Struggling to turn your ideas into a complete novel?
All authors have times we slog to get our ideas to actually work together as a proper novel. Weaving themes and characters together in a way that’s compelling to readers is an art. Learn how our authors do it time and time again for their novels.
Worried you’re not writing well enough to make a successful novel?
If you think your novel feels flat or clunky, you're not alone. It's so easy to get stuck just explaining the plot, leaving the characters and pace dull. But there are simple techniques to fix all these issues, helping you write your novel with confidence.
Don’t feel ready to put your writing out into the world?
People who aren’t creative will never understand how much confidence it takes to put your writing out into the world for everyone to see. We’ll guide you through proven checks and tips to make sure your novel is in great shape before you publish.
Getting lukewarm reactions from your readers?
We all dream of getting diehard fans who eagerly wait for every new book we write, but the reality is much harder than that. Not getting enthusiastic feedback for your novel can be devastating, but we can show you ways to tweak your novel into something your readers love.
The secret to making your novel unputdownable
Plan a real page-turner
Learn how successful independent authors plan and structure their novels to make them irresistible, binge-worthy stories.
Feel confident in your characters
Add authentic traits and motivations to your characters to make sure the audience really cares for them.
Grow your writing toolkit
Have a writing trick for every occasion, learning from successful authors who know just how to keep their readers on the edge of their seats.
Start improving right away
Primer
This is one of our Primer courses — quick, accessible guides suitable for any level of experience, designed to get you moving quickly with new skills.
What's included
Plan an irresistible story
You’ll learn tips to improve your basic techniques of narrative sequencing, pacing, mystery, reversal and genre.
Build a convincing narrative
Learn powerful tricks for making your novel feel real, with authentic motivations and character goals from page one right through to your final chapter.
Make your characters leap off the page
Discover how best-selling independent authors add depth, empathy and heart to their characters.
Make your novel flow
You’ll learn writing techniques to get you out of any sticky situation: subversion, descriptive substitution, time shuffling, narrator limitation, moral ambiguity, and more.
This course will help you get your novel finished and loved.
Big claim? Sure is. At The Wayfinder I get a lot (really, a bewildering number) of people getting in touch to ask for help to get their novel out of neutral. And it’s not a lack of talent or ideas, it’s almost universally because of this simple truth of the writing life: every novel stumbles.
However experienced you are at writing, you’ll hit times when you can’t bring all the plot strands together or when your characters are feeling a bit monotone and artificial. The good news is, this happens to every single one of us.
So I brought together successful independent authors from both sides of the Atlantic to chat about their favourite novel-saving tactics. I was planning on a 20 point guide, but we simply came up with too many essential ideas, so here are our 33 most trusted ways to save your novel.
Keep it with you and you’ll find a way to blast through any roadblock that gets in the way of your next novel.
James Laurence Wood
Do you want to tell irresistible stories?
Novel SOS will help you to write better novels, and to save your novel if it gets stuck or gets a lukewarm reaction from readers.
- People who love writing fiction
- Writers who are currently writing a novel
- Writers who are planning their first full novel
- Independent authors wanting to sharpen their writing skills
