Part 2: Before You Revise Workshop Series
How to diagnose your draft.
We’re back. 📚
Last time, we mapped your story’s architecture, the 7-point arc and the five elements every scene needs to function. If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, I’d start there before diving in today. You can find it here.👇🏻
Here’s something I want you to hold onto as you read this week’s post: every draft has red flags. Not because the writer isn’t talented or working hard enough, but because drafts are supposed to be imperfect. That’s what they’re for.
What separates a writer who gets stuck from a writer who moves forward is the ability to spot those flags on their own, before they hand their pages to a critique partner, a beta reader, or an editor. The more clearly you can see your draft, the more confidently you can walk into that next conversation.
So today I’m sharing four of the most common red flags I see across manuscripts, regardless of genre or experience level. Once you know how to recognize them, you’ll be able to find them, and that is such a powerful place to be.
If you’re brand new here, welcome! I’m Nicole. I’ve taught at major writers’ conferences and online writing events, published four novels, and had the privilege of helping hundreds of writers finish their manuscripts. This series is some of the most practical craft content I’ve shared, and I’m so glad it found you.
👉🏻I’m including editorial insights, actionable diagnostic work, and a video for you.
So let’s get to it.