“Lewis helped me see my novel’s real possibilities, and I was finally able to write the story I wanted it to be. He was wonderful at helping me develop the core ideas I wanted.”
Guide Them on Their Writing Quest
I teach intuitive, time-tested storytelling techniques—and I’m always excited to collaborate!
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It's nice to meet you!
I’m Lewis Jorstad. Don’t worry, my last name (Jor-stahd) is easier to pronounce than it looks.
I’m an author, editor, and book coach who helps debut writers finish their novels and find their readers. Over the last eight years, I’ve edited hundreds of manuscripts, supported thousands of writers, and built The Novel Smithy to make the writing process less overwhelming and a lot more intuitive.
These days I’m also a frequent speaker and educator, with students from all corners of the fiction writing world.
Tracy C
“Lewis helped me see my novel’s real possibilities, and I was finally able to write the story I wanted it to be. He was wonderful at helping me develop the core ideas I wanted.”
Sallyann Halstead
“Without a doubt, the best part of this experience has been working with Lewis, whose wisdom, patience and good humor never faltered. It makes such a difference being able to talk through your ideas with someone who really listens to you.”
Leigh Carden
“Lewis, as always, is an amazing coach. I would watch him teach me how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!”
I’m always excited to partner with brands and businesses that uplift the fiction writing community, especially debut and indie authors.
Here are just a few of the ways we could partner:
Note that I do not currently accept guest posts for the TNS blog.
Beyond a Blog Post
I regularly speak on a variety of fiction-related topics, but here are some of my most popular talks and workshops for writers and authors.
60 Minute Workshop
You’ve started your novel. Probably more than once. And every time, somewhere around Chapter 5, your story loses steam, you lose your confidence, and your draft ends up shoved in a drawer.
Here’s the thing most writing advice won’t tell you: the reason you’re stuck has nothing to do with discipline, talent, or motivation. It has to do with how you developed your story in the first place.
In this workshop, you’ll learn the three hidden reasons writers stall mid-draft, and walk away with practical tools to unstick your story and finally (finally!) reach “The End.”
60 Minute Workshop
If your plot feels slow, random, or just isn’t clicking, your first instinct is probably to tinker with your story’s structure. You might rework your midpoint, rearrange some scenes, or add a new twist. So why isn’t that “this-isn’t-right” feeling going away?
The answer is that the real problem was never your plot.
In this workshop, you’ll learn why your protagonist is the true engine of your story, and how an underdeveloped hero is the fastest way to stall your novel. Plus walk away with practical tools for reinvigorating your plot, all thanks to your protagonist!
60 Minute Workshop
Whether your reader is picking up a dark romance, cozy mystery, or epic fantasy, they’re looking for the same thing: your genre’s promise.
Most writers think genre is about tropes and trends, but really, it’s about the emotional journey you’re promising your reader. And whether they know it or not, your reader will rely on three key scenes to decide if you’ve kept that promise.
In this workshop, you’ll uncover the emotional promise at the heart of your genre, the three vital scenes that shape that promise, and how to weave them seamlessly into your own stories!
Looking for a topic not listed here? Pitch me your idea using the contact form below! →
If we haven’t already touched base about your upcoming event or collab, you can reach out using the contact form below. Share your vision and tell me about your audience!
I typically reply to inquiries within 3-4 business days.