Draft2Craft
A hands-on workshop to draft, write, and finish your first novel.
A pragmatic toolset that helps you plot and write your first novel.
Have you always wanted to write a novel? Perhaps you started, but just didn't know where to go? Did you ever write a "scene" to read it back to yourself and cringe?
So did I!
I wrote my first short story at the age of 10, and decided this were to become my profession. I waited another 30+ years before truly taking the deep dive. But while earning a living in marketing, I had been quietly working on that dream of one day finishing my first novel.
Do you know what I discovered?
It wasn't my ability as author that stood in the way.
For about 20 years, I had managed marketing projects with a focus on structure, deadlines and clear purpose. I decided to take that approach and apply it to my writing.
I wrote and self-published two (well-received) novels within a single year, with a third on the way. I can teach you how to wipe writer's block off the table and be productive.
Every. Single. Day.
Until you can proudly hold that finished novel in your hands.
No fluffiness.
Just plain, simple tools that will instantly increase the quality and volume of your writing. I can't wait to show you!
Who is it for?
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Complete beginners
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People with an idea but who don't know where to start
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Writers stuck halfway through a manuscript
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Anyone wanting accountability
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Beginning authors who wish to learn how to self-critique their work
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People who have done a little writing in the past, and are eager to get back into it
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Anyone who wants to improve the quality and/or output of their writing
What is unique about Draft2Craft?
One-on-one or groups of 3-6 participants
Practical rather than academic fluff
Build your own novel
Included: The worksheet that will power-charge your writing
Elevate your skills and find your style ("voice")
Learn from others and make new friends
A little bit about me
I am the author of Blame The Dogs, Wake The Dogs, and (soon to be released) Hunt The Dogs. These three novels form a trilogy within the genre of psychological suspense & mystery.
I am Dutch, married to a New Zealander (a Kiwi), and have two kids. We have lived in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and now live in Houston (Bridgeland).
I have been fascinated by the written word for as long as I can remember.
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I wrote my first short story when I was 10 years old, back in the Netherlands (I am Dutch)
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I proceeded to write stories, including for school newspapers
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During my college years, I wrote articles for a career magazine. I opted for an internship at a travel magazine.
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I completed the course "Creative Writing" at the Writers Craft School in Amsterdam (Schrijversvakschool Amsterdam)
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I did a Masterclass with a bestselling author: Thomas Rosenboom
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I read every book about the craft I could get my hands on
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I finished multiple manuscripts. The earlier version of Blame The Dogs had some interest from literary agents in Amsterdam. Then we, as a family, moved to New Zealand, and the manuscript was shelved.
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By the time I was ready to pick it up again, English had become not my second, but my first language. It is more fluent, softer than Dutch—making prose sound more poetic
What to expect?
During our first introductory workshop, I will introduce the Plotting Worksheet to you, and I will also send you a digital version to keep for yourself.
I will explain how to use it to lay out the plot structure of your novel. Most of the work on your novel you will do at home, while I use each workshop to introduce a new subject to add to your toolbox. These include:
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Character development
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Dialogue
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Voice
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Pacing
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Point of View (POV)
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Killing your darlings
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Editing / self-critiquing
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Showing vs Telling
This way, you will walk away from each workshop with new practical insights. Just arrive with an open mind (+ a laptop + notebook), be ready to roll up your sleeves (there will be micro writing assignments within the workshops too), and above all: be excited and ready to have fun!
What is the cost?
Private workshops are $60/hr
Group workshops (3-6 p.) are $20/hr
How long is the workshop?
Draft2Craft runs once a week at a day and time to be determined, for 12 weeks.
Where will they be run?
In Bridgeland, Texas. I have yet to decide whether we will gather at a cafe (such as L3 Cafe on Fry Road) or Lonestar Library.
Ready to complete that draft?
There are limited seats due to my promise to keep groups to a maximum of six.