Navigate Your Writing Journey Quiz

I’m new to writing and need to understand the basics

What best describes what you'd like to work on?

I'd like to improve my writing skills, habits, routines, and/or process

→ Start Foundations of Fiction

Understanding the Basics

Based on your interest in understanding the basics, we recommend:

Foundations of Fiction

This course dives into the 6 universal foundations that make up all great stories (character, dialogue, point of view, narrative style, setting, and plot) in a format designed to give you the techniques and confidence you need to bring your stories to life

I've been writing for a while and I feel like my skills have hit a plateau

What best describes your biggest challenge right now?

I need to build a consistent writing routine

I feel "blocked" a lot. I make time to write, but when I sit down my mind goes blank

I have story ideas, but need help translating them into full scenes and novels

My characters feel a bit flat. I need help creating more dynamic and well-rounded characters

I need some clarity on what to do with my writing, so I'd like to explore my publishing options

→ Start Level Up Your Writing

Busting Through Plateaus

We all hit plateaus every now and then. It’s a natural part of any writing journey. But the good news is, you don’t have to stay there for very long.

Here are our favorite plateau-busters:

Level Up Your Writing

As the title suggests, this course is specifically designed to elevate your writing to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, New York Times Bestselling author Scott Reintgen can help you bust your plateau today with the seven key storytelling skills he’s identified that have the most direct, immediate, and noticeable impact on your writing.

Crafting Dynamic Characters

Have you hit a roadblock in creating captivating characters that drive your stories forward? Are you stuck in a rut of creating the same characters over and over. If so, Crafting Dynamic Characters is for you. In this course, taught by character guru, story coach and freelance editor, Mary Kole, you’ll learn not only how to craft fully fleshed out, dynamic characters but also how to write those characters and reveal them on the page in a way that grabs the reader’s attention, connects with them, and captures their heart.

Scene Crafting Masterclass

As writers, we put a lot of focus on the big picture story arc and the nitty gritty details like sentence structure and word choice, and we sometimes miss the middle ground, where the true magic of storytelling happens: the scene. In this course, led by acclaimed author and scene-writing expert Jordan Rosenfeld, you’ll learn the six key components of unforgettable scenes, unravel the power of character cues and subtext, and discover how to pace your scenes for maximum impact.

→ Start Productivity Hacks For Writers

Writing Routines

Writing consistently is the #1 thing you can do to improve your writing and further your writing career. If you’re creating a new routine from scratch, need to get back in the swing of things, or want to elevate the performance of your current routine, we’ve got you covered with:

Productivity Hacks for Writers

In this course, Writing Mastery founder Jessica Brody will show you how to "hack" your brain, space, schedule, and devices to effortlessly get into the "writing zone" every single day. Not only that, these simple yet effective hacks will help you boost brain function, increase focus, be more inspired, and of course, write more!

→ Start Conquering Writer's Block

Getting Unblocked

Feeling “blocked” is one of the biggest and most detrimental problems that all writers face at some point in their projects or careers. But it’s a problem that can actually be solved, once and for all, with:

Conquering Writer's Block

In this course, Jessica Brody shares a series of tools and mindset shifts she developed that will turn you from a Blocked Writer into a Prolific Writer, so you’ll never have to say the words “I have writer’s block” ever again.

→ Start The Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

Translating Ideas to Full Scenes & Novels

Taking an idea to a full story can be challenging. Is the idea good enough? Does it have the depth to sustain a novel or the vibrancy to captivate in a scene? Maybe you know how it begins and ends, but can’t picture what happens in between. These courses will help you answer these questions, validate your ideas, and expand them into full stories:

The Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

Learn how to use the Save the Cat! plotting method to expand your idea into a 15-beat story outline. With this method, you’ll have no doubt that your idea has the “legs” to become a full story, and you’ll be able to start writing with confidence.

Scene Crafting Masterclass

Discover the six components of great scenes, and use them to flesh out your idea into a compelling story, scene by scene. Guided by Jordan Rosenfeld, author and scene-writing expert, you'll master the art of writing scenes that hook readers and keep them on the edge of their seats.

Crafting Dynamic Characters

Sometimes an idea can come to life through the characters. In this course, taught by character guru, story coach, and freelance editor, Mary Kole, you’ll learn not only how to craft fully fleshed out, dynamic characters but also how to write those characters and reveal them on the page in a way that grabs the reader’s attention, connects with them, and captures their heart.

Developing Characters

Bringing your characters to life on the page is an important skill for any writer. Which is why we partnered with character guru, story coach, and freelance editor Mary Kole to create:

Crafting Dynamic Characters

In this course, you’ll learn not only how to craft fully fleshed out, dynamic characters but also how to write those characters and reveal them on the page in a way that grabs the reader’s attention, connects with them, and captures their heart.

→ Start Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

Publishing Options

Knowing what you’d like to do with your writing can give you a goal to achieve and the inspiration to keep moving towards it. And you have a lot of options these days, which is why we’ve put together two comprehensive courses on your publishing options:

Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

Guided by bestselling self-published author Bethany Atazadeh, you'll discover the insider secrets to navigating the publishing landscape. From writing and editing your book to choosing the right platforms and marketing strategies, this course empowers you with the tools and knowledge to self-publish your novel successfully and build a thriving writing career.

→ Start Sell Your Novel to a Major Publisher

Sell Your Novel to a Major Publisher

Join bestselling author Jessica Brody in this comprehensive course designed to guide you on the journey to selling your novel to a major publisher. You'll learn the ins and outs of traditional publishing, including the role of literary agents, the essential elements of a successful pitch, how to write a query letter, what happens behind the scenes at the publishing house, and more.

→ Trad Pub vs Self-Pub in Sell Your Novel to a Major Publisher

Unsure of which direction to choose?

Both courses offer a unique perspective on the Traditional and Self-Publishing paths. Here are links to the specific lectures to help you choose the path that fits best with your goals:

→ Self-Pub vs Trad Pub in Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

I need an idea for my next story

What best describes your current writing stage?

I have an idea but I need to develop it (through an outline or another method)

I'm working on a first draft, or ready to start writing one

I have a draft that needs revising or improving

I'm interested in publishing my work

I'd like to explore some specific story brainstorming methods

Which method sounds the most inspiring right now?

I'd like to do some writing prompts

I'd like to start by building a character

→ Start Develop Blockbuster Ideas that Sell

Specific Brainstorming Methods

We cover 5 methods for brainstorming story ideas in:

Develop Blockbuster Ideas that Sell

As the title suggests, this course is all about coming up with new ideas. But not just new ideas - “high concept” ideas. In this course, Jessica Brody will walk you through the 4 ingredients of a high concept idea, and 5 proven methods for brainstorming them.

→ Start Foundations of Fiction

Writing Prompts

If you prefer to explore some new ideas through writing prompts, we recommend:

Foundations of Fiction

In this course, you’ll get back to the basics of characters, dialogue, point of view, setting, narrative style, and plot. Each of these foundation topics include exercises and writing prompts designed to get your creative juices flowing and inspire new ideas. It's a great course to get story ideas from multiple angles.

Start with a Character

If you’re in the mood to build a character first, we recommend:

Crafting Dynamic Characters

Sometimes an idea for a single character can flourish into a complete story. So if you’d like to try creating a character first and building a story around them, we recommend Mary Kole’s character course. With loads of exercises to help you craft fully fleshed out, dynamic characters, this course can be your springboard to your next project.

I'd like to build an outline

Which method of story development would you prefer?

I'd like to figure out a few key details then get writing

I'd prefer to start by building my characters

I'd like to start with a scene and build from there

→ Start the Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

Build an Outline

If you’d like some help outlining your story idea, we recommend:

The Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

Learn how to use the Save the Cat! plotting method to expand your idea into a 15-beat story outline. With this method, you’ll have no doubt that your idea has the “legs” to become a full story, and you’ll be able to start writing with confidence.

→ Start Novel Fast Drafting

Get Key Details then Start Writing

If you prefer to get some loose ideas down, and then dive into the writing, we recommend:

Novel Fast Drafting

Sometimes the best way to get going with a new idea is to just start writing. In Novel Fast Drafting, you’ll learn the necessary mindset to ensure you finish a first draft of your new idea, and a customizable method for brainstorming that works for plotters, discovery writers, and every writer in between.

Start by Building Characters

If you’d like to flesh out your story idea through one or more of your characters, we recommend:

Crafting Dynamic Characters

New ideas often come to life through the characters. In this course, taught by character guru, story coach and freelance editor, Mary Kole, you’ll learn not only how to craft fully fleshed out, dynamic characters but also how to write those characters and reveal them on the page in a way that grabs the reader’s attention, connects with them, and captures their heart.

Start with a Scene

If you have an idea for a scene you’d like to begin with, we recommend:

Scene Crafting Masterclass

Discover the six components of great scenes, and use them to flesh out your idea into a compelling story, scene by scene. Guided by Jordan Rosenfeld, author and scene-writing expert, you'll master the art of writing scenes that hook readers and keep them on the edge of their seats.

→ Start Novel Fast Drafting

First Draft

If you’re working on a first draft or ready to begin one, we recommend:

Novel Fast Drafting

The goal of a first draft is to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page (fast!), so you have some material to start working with. In this course, you’ll learn the core philosophy of Fast Drafting, how to prepare, and what to do before, during and after each writing session to ensure you’re always moving forward.

I have a mess of a draft and I'm not sure where to even begin

What best describes your biggest challenge right now?

I need a more organized revision process

I need to improve my characters

My overall story needs some work

I have a sound story, but need to make my scenes more engaging

I'd like to find some beta readers

I need help getting unstuck in a current draft

Organizing a Messy Draft

Get the clarity you need to move forward with:

The Complete Novel Revision Course

This course will walk you step-by-step through a tried-and-true, time-tested revision process that will not only help you get your mind around your current draft (no matter how messy it is), but will provide you with a systematic approach to the revision process that is designed to make you feel, organized, focused, efficient, and confident!

Organize Your Revision Process

To help you get your revision organized, we recommend:

The Complete Novel Revision Course

In this course, you’ll discover the most effective, least stressful revision process: the “Level-Down” revision method. Designed around three distinct levels (the Story Level, Scene Level and Page Level) this method is designed to make you feel, organized, focused, efficient, and confident!

Improving Characters

Discover how to elevate your characters from flat to fully fleshed-out and dynamic with:

Crafting Dynamic Characters

In this course, taught by character guru, story coach and freelance editor, Mary Kole, you’ll learn not only how to craft fully fleshed out, dynamic characters but also how to write those characters and reveal them on the page in a way that grabs the reader’s attention, connects with them, and captures their heart.

We also have tips for improving your characters in:

The Complete Novel Revision Course

With checkpoints like “Does my hero have clear goals and motivations throughout the story?”, “Does my hero transform?”, and “Do my side characters and villains serve a purpose?”, this course can help you pinpoint issues with your characters and revise them into memorable, dynamic characters that resonate with your readers and drive your narrative forward.

→ Start the Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

Working on the Overall Story or Plot

For help with your plot or story, we recommend:

The Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

Discover how to use the Save the Cat! plotting method to find exactly what's missing from your plot and where each scene should fall, so you can turn your messy drafts into polished, publishable stories in record time.

We also have tips and strategies for reviewing and fixing plot problems in:

The Complete Novel Revision Course

With checkpoints like “Does my story have a solid structure?”, “Does my story have enough conflict?”, and “Does my story start in the right place?”, this course can help you pinpoint and resolve all your plot issues.

Improving Scenes

If you know your scenes could use some work, we recommend:

Scene Crafting Masterclass

Discover how to bring your scenes to life, without spending endless hours writing, rewriting, and revising. Guided by Jordan Rosenfeld, author and scene-writing expert, you'll master the art of writing scenes that hook readers and keep them on the edge of their seats.

We also have tons of tips for improving your scenes in:

The Complete Novel Revision Course

This course will make sure your scenes are dynamic, well-paced, and engaging. By following the Scene-Level checkpoints, you’ll seek out any weak links in the scene chain and either remove them completely, or spice them up with the right revision work to make sure they pull their weight and deserve to stay in the story.

→ 'Working with Beta Readers' in Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

Finding Beta Readers

Beta readers are a great way to get feedback on your manuscript before you move on to publication. If you’re at this stage, we recommend:

Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

Whether you’re on the path to self-publishing, traditional publishing, or you’re not sure, this course can help. Check out the lecture on working with beta readers and critique partners for some tips that are relevant to anyone seeking feedback.

→ 'Critique Partner or Beta Reader Requests' space in the Community

Also, don’t miss the Critique Partner or Beta Reader Requests space in the Community where you can connect with other Writing Mastery Academy members and find beta readers today:

I've been going in circles with the one part of my story

What best describes your biggest challenge right now?

I have writer's block

I need a writing routine

→ Start Conquering Writer's Block

Overcoming Writer's Block

Feeling “blocked” is one of the biggest and most detrimental problems that all writers face at some point in their projects or careers. But it’s a problem that can actually be solved, once and for all, with:

Conquering Writer's Block

In this course, Jessica Brody shares a series of tools and mindset shifts she developed that will turn you from a Blocked Writer into a Prolific Writer, so you’ll never have to say the words “I have writer’s block” ever again.

Yes, my first draft is complete (or nearly complete)

Have you finished your first draft yet?

No, I'm still working on the first draft

→ Start the Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

Going In Circles

Hitting a roadblock in a manuscript is something that writers of all skill levels deal with. It’s almost guaranteed to happen at some point in every manuscript. Thankfully, we have a few courses that can help you bust through:

Option 1: Create a “beat sheet” for your story to make sure it hits all the plot points needed for a solid story structure:

The Save the Cat! Novel Writing Course

This course will give you the ability to review a draft and know exactly what's missing and where each scene should fall, so you can turn your messy drafts into polished, publishable stories in record time.

Option 2: Make sure your manuscript passes all the Story and Scene-Level checkpoints in:

The Complete Novel Revision Course

This course offers a comprehensive set of "checkpoints” that make it easy for you to self-diagnose problem areas in your manuscript and fix them. Start with the Story-Level checkpoints and work your way through to identify the exact issue and get it resolved.

→ Start Novel Fast Drafting

Roadblocks in First Drafts

Hitting a roadblock in a manuscript is something that writers of all skill levels deal with. It’s almost guaranteed to happen at some point in every manuscript.

If you’re not done with the first draft yet, we recommend checking out the 7 Golden Rules of Fast Drafting in:

Novel Fast Drafting

This course offers techniques like “Invisible Revisions” and using bullet points and brackets to just move on in the story. If you pick up and start writing somewhere after the point you’re stuck at, something will click and you’ll find a solution.

→ Start Productivity Hacks for Writers

Creating a Writing Routine

Writing consistently is the #1 thing you can do to improve your writing and further your writing career. If you’re creating a new routine from scratch, need to get back in the swing of things, want to elevate the performance of your current routine, we’ve got you covered with:

Productivity Hacks for Writers

In this course, Writing Mastery founder Jessica Brody will show you how to "hack" your brain, space, schedule, and devices to effortlessly get into the "writing zone" every single day. Not only that, these simple yet effective hacks will help you boost brain function, increase focus, be more inspired, and of course, write more!

I'm interested in going the Traditional Publishing route

What best describes your current situation?

I'm interested in going the Self-Publishing route

I'm not sure if I should pursue Traditional or Self Publishing

→ Start Sell Your Novel to a Major Publisher

Traditional Publishing

For the traditional publishing path, we recommend:

Sell Your Novel to a Major Publisher

In this course, Jessica Brody puts you on the fast track to selling your novel by laying out a simple, straightforward path to publication, complete with exercises, templates, and tools that will guide you through each step of the process.

→ Start Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

Self-Publishing

For the Self-Publishing path, we recommend:

Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

This course is designed to be your on-demand coach and self-publishing guide, to help you through the process step-by-step and take out all the guesswork of self-publishing on your own, so that you can make informed and confident decisions while avoiding costly mistakes and missteps.

→ 'Trad Pub vs Self-Pub' in Sell Your Novel to a Major Publisher

Unsure Which Publishing Path to Take

If you're not sure if traditional or self-publishing is right for you, we recommend having a look at both the Traditional and Self-Publishing courses. Each course shares a unique perspective that can help you make the decision.

Here are links to the specific lectures:

→ 'Self-Pub vs Trad Pub' in Secrets to Self-Publishing Success

You can also chat with other Writing Mastery members about the pros and cons of self and traditional publishing in the Community:

→ Sell Your Novel to a Major Publisher Discussion

→ Secrets to Self-Publishing Success Discussion