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.

Tag: how to write

Craft

Editing for Genre – Meeting Your Reader’s Expectations

Post author By Rachel Grosvenor
Post date November 2, 2024
No Comments on Editing for Genre – Meeting Your Reader’s Expectations

Hey writer. When we’re editing, it helps to think about the genre we are writing in. Why? Because your reader sees a genre and comes to your work filled with all sorts of expectations. It can be really fun to subvert reader expecations, so don’t think I’m telling you to stick to genre conventions forever! Instead, use this blog post as a helpful guide for editing for genre to give your readers exactly what they want.

What are genre conventions?

They are the common elements of a story in a specific genre. For example, what pops into your head when someone says high fantasy? You might think of a fictional setting, a quest, magical elements, good vs evil.

Oh! You mean tropes!

Well, not quite, no. You see, there is a difference between genre conventions and tropes. Genre conventions define a genre – if we’re talking high fantasy, we might expect a quest. A trope is a plot device or story element frequently appearing in a genre – but they are not essential to the structure or foundation. A quest within a magical world defines a genre, whereas a trope, like the classic ‘only one bed’ in romance, adds flavour to a narrative. Think of it like a cake – the cake is made up of genre conventions, and the tropes are the toppings – they add spice!

Okay, now we understand what genre conventions are; it’s time to research the conventions of your genre. You can do this in lots of ways, but a great one is to think about your favourite books in that genre. Let’s say you love romance. What conventions from romance do you want to make sure your story has? First of all, it will have to include that genre convention that makes romance what it is – love! Then, you can think about happily ever afters. You’ll want your character to grow and develop – and remember to add some chemistry.

Once you know which genre conventions you will use, consider the pacing. Different genres have different paces (thrillers are fast-paced, which means they use cliffhangers, short, sharp sentences, and high tension to keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the page). If you’re writing a classic romance story, go with a slower pace than an action-packed romance. Again, this means doing a little research. If you want to know more about pacing your writing, check out this blog post here: 3 Ways to Ensure Your Novel is Well Paced

Once you have your pacing figured out, think about your character development. Genre conventions can dictate how your characters develop, too. In romance, the development is often internal, learning to love oneself before they can love another. In fantasy, the development is external, too, with the main character becoming stronger and more capable, learning to fight so that they can save the world. How does your chosen genre dictate your character’s development?

Next, think about your world-building and setting. When editing for genre conventions, consider what you have created carefully. Does your setting fit with the expectations of an urban fantasy? Is there anything you have written that doesn’t feel realistic in the world you are writing about?

Lastly, don’t worry about lack of originality. When paying close attention to genre conventions, it can feel like you’re writing something that has gone before. However, your voice is your own, and your writing is unlike anyone else. While you should be aware of genre conventions and reader expectations, don’t be afraid to blend genres, make different choices, or add unexpected elements. This is your story, after all!

Want to read something similar? Check out these blog posts:

Which Is the Best Plotting Method for You?

3 Steps to Your Writing Management Plan

Tags editing for genre, Editing genre, fantasy, genre, genre conventions, how to write, reader excectations, readers, trope writing, tropes

Coaching Craft

Writing Coach Vs Editor: What’s the Difference?

Post author By Rachel Grosvenor
Post date October 20, 2021
No Comments on Writing Coach Vs Editor: What’s the Difference?

Should you hire a Writing Coach or a Developmental editor? What is each for, and how do you know how to move forward?

I have noticed that this question is bringing people to my website organically, so I wanted to answer it clearly so that people have that answer.

What is a Writing Coach?

A writing coach, also known as an Author Coach or Book Coach, is a trained coach who helps you through any writing issues. I have helped writers find the time in their busy schedules to write, create a writing routine that works for them, develop their novel ideas, and much more.

What is a Developmental Edit?

A Developmental Edit is an edit that focuses on the story. It is concerned with narrative, consistency, characterisation, dialogue – basically everything but the copy edit! When I provide a Developmental Edit to an author, it consists of my going through the work at least twice, and providing the client with an Editor’s Report and in-text comments and corrections, as well as an hour-long discussion/coaching session afterwards to discuss the work.

What is the difference between a Writing Coach and a Developmental Editor?

The difference is the focus. For example, I am both a Writing Coach and an Editor who offers Developmental Editing. When I am hired to coach, I have a series of sessions with the writer, and we work toward their goals through a series of jointly agreed action points. When I am hired to provide a Developmental Edit, I focus on the draft of a novel and write up an Editor’s Report, instead of live sessions with the author.

What stage should I be in to hire a Writing Coach?

You can be in any stage to hire a Writing Coach, from idea to fifth edit! As a coach, I can focus on whatever you would like to focus on. Sometimes that’s at the very start of a novel and is all about your idea, and how you would like the book to be written. At other times it’s after publication, and you want to work on marketing. As a writing coach, we can work together on any writing goal, however varied.

What stage should I be in to hire a Developmental Editor?

To hire a Developmental Editor, you need to have a novel pretty much written. It could be that you hire someone to edit at a date a few months into the future, with the understanding that you will have completed the novel by then. However, the most important thing to know is that you will be required to hand over a manuscript to the editor on the agreed-upon date, so get writing!

What are the pros of hiring a Writing Coach?

As a writing coach, I can help you achieve your literary dreams. By holding space for you, identifying action points, and asking the questions that drive you to dig deep, you will leave a session with more clarity and purpose. Ultimately, coaching can help you succeed in your goals.

What are the pros of hiring a Developmental Editor?

A Developmental Edit can give you expert advice on your novel. It will leave you with a roadmap of how to move forward, what needs improving, and how you can make your story the best it can possibly be.

Can I hire someone to do both?

Yes! In fact, I offer a great deal for someone who is looking for a coach AND an editor. This consists of six months of weekly coaching AND a full Developmental Edit when you are ready. If you want to know more about it, click here to find out – https://rachelgrosvenorauthor.com/coaching/

So, now you know the difference between hiring someone to be a Writing Coach or a Developmental Editor, and what is best for you.

As a Certified Professional Coach, trained by an ICF company and with an ILM Level 2, you can trust that my coaching skills are tried and tested. As a writer with a PhD, MA and BA in Creative Writing, and over six years of lecturing in adult education and at universities, I’m a professional writer specialising in helping others find their way forward.

Any questions? Feel free to get in touch.

Want to read something similar? Check these out!

What is a Writing Coach?
4 Ways to Edit Your Own Writing

Tags author coach, book coach, developmental editor, editor, editor for hire, editor of writing, how to edit my novel, how to write, novel editing, novel writing, Writing coach, writing coach vs developmental editor

Productivity

How to Get Back Into Writing After a Break

Post author By Rachel Grosvenor
Post date October 13, 2021
No Comments on How to Get Back Into Writing After a Break

Sometimes we need a holiday, and our writing breaks are planned, and at other times they creep up on us, and we realise that it’s been weeks, or maybe even months, since we last wrote. When that happens, how can we get back into writing after taking a break? Here are five ways. Oh, actually, I’m feeling kind. Have ten!

1) Be kind to yourself.

It’s okay to take a break from your novel. Seriously – it is. You might have heard about writers who write 1000 words a day with ease and three novels a year, but all that does not matter. Being a prolific writer is how you define it. I try and write 4,000 words a week, but in the last few months, I have had a lot of editing to do as well, so I have split my time between two projects. This means that I’ve been writing more like 2,000 words a week. That’s okay. Whatever your situation, the fact that you are reading this means that you are ready to get back into writing, and that’s great. Be kind to yourself; a writer doesn’t have to write all the time to be a writer.

2) Mindmap.

Get all of those ideas down on paper – whether they are reasonable, excellent, or you’re not so sure. Just the act of allowing yourself to think through ideas for your work in progress will create new inspiration, ideas, and inspire you to take action.

3) Writing exercises.

One of my favourites. I love to partake in writing exercises to get myself in the writing mood! I teach one of my favourite ways of coming up with novel ideas in my Novel Writing Masterclass, so if you’re a fan of exercises too and want a hand going from idea to publication, go ahead and take a peek!

4) Real-life research.

From cooking the meals your characters enjoy to saddling up and experiencing their way of travel, there are many ways to enjoy real-life research. You could even sit down to create a map (I love Inkarnate for this). Doing things that relate to your novel but are not writing can help get those creative juices flowing.

5) Re-organise that routine.

Writing routines change, and that’s okay! It might feel a bit dusty and stilted if you are coming back to an old routine after a break away from writing. Spend some time refreshing that writing routine and working out how you want it to be moving forward. If you want a hand with this, take this fun quiz on my website!

6) Chat to other writers.

Get involved in the writing community. Whether you join a local writing group, a private Facebook group, or the fabulous writing community on Instagram, there are many wonderful places to find other writers. Within them, you will get accountability, warm conversation, and like-mindedness that’s hard to beat. Plus, there will be others who would like to get back into writing too, so you can share your thoughts with them.

7) Read, read, read.

Remind yourself of your writing passion by picking up those books again and digging in! The more you read, the easier it will be to write. Why? Because through reading we get more entertainment. We get an education on what it is to write, on tropes, grammar, and so much more. Most important of all, we get inspiration.

8) Write your favourite book.

Well, no, not the exact same book. But, there’s a lot to be said for writing fan fiction if you want to get back into writing. If your creative faucet feels stuck, then slip into a world that you already know, with characters you already love.

9) Re-ignite your passion with a course.

Writing courses are fantastic for getting us back into the writing spirit. If you are looking for a course to try, give It’s Time to Write Your Novel a go! It’s a 40 class course for only $99 and will take you from procrastination to print.

10) Create an experience.

We don’t just have to be typing to write. You can create an experience based on your book too. From creating a collage on Pinterest to building a beautiful playlist that transports you straight into your world, there are many ways to develop an experience that will deliver you directly to your novel.

Do you have any to add? If so, I would love to hear them!

Found this useful? Please share it with another writer.

Looking for something similar to read? Check the following out.

3 Things I Did to Level Up My Writing Game
T he Reset Week: Investigate Your Writing Process
T he Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Writing Routine