Hi friends! ☕

Today I want to share something a little different—less about characters and more about the journey of writing itself. Over the past few months, I turned a simple class assignment into a full novella, and wow… what a ride it’s been. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I thought sharing my experience might help fellow writers who are tackling their own stories.

The Plotting Struggle

When I first started, I thought I had a clear plan—but quickly realized that plotting a novella is way more complex than I expected. Even though I was reprising a story I had started years ago, it was still a challenge to redo, rework, and breathe life into the plot and characters. Scenes didn’t connect, characters acted inconsistently, and I often found myself staring at the page wondering, “Where do I go from here?”

Here’s what helped me:

• Outline in layers: I began with a rough roadmap of the major plot points, then broke each chapter into smaller beats. Seeing the story in chunks made it feel manageable.
• Track character arcs: My main character wasn’t acting consistently at first. Mapping her emotional journey helped smooth out her growth.
• Ask “why” and “so what”: I loved some early scenes, but they didn’t move the story forward. Cutting them was tough—but it strengthened the narrative.

I remember one night staying up past midnight, frustrated because I couldn’t figure out a transition between two major scenes. I felt like giving up—but when I revisited my outline and broke the scenes into smaller steps, it finally clicked. Moments like that reminded me how persistence really matters.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” — Stephen King
This quote kept me going during those late nights. Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t writing the story—it’s taking the first step (or the next step) when doubt creeps in.

Revising: The Power of Patience

Again, this was a story I had previously written, which sometimes I think makes it a tad bit harder than starting with a fresh, new idea. The first draft felt like starting from scratch. It was messy—full of inconsistencies, outdated ideas, and awkward pacing. Revision became my lifeline. Here’s what worked for me:

• Take breaks between drafts: Distance helped me see issues I’d overlooked and gave my weary eyes much-needed rest. Sometimes, even a few days away from the story gave me fresh ideas and clarity.
• Read aloud: Hearing dialogue and pacing made everything clearer. It also helped me catch sentences that sounded stiff or unnatural.
• Get feedback early: Sharing chapters with a trusted friend revealed plot holes I hadn’t noticed. Their perspective was invaluable, and it reminded me that writing doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

Don’t get me wrong–there were plenty of moments of self-doubt! I would read a paragraph and think, “This is terrible. Why am I even doing this?” But I realized that these feelings were part of the process. Every messy draft, every awkward sentence, every plot hole was an opportunity to grow as a writer.

Small Wins Matter

Along the way, I started celebrating the little victories—finishing a difficult scene, resolving a plot problem, or nailing a character moment that finally felt authentic. Those small wins kept me motivated and reminded me that progress isn’t always about huge leaps; it’s about consistent effort, one page at a time.

Why These Strategies Worked

These plotting and revision strategies weren’t just helpful—they were essential. They gave me structure when I felt lost, clarity when the story seemed messy, and the confidence to keep going even when self-doubt crept in.

And the more I worked through these challenges, the more I realized that writing a novella isn’t just about finishing a project—it’s about discovering what you’re capable of. I learned that patience, persistence, and a willingness to revise are not just writing skills—they’re life skills.

Final Takeaway ✨

Writing this novella taught me that storytelling isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the lessons you learn along the way. Start with a plan, embrace the messy drafts, and don’t give up. Every challenge is a chance to grow—not just as a writer, but as someone who can transform ideas into something real.

For me, these strategies made the difference. They helped me turn a class assignment—and a story I had begun years ago—into a novella I’m proud of, and they can help you do the same. So grab your notebook, your favorite drink, and dive in—your story is waiting. 💜

— Sarah