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For Writers With a Story to Tell

It’s time to turn your messy drafts colorful cast vibrant worlds big ideas into a finished novel.

It’s time to turn your big ideas into a finished novel.

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Lewis Jorstad holding a book, beside an open notebook with crumpled paper

You’ve got the story, the characters...

And a Word doc full of ideas.

So why is it that every time you sit down to actually write your novel, it feels like sand slipping through your fingers?

It’s not because you’re not serious, or smart, or talented. You’ve studied all the rules and tried all the structures. You’ve done your homework. It’s just that most writing advice is about filling out a checklist—and that checklist won’t always play nicely with your ideas.

Sound familiar?

If so, welcome! You’re in the right place. I help passionate fiction writers finish their novels, using intuitive storytelling frameworks that simplify the writing process and give you a clear map for unraveling your stories.

Let’s make your dream novel a reality.

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Christine Wilcox, Outline Camp student
“Working with Lewis gave me a way to unlearn rules that never worked for me and embrace a process that could ebb and flow with what my story needed. I didn’t expect to find excitement and joy for writing again, but there it was, with Lewis cheering me on to embrace what I’m excited to write!”

— Christine Wilcox

Historical Fiction Writer

Quick Links

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Explore My Programs

Tired of saying “maybe next year” will be the year you finish your novel? These programs give you the frameworks, editorial support, and accountability to actually reach The End.

Let’s Work Together
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Watch the Free Intuitive Outlining Workshop

Forget rigid formulas—this free masterclass shows you how to plan your stories intuitively, while still writing a novel readers want to read.

Register Here
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Bestselling Writing Guides

Whether you’re developing your characters or planning a series, these books have helped thousands of writers hone their craft and level up their stories. Be warned, though! Your TBR list is about to grow.

Grow Your Library
Story Bible Template, free workbook for fiction writers

Free Story Planner

Build Your Novel’s Story Bible

Stop struggling to put your story together with nothing but sticky notes and scrap paper! Inside this workbook, I’ll help you organize key details about your novel, so you can write a draft that works.

    Free Story Planner

    Plan Your Novel’s 10 Key Scenes

    Stop struggling to put your story together with nothing but sticky notes and scrap paper! Inside this planner, I’ll help you develop your novel’s 10 Key Story Beats, so you can write a plot that works.

      Meet Your Mentor

      Hey There—I’m Lewis 👋

      I help debut writers finish their novels and launch their author careers.

      I’ve spent the last eight years as an editor and book coach, and in that time I’ve had 250+ manuscripts travel across my desk—and helped diagnose just about every story problem under the sun.

      These days, I teach writers how to turn the stories of their heart into compelling works of fiction, no fancy MFA or monthlong writing retreat required. Just intuitive systems, powerful craft frameworks, and a finished novel you’re proud to publish.

      Because your story deserves to be told, and told well.

      Get to Know Lewis
      Our Success Stories
      Collage with author photo, Lewis Jorstad holding books, and fiction writers on Zoom

      Let’s Work Together

      Signature Writing Programs

      Our programs give you the step-by-step guidance and hands-on coaching you need to go from stuck to published—all while writing a story you love.

      Woman holding a corkboard with her outline of her novel

      🏕️ Outline Camp

      In this high-touch program, you’ll craft a page-turning story and build a flexible plan to finally get your novel to The End. Over 80% of Outline Camp alumni finish their drafts in six months or less.

      Learn More
      Woman working on her novel on the couch, with a notebook in her hand

      🛠️ The Forge

      Inside this book coaching membership, you’ll find the ongoing support, accountability, and mentorship you need to make writing a productive, consistent part of your life.

      Reopening Fall 2026
      JenClaire Patterson, writing student at The Novel Smithy

      JenClaire Patterson

      Mystery Writer

      “This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. The editorial letter was perfect. I walked away with clear ideas of what to work on, and most importantly, the motivation to do them (it wasn’t so many suggestions I dreaded tackling it, quite the opposite). Lewis’ suggestions were so helpful and easy to apply. I haven’t been this excited about working on this novel in a long time.”

      Cozy Mystery book editing client

      Kathryn McAulay

      Cozy Mystery Author

      “I finished the first draft of my novel a couple of years ago, then had critique partners read it, then beta readers, but while I received nice comments, I still felt it wasn’t quite right.

      Lewis came along and pointed out a number of things I hadn’t seen because I was too close to it. Everything he gave back to me made perfect sense, and I would absolutely recommend getting a Big Picture Edit from Lewis. It was invaluable. I’m planning to get him to read all of my novels in the future!”

      Morgan Kelly, developmental editing client with Lewis

      Morgan Kelly

      Dark Fantasy Writer

      “Over the last few months, I’ve gotten my novel through the editing stage! I’d completed some 50k NaNo novel starts, and I’d even done a 75k one, but none of my longer work ever really made it to polished status. I would tell any writer curious about the Forge to come jump on in!”

      Judi Wildfeuer, Outline Camp student

      Judi Wildfeuer

      Fantasy Writer

      “I’ve learned there’s no way to avoid putting in the hard prep work, that even pantsers like me need an outline, and that outlining is easier than I thought! I think the coaching calls were the best part of this experience. Lewis was a very encouraging, nonjudgmental teacher.”

      Jenni Meade, book coaching client with Lewis Jorstad

      Jenni Meade

      Author of A Love Like Salt

      “Lewis encouraged me to embrace the heart of my voice while girding it with structural sense. I’ve been published by four literary magazines since our work together!”

      Kiki Boyett, Outline Camp student

      Kiki Boyett

      Fantasy Writer

      “Let me just say, I haven’t hit those moments that I used to ALWAYS hit, where I had no idea what’s coming next or that this story wasn’t going anywhere. I’ve felt empowered to keep moving forward, and it is 1000% due to the skills I learned in Outline Camp!

      Like so many others, plotting was a nightmare for me—hard and confusing—and 9 times out of 10, useless when I sat down to write. This method met me where my brain lived, it stretched my imagination, not my patience.”

      Claudia Gotthardt

      Fantasy Writer

      “Until I joined the Outline Camp, my story was a heap of too many ideas, old snippets, and a lot of frustration. Lewis’s gently-structured process has helped me to sort through it all and define a solid foundation I’m excited to work with. And the lovely group sessions helped my squirrel brain to focus on only one story for six weeks, which is a big feat!

      This was a true lifeline for anyone who is adrift in their story and drowning in their own ideas.”

      Kendra Pecci, Outline Camp student and author of Focus on Deception

      Kendra Pecci

      Author of Focus on Deception

      “15 years ago with no help and no training, I wrote a novel that ultimately didn’t get published. Last year I wrote a zero draft of a new version of the book, trying to finally follow my dream of becoming a published author. But again I got stuck. I knew I needed some structure, but Save the Cat and other systems left me overwhelmed and turned off to the whole idea of writing.

      Enter Lewis’s Outline Camp!

      This was the absolute best experience I’ve had with my writing. I’ve found the answers to plot questions that have plagued me, and have developed new ideas and more depth around the characters in my novel. I now have the structure I need to write my next draft, but also the flexibility to be creative throughout the entire writing process.“

      Alyssa Hanke, editing client with Lewis Jorstad

      Alyssa Hanke

      Dark Fantasy Author

      “Lewis was very insightful when it came to understanding where I wanted to go with my story. He helped me develop my ideas and gave me lots of great feedback in regards to the structure, genre, and plot of the piece. He was kind, thoughtful, and wonderful to work with.”

      Articles & Resources

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      Planning Your Novel

      Free Writing Workshop

      How to Outline an Intuitive Story

      If you get stuck halfway through every draft you write, the culprit might not be your story—it’s probably your outline.

      In this 60-minute workshop, you’ll learn the three biggest mistakes I see writers make when starting their novels, and how to plan a story that actually gets written!

      Watch the Workshop