Understanding the Concept of Literary Guidance: A Closer Look at Book Coaching
The Ultimate Novel Writing Programme offers a unique opportunity for aspiring authors to embark on a transformative journey, guided by experienced mentors who are dedicated to helping students navigate the complexities of narrative structure and avoid getting lost in their own stories.
One-on-one, customised coaching is at the heart of this programme, with mentors like Lindsey Alexander and Sara Lippmann providing personalised support to each student. These mentors are more than just tutors; they are creative collaborators who get to know the student and their project intimately.
Mentor-student conversations typically last about an hour and can be held over Zoom or by phone. The mentors are available to answer questions, address concerns, and offer advice even during those late-night epiphanies. They gather students for a Zoom conversation monthly to discuss progress and challenges, and they meet with students face-to-face once a month.
Students submit a portion of their work-in-progress to their mentor each month, and they receive written feedback or a combination of both. The mentors' approach to coaching is praise-focused, helping students write towards their strongest choices. They do not impose their taste or aesthetic on students, instead offering an array of tools for students to choose from.
Sara Lippmann, known for her intuitive, close reading, reads for intentionality to help students realise their vision. She is personable, honest, and hands-on, walking alongside students and cheering them on. Lindsey Alexander, on the other hand, helps students write a publishable novel over a year on the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme. Her pedagogy is non-hierarchical, believing that all novelists have things to learn from each other.
Brian Gresko is also available to students for questions and support, including providing pep talks. He offers real-time feedback on students' work and discusses story decisions, including structure and pacing. He holds students accountable, pushing their work to the next level, and encourages them to take risks and excavate larger truths.
The Ultimate Novel Writing Programme is designed to empower students to write a brilliant novel through clear, actionable advice and dedicated support. The mentors aim to guide students through the novel-writing process, helping them unlock and understand the process, providing individual feedback on drafts, supporting goal setting and accountability, offering creative brainstorming and problem-solving, teaching writing craft techniques, and guiding revision and editing processes. The one-on-one format allows for flexible and personalised sessions, ensuring focused and efficient support. The programme is akin to a partnership where the coach facilitates the student’s growth as a writer, offering expertise and encouragement while respecting the student’s creative vision.
The Ultimate Novel Writing Programme provides an opportunity for students to receive a manuscript assessment, as they submit a portion of their work-in-progress to their mentor each month and receive feedback. This learning experience is part of the education-and-self-development journey, as students are guided by experienced mentors like Lindsey Alexander and Sara Lippmann not just in novel writing, but also in navigating the complexities of narrative structure and unlocking their creative potential.