How many drafts does a novel need?

Quick answer… Most novels go through 3–10 drafts, depending on the writer, the complexity of the story, and whether the book is self-published or traditionally published. Some writers produce relatively clean first drafts and need only a few rounds of revision. Others go through many more. There is no magic number. The goal isn’t to…

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What is a zero draft? And should writers use one?

Quick answer… A zero draft is the roughest version of a story. A messy, exploratory draft written before what many writers would consider a proper first draft. It exists to help you discover the story rather than perfect it. If you’ve ever written a novel by wandering through the dark with a torch and a…

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Journal#28 – Learning to do a lot in very little

While it may SEEM that very little is happening, there’s actually a lot bubbling beneath the surface. Once again, I seem to be a little overwhelmed with projects. And while it’s a lot to balance all at once, they’re all exciting. They’re all wonderful. And they’re all HAPPENING. Like, actually happening. All at once. Isn’t…

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How playing D&D can make you a better writer

Playing Dungeons & Dragons isn’t a distraction from writing — it’s storytelling practice in disguise. From character agency to dialogue and pacing, D&D trains the narrative instincts writers rely on, every single day.

2025: What happened?

It’s that time of year again, when we all start looking back, wondering what we spent most of the year doing, and what we might take with us into the next. 2025 has been a strange year for me. In many ways, it’s been much harder than I thought it would be. Balancing work with…

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How to overcome Writer’s Block

Struggling with writer’s block? Learn simple, effective ways to reignite your creativity, ease perfectionism, and start writing again—without pressure or guilt.