About Lewis

Finish Your Drafts. Find Your Readers.

I help passionate writers turn their messy drafts into published, page-turning novels.

YOU’VE BEEN LIVING WITH YOUR STORY FOR YEARS

So why is your novel still not done?

The vision is there. Your characters are alive in your head. But every time you sit down to write, your draft ends up as a patchwork of ideas—not a novel you’d be proud to publish.

You’re tired of scribbling notes on scrap paper, rewriting the same damn chapter, and doubting every word you put on paper. You want a path forward. A way to turn that amazing world in your head into a novel readers want to read.

And if we’re being honest, you wouldn’t mind an extra twelve hours each day for good measure.

Unfortunately, I can’t magically alter the flow of time…

But I can help you get your novel across the finish line.

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“Without a doubt, the best part of this experience has been working directly with Lewis, whose wisdom, patience, and good humor have never faltered. It makes such a difference being able to talk through your ideas with someone who really listens to you.”

— Sallyann Halstead

Historical Romance 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!”

— Kiki Boyett

Fantasy Writer

“This edit has revitalised my enthusiasm for this project, especially as I now have a clear set of steps to get there. I think the best part has been seeing the difference Lewis’ recommendations are making as I revise the manuscript. It has given me the belief that I can do this!”

— Allie Burns

Women’s Fiction Author

“The people are what make this truly great. I knew after I attended my first live call that it was going to be my writer home. The community is so positive and genuinely supportive, and Lewis’s skill with helping with story tangles is uncanny.”

— Ember Wade

Fantasy Writer

“I started writing this story on my birthday this year, with the intention of finishing it by my next birthday as a gift to myself and my teenagers who inspire me to write. And thanks to working with Lewis, I feel this goal is easily within my reach!”

— DZ Thorne

Paranormal Fantasy Writer

Why, Hello There!

I’m Lewis Jorstad 👋

I’m a bestselling author, editor, and book coach who helps debut writers turn their messy drafts into published novels.

Believe it or not, The Novel Smithy started as a favor. Some friends asked me for help untangling their stories, and I got hooked. Before I knew it, a few years had passed, a hundred manuscripts had been across my desk, and I was seeing the same problems come up again and again.

It wasn’t that those novels weren’t good. The characters were alive. The stories had spark. But I kept meeting writers who felt like they were drowning, with too many rules and too many conflicting voices crowding out their vision. All of that noise left them paralyzed, unsure how to make their ideas fit what a “good novel” was supposed to mean.

That’s when my views on writing began to change.

So I set out to create a more intuitive writing process.

One that feels natural and creative, while still giving you the structure you need to write a successful novel. A middle ground between planning every second of every scene and pantsing your way through a draft that never turns out the way you hoped it would.

Since then, I’ve used this exact process to help hundreds of writers embrace their storytelling brain and finally finish the novels that have been haunting them for years—so you can tell the story of your heart, and tell it well.

Because that’s the whole point, right?

Not just writing a novel, but publishing a book you’re proud to call yours.

YEARS supporting writers as an editor and book coach.

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NOVELS across my desk since starting The Novel Smithy.

BESTSELLING writing guides published across two series.

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OF STUDENTS finish their drafts in six months or less.

My Philosophy

Working in this industry has taught me a few things…

Trust Your Intuition

Most writers I work with have spent a lifetime reading, and their brain knows how to tell a good story. The hard part is getting that story on paper.

That’s what craft is for—not to box you in, but to help you translate your ideas into a compelling novel.

Persistence Over Speed

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to move faster, but there also isn’t an expiration date on your writing.

No matter what your inner critic says, it’s never too late to tell your story. Some of the best drafts I’ve ever read were “in progress” for years!

Show Your Teeth

Forget algorithms and fickle trends. Your voice is your strength—even if the types of stories you love to write aren’t topping the charts this month.

The novels readers remember aren’t afraid of being weird, wild, silly, and everything in between.

Above all? The one thing every writer needs is a process.

That’s why I don’t just share generic “how to” craft advice with my students. I help them build a flexible writing process that fits their brain.

That’s the real heart of my job—to help you find systems that serve you as a writer, so you can finish your drafts and share your stories with readers who will see their magic just as much as you do.

Leeza Steindorf

Women's Fiction Author

“I had thought I only needed help with the opening of my novel. But Lewis’s clear, concrete guidance ended up giving me a keen insight into how I can cultivate a story that really satisfies my readers.”

Barbara Denz

Fantasy Writer

“I created my world 30 years ago for an anthology. I liked it so much that I built the world into reams of paper (electronically speaking). The weeks with this course created a book that is so much stronger for the work we accomplished in six weeks. I cannot thank Lewis enough.”

Christine Wilcox

Historical Fiction Writer

“I can’t thank Lewis enough for Outline Camp. When he said something to the effect of, “if templates aren’t working for you, you’re not alone,” I felt like I’d finally found the right door to walk through. In years of trudging through first drafts, the many things I was doing right always seemed overshadowed by things I was trying to do because “everyone does it that way.” Many of those things just didn’t fit my writer-brain.

Outline Camp gave me a constructive way to unlearn structures that never worked for me and embrace a process that could ebb and flow with what my story needed.”

Caitlin Satterlie

YA Contemporary Writer

“The Big Picture Edit and Lewis’s expertise was exactly what my novel needed. Lewis organized my edit letter in a way that was clear and manageable without being overwhelming. He pinpointed my draft’s weaknesses and had so many recommendations on how I could address them. I had so many lightbulb moments, I couldn’t wait to apply his advice to my next draft.

His sharp eye for detail makes him a dream editor. You will not regret working with Lewis!”

Katie Yamamoto

YA Dystopian Writer

“Before Outline Camp, I had a lot of random ideas of character interactions and snippets of action scenes, but no idea how to tame them into a cohesive story. I had taken as many free courses as I had time for, but I was really craving a step-by-step process and direct feedback from a coach. Outline Camp provided both of those things, and I cannot say enough about Lewis’ knowledge of craft and the fun, welcoming environment he creates.

The best part of Outline Camp for me was the confidence I now have in creating a story that works.”

Angela Bublitz

Contemporary Fiction Writer

“Lewis’ outlining method (especially the waypoint scenes—those are gold!) really resonated with me, and gave me the flexibility to be creative while providing enough structure to keep me from freezing up in panic at literally ALL THE POSSIBILITIES. I’m proud to say I’m neither Pantser nor Plotter… I’m a Puzzler!”

Dawn G

Fantasy Romance Writer

“I went into this course with two attempted first drafts (that were both filled with gaps). I had been working on my debut novel for three years, and I’d tried multiple story structures, attended summits and workshops, read books and blogs. But nothing has gotten me further along than Outline Camp.

I’ve loved diving into the assignments and coming up with ah-ha moments that have brought my novel to life. Before I started I had no idea how I was going to move my story forward, but now I have an outline that excites me and actually feels achievable!”

Leigh Carden

Science Fiction Writer

“Lewis, as always, is an amazing coach. I would watch him teach me how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!”

Kae Wagner

Author of the Frankie Girl Series

“Lewis walked me through my revisions with the patience of a saint and the insight of someone who actually gets story structure. His feedback gave me permission to be ruthless, while keeping the heart of what worked in my novel. Now I’m staring at a manuscript that feels like it grew a backbone. That alone was worth the price of admission.

Thanks, Lewis, you are this author’s salvation.”

Fun Facts

Lewis’s Character Sheet

The coolest place he’s ever traveled?

Cinque Terre, Italy, on our honeymoon! Getting lost on those winding cliffside streets fed my creative soul.

If he took a personality quiz?

I’m #1 Context, #2 Strategic, and #3 Input from Clifton Strengths. INFJ. A cheery introvert.

If he was an animal, he’d be?

A magpie—I’m a sucker for small shiny things. These days, I’m collecting stamps from wherever I travel.

One quirk you wouldn’t expect?

I’m a huge scaredy-cat, and it’s the primary reason I don’t edit horror. Embarrassing, I know.

His secret backstory or past life?

I was a sculptor for eight years! I still have old art hidden under our couch, including a 30-lb ceramic fox.

Best Disney princess?

Mulan, no contest. Though Lilo and Nani are closely tied for second place.

Ready to get your novel out into the world?

If you need help getting your story unstuck and your novel written, I’d love to be your guide!

Looking to snag some writing tools?

From workbooks to dashboards, these are my favorite writing resources.