, and ultimately, it doesn’t matter who takes it; it just has to get there. Therefore, the plot’s focus is getting that ring to Mount Doom. The characters, relationships, journey, and, essentially, subplots are what make the story beautiful, but ultimately, what is driving the narrative forward is that main plot point.

Character-Driven

A character-driven novel means that a character’s actions are driving the plot. How they behave and what they do impacts the story’s direction. A great example of a character-driven novel is The Finery, by me! This is a character-driven novel because the plot depends on the actions of the main character, Wendowleen, and the actions of her peers.

What do you want to write?

If you’re unsure whether you want to write a character or plot-driven novel, look at your favourite books. You might find that some authors do both very well, like Terry Pratchett. The Discworld novels are a mix, and Pratchett is a master of keeping the plot moving while developing characters in an interesting way. What you love reading is usually what you will love writing, so pick up one of your favourite reads and ask yourself: What is driving the narrative in this story?

Remember, a well-rounded story often incorporates elements of both plot and character development. For example, if your character is facing a natural disaster, that’s a plot point they cannot control, but it depends on their behaviour and skillset to survive. If character development interests you, you might want to write a character-driven story instead so that you can dig deep into the growth of your MC.