Welcome to Steps to Story

Resources for every stage of your writing journey.

 

Welcome to Steps to Story

Resources for every stage of your writing journey.

 

Grab my free guide, "Crafting Greatness," to learn the five essential strategies that will level up your novel.

 

You deserve to have your writing supported

After four published novels of my own, I can confidently say that writing a novel is no small feat! When I started, I struggled with the process and wished I had someone to ⁠walk alongside me from beginning to end. 

As an author and Certified Book Coach, I help fiction writers get clear on their big story idea, complete their novel manuscripts, and follow their publishing dreams.

About Nicole

Just imagine...

You. Your completed manuscript.

Ready to craft your story's narrative arc and also nail your character development in order to keep your readers turning the page? Jump into my self-paced courses below and get started today!

Self-Paced Courses

Steps to Story Course Bundle

Want access to everything all at once? Instead of buying individual modules, you can watch them here in one bundle.

Unlock your writing potential with my full Steps to Story course for novel writers! This program offers 11 immersive workshops packed with essential story craft and mindset strategies, plus an exclusive bonus module to help you discover the perfect publishing path. Write your way to success—starting today!

Grab the Bundle for $327

Step 1: Writing Foundations 

New to novel writing?

Kick off your novel-writing journey by diving deep into your "why," discovering the heart of your story's core message, and building healthy writing habits that will fuel and sustain your creative process from start to finish.

Purchase Writing Foundations for $27

Step 2: Your Audience & Genre 

Many writers think they understand their audience and genre, relying on best guesses. But once they dive deep into the who, what, and how, they uncover fresh insights that shift their entire approach.

Watch this course to determine your ideal reader and how to reach them.

Purchase Your Audience & Genre for $27

Step 3: Amplify Your Characters

Amplify Your Characters is a series of bite-sized videos that show you how to nail your main character development so your protagonist captures the hearts of all your readers.

You’ll learn how to:

✔ Map out your protagonist's journey

✔ Add rich layers to your characters

✔ Hone in on voice and point of view

✔ Land on a narration style that works

Purchase Amplify Your Characters for $47

Step 4: Map Your Story

Get a framework for your story and go from feeling lost to having direction, so you can write forward with clarity and confidence. Discover the essential elements of the 7-Point Story Structure that can elevate your narrative.

What You’ll Master:

✔️ Key Plot Points: Craft pivotal moments that drive your story forward.

✔️ Narrative Arc: Build a compelling and cohesive arc that captivates your readers.

✔️ Your Unique Roadmap: Write with clarity and purpose, using a structure tailored to your story’s needs.

Purchase Map Your Story for $47

Step 5: Understanding Voice, POV, and Narration

Mastering your writing voice, character POV, and narration style will take your novel to the next level, transforming your manuscript and making your story truly shine. Watch this set of videos to deepen your understanding and strengthen your story.

Purchase Understanding Voice, POV, and Narration for $27

Step 6: Elevate Your Setting & Dialogue

Captivate your readers by elevating your story’s setting and dialogue. A vivid, immersive setting pulls readers into the world you’ve created, making it feel real and alive. Strong dialogue, on the other hand, gives your characters authentic voices, driving the plot and revealing who they are at their core. Together, they create a seamless narrative that engages readers on every level. 

Purchase Elevate Your Setting & Dialogue for $27

Step 7: Nail Your Scene Structure

Think of scene structure as the secret sauce to crafting a page-turner. Each scene is like a building block, stacking up to create a story that flows. When your scenes have purpose, tension, and momentum, readers stay hooked, eager to see what happens next.

But without strong scene structure, stories can feel like a rollercoaster with no direction. Master this, and you'll not only round out your narrative but keep readers glued to every twist and turn of your plot.

Purchase Nail Your Scene Structure for $47

Step 8: Overcoming Road Blocks

Hitting roadblocks is inevitable in the novel-writing process, but learning to move through them is key to finishing strong.

Whether it’s the frustration of writer’s block, tangled plot holes, underdeveloped characters, or the relentless pull of perfectionism, these obstacles can stall your progress if left unchecked. This course tackles all four head-on, equipping you with practical strategies to break through barriers, keep your momentum, and bring your vision to life.

Purchase Overcoming Roadblocks for $27

Step 9: Crafting Your 250-Word Summary

Crafting a summary for your book isn’t just about having a quick pitch—it’s a powerful guidepost for your entire writing process. This short yet focused snapshot helps you zero in on your core message, giving you clarity and direction as you write forward. It also lays the groundwork for your back cover copy, pitching to agents, and future marketing efforts. With a strong summary in hand, you’ll stay anchored in your story’s heart while creating a pitch-perfect blurb that hooks readers and industry pros alike.

Purchase Crafting Your 250-Word Summary for $27

Step 10: Effective Tools for Revisions

Equipping yourself with effective tools for self-revision can transform your writing process from daunting to doable. Imagine having a guide that lets you dissect your manuscript with precision, fine-tuning each layer. Inside this course, we'll look over the hierarchy of editorial concerns PLUS the top ten mistakes I see come across my desk in my developmental editing practice.

Purchase Effective Tools for Revisions for $47

Step 11: Navigating Your Path to Publication

In today’s ever-evolving publishing landscape, novel writers have choices, each offering unique opportunities. The key is finding the path that aligns with your goals and vision. This course dives into four distinct publishing routes—self-publishing, hybrid presses, small presses, and big traditional—providing you with the insights you need to make an informed decision and follow your novel writing dreams.

Purchase Navigating Your Path to Publication for $47

Looking for High Level Support?

One on One VIP Day Coaching

This is for fiction writers buzzing with inspiration but short on time.

If you’re ready to dive headfirst into your novel, and are craving 1:1 coaching to supercharge your writing, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s make major strides on that manuscript together!

I need this!

Grab my free guide, "Crafting Greatness," to learn the five essential strategies that will level up your novel.