𝙒𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙃𝙀𝙇𝙋. i get by with a little help from my friends! lowercase intended.

I am asked several times each day to read the stories written by young writers here on Wattpad. As there is no way that I could possibly read and offer quality feedback to all who ask, this book is my Advice to Young Writers, based on my own 20 years of teaching writing to junior high to university students, on my 20 years of working as a freelance editor, on my publishing of two nonfiction books, and on the recent Fan Fiction Writing Class I taught online. I hope that young authors will find some good advice that will help them on their writing journeys here. Best wishes to all writers!!! :)

So, you wanna write a novel but don't know where to start? Then this guide's for you! Inside, you'll find a step by step process for how to plan your entire novel, starting with only a basic story premise. You'll learn the basics of plot, narrative arc, and three-act structure and get a look at my in-depth plotting process, covering everything from developing ideas, outlining, and creating character arcs, to logistics, story-mapping, and scene structure. You'll also find tips, advice, tools, and resources to help you begin your journey! And the best part is... everything is PINK!

Want to ask me questions? See my behind the scenes? Even see my upcoming story sneak peeks? There's even something better-talking to me about anything you want!

Welcome to the wonderful world of writing on Wattpad! This is Wattpad, not the Olympics, so there's no need to panic. Anyone can try it, no training required. Writing doesn't have to be complicated, and you don't have to be a graduate of some fancy university, but there are a few guidelines that will make things easier for you and your readers. I have tips for beginners who paid as little attention in English as I did, as well as details on things I've learned over the years. Anyone can write a story. I never thought I would write anything, but I tried it and - much to my surprise - I found it very relaxing and entertaining. Feel free to skip around the chapters to find sections that interest you. You are also welcome to skim everything in case you find a hidden gem of advice. Please note that my writing tips follow the Chicago Manual of Style writing guide (you are free to use a different guide - keeping things consistent is the biggest thing).

Nothing to Prove, Everything to Improve