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.

world building – Rachel Grosvenor Author

So, you’re writing a novel!

It’s a bit like baking a cake, in a roundabout, not very much but I’m going to run with the metaphor for this post, way. You need to make sure you add in your ingredients before you put it in the oven. Otherwise, the cake won’t rise. But what are the correct ingredients? Let’s see…

Your main character / protagonist:

The person/creature/individual we are going to follow for the rest of this book. Who are they, what is ‘life as normal’ for them, what do we need to know, what do they want, why can’t they have it, and why are we joining them to read about their amazing story?

Your world:

What is home to your protagonist, or where are they, and why are they there? Who do they live with?

Tone:

Think about the difference between Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Soul Music by Terry Pratchett. Or even, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. You may not have read the books, but you may be aware from promotional material that they have a distinct tone from one another. The first act is where you set this up. Are we reading something that’s amusing, with wry wit, in the style of Pratchett? Or, something serious and literary, in the style of Mantel?

An inciting incident:

Something is needed in your first act that pushes your protagonist out of their ‘life as normal’ and into a new decision/life/world. This is the thing that galvanises your character to act, the thing that forces your reader to want to read on. This is the moment that sets the stakes for the novel.

Now you can put your cake in the oven, and watch it rise! Or, you know, write the first act of your novel successfully.

Looking for an editor and writing coach for next year? Get in touch now, and see how I can help you.

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.