Finish Your First Draft
My Top 5 tips for Turning an Idea into a Novel
After nearly twenty years of stops and starts, 2025 is the year I finally became a published author. But let me tell you—it’s been a journey.
I’ve worked with book coaches and editors. I’ve spent years (and a small fortune) studying craft. I got my MFA in Creative Writing, majored in English, made all the rookie mistakes, collected rejections, and sat through stinging workshop critiques.
I’ve listened to the podcasts, taken the courses, and read my WIP aloud to a room full of strangers. I’ve abandoned books I’d spent years writing (and have the drafts collecting dust bunnies to prove it).
I tell you this to let you know: I get it. I know how hard it is to write a novel. And I know what it’s like to lose momentum.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, or unsure how to move forward (or start) your novel in progress, I created a brand new guide with my five best tips and tools that helped me (finally) finish a novel.
About the Guide:
Finish Your First Draft: 5 Tips to Help You Start (and Finish) Your Novel
This guide is packed with my most practical, hard-earned advice for turning an idea into a finished novel. You’ll learn:
Why some of the most common writing advice can actually slow you down, and what to do instead
How to tap into your natural creative flow (even if you’ve felt stuck for years)
A scene-first approach that makes your novel feel easier and more exciting to write
The simple, analogue method for untangling your plot and closing gaps
How to invite inspiration back into your process when you feel like you’ve lost the magic
My top 3 book recommendations for fiction writers & bonus questions to help you out when you lose momentum
Plus: When you send proof of your pre-order, you’ll automatically be entered into a raffle to win both…
📚 A signed copy of Annie in Retrospect
💬 A 30-minute Q&A with me 1:1 over Zoom (or with your book club) to ask me anything about the book, my writing process, or my publishing journey*
*Two winners will be drawn!
Claim your guide & enter the raffle in 3 simple steps:
Hit “Reply” to this email
Pre-order Annie in Retrospect from your favorite retailer.
Forward me your confirmation email (or a screenshot of the order confirmation). Just hit reply if you’re viewing this on email.
That’s it! You’ll get your Guide by email within 48 hours, and I’ll notify the raffle winner once the promotion ends on October 7th to schedule your Q&A and collect your mailing address.
I can’t wait for you to read Annie in Retrospect. It’s a story about love, friendship, motherhood, and the roles and relationships that shape us at each age and stage of our lives. If you’ve found yourself nostalgic for a past version of yourself, or felt the pull of an unresolved story, this book might feel like it was written for you.
With so much gratitude,
Kristina
