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For Writers With a Story to Tell

It’s time to turn your messy drafts colorful cast vibrant worlds big ideas into a finished novel.

It’s time to turn your big ideas into a finished novel.

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Lewis Jorstad holding a book, beside an open notebook with crumpled paper

You’ve got the story, the characters...

And a Word doc full of ideas.

So why is it that every time you sit down to actually write your novel, it feels like sand slipping through your fingers?

It’s not because you’re not serious, or smart, or talented. You’ve studied all the rules and tried all the structures. You’ve done your homework. It’s just that most writing advice is about filling out a checklist—and that checklist won’t always play nicely with your ideas.

Sound familiar?

If so, welcome! You’re in the right place. I help passionate fiction writers finish their novels, using intuitive storytelling frameworks that simplify the writing process and give you a clear map for unraveling your stories.

Let’s make your dream novel a reality.

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Christine Wilcox, Outline Camp student
“Working with Lewis gave me a way to unlearn rules that never worked for me and embrace a process that could ebb and flow with what my story needed. I didn’t expect to find excitement and joy for writing again, but there it was, with Lewis cheering me on to embrace what I’m excited to write!”

— Christine Wilcox

Historical Fiction Writer

Quick Links

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Explore My Programs

Tired of saying “maybe next year” will be the year you finish your novel? These programs give you the frameworks, editorial support, and accountability to actually reach The End.

Let’s Work Together
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Watch the Free Intuitive Outlining Workshop

Forget rigid formulas—this free masterclass shows you how to plan your stories intuitively, while still writing a novel readers want to read.

Register Here
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Bestselling Writing Guides

Whether you’re developing your characters or planning a series, these books have helped thousands of writers hone their craft and level up their stories. Be warned, though! Your TBR list is about to grow.

Grow Your Library
Story Bible Template, free workbook for fiction writers

Free Story Planner

Build Your Novel’s Story Bible

Stop struggling to put your story together with nothing but sticky notes and scrap paper! Inside this workbook, I’ll help you organize key details about your novel, so you can write a draft that works.

    Free Story Planner

    Plan Your Novel’s 10 Key Scenes

    Stop struggling to put your story together with nothing but sticky notes and scrap paper! Inside this planner, I’ll help you develop your novel’s 10 Key Story Beats, so you can write a plot that works.

      Meet Your Mentor

      Hey There—I’m Lewis 👋

      I help debut writers finish their novels and launch their author careers.

      I’ve spent the last eight years as an editor and book coach, and in that time I’ve had 250+ manuscripts travel across my desk—and helped diagnose just about every story problem under the sun.

      These days, I teach writers how to turn the stories of their heart into compelling works of fiction, no fancy MFA or monthlong writing retreat required. Just intuitive systems, powerful craft frameworks, and a finished novel you’re proud to publish.

      Because your story deserves to be told, and told well.

      Get to Know Lewis
      Our Success Stories
      Collage with author photo, Lewis Jorstad holding books, and fiction writers on Zoom

      Let’s Work Together

      Signature Writing Programs

      Our programs give you the step-by-step guidance and hands-on coaching you need to go from stuck to published—all while writing a story you love.

      Woman holding a corkboard with her outline of her novel

      🏕️ Outline Camp

      In this high-touch program, you’ll craft a page-turning story and build a flexible plan to finally get your novel to The End. Over 80% of Outline Camp alumni finish their drafts in six months or less.

      Learn More
      Woman working on her novel on the couch, with a notebook in her hand

      🛠️ The Forge

      Inside this book coaching membership, you’ll find the ongoing support, accountability, and mentorship you need to make writing a productive, consistent part of your life.

      Reopening Fall 2026
      Alyssa Hanke, editing client with Lewis Jorstad

      Alyssa Hanke

      Dark Fantasy Author

      “Lewis was very insightful when it came to understanding where I wanted to go with my story. He helped me develop my ideas and gave me lots of great feedback in regards to the structure, genre, and plot of the piece. He was kind, thoughtful, and wonderful to work with.”

      Kae Wagner, book editing client with Lewis and author of Midnight at the Back Gate

      Kae Wagner

      Author of the Frankie Girl Series

      “Lewis walked me through my revisions with the patience of a saint and the insight of someone who actually gets story structure. His feedback gave me permission to be ruthless, while keeping the heart of what worked in my novel. Now I’m staring at a manuscript that feels like it grew a backbone. That alone was worth the price of admission.

      Thanks, Lewis, you are this author’s salvation.”

      Kiki Boyett, Outline Camp student

      Kiki Boyett

      Fantasy Writer

      “Let me just say, I haven’t hit those moments that I used to ALWAYS hit, where I had no idea what’s coming next or that this story wasn’t going anywhere. I’ve felt empowered to keep moving forward, and it is 1000% due to the skills I learned in Outline Camp!

      Like so many others, plotting was a nightmare for me—hard and confusing—and 9 times out of 10, useless when I sat down to write. This method met me where my brain lived, it stretched my imagination, not my patience.”

      Katie Yamamoto, developmental editing client with Lewis

      Katie Yamamoto

      YA Dystopian Writer

      “Before Outline Camp, I had a lot of random ideas of character interactions and snippets of action scenes, but no idea how to tame them into a cohesive story. I had taken as many free courses as I had time for, but I was really craving a step-by-step process and direct feedback from a coach. Outline Camp provided both of those things, and I cannot say enough about Lewis’ knowledge of craft and the fun, welcoming environment he creates.

      The best part of Outline Camp for me was the confidence I now have in creating a story that works.”

      Caitlin Satterlie, book coaching client with Lewis

      Caitlin Satterlie

      YA Contemporary Writer

      “The Big Picture Edit and Lewis’s expertise was exactly what my novel needed. Lewis organized my edit letter in a way that was clear and manageable without being overwhelming. He pinpointed my draft’s weaknesses and had so many recommendations on how I could address them. I had so many lightbulb moments, I couldn’t wait to apply his advice to my next draft.

      His sharp eye for detail makes him a dream editor. You will not regret working with Lewis!”

      Richard Hartman

      Thriller Writer

      “I had worked on this manuscript for too long and knew I had a lot to fix, but Lewis lifted the fog and gave me a clear path forward. If you have something you love—characters, a great plot, theme—but you need a fresh, experienced set of eyes to help you sort things out, working with Lewis was the perfect option.”

      JenClaire Patterson, writing student at The Novel Smithy

      JenClaire Patterson

      Mystery Writer

      “This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. The editorial letter was perfect. I walked away with clear ideas of what to work on, and most importantly, the motivation to do them (it wasn’t so many suggestions I dreaded tackling it, quite the opposite). Lewis’ suggestions were so helpful and easy to apply. I haven’t been this excited about working on this novel in a long time.”

      Claudia Gotthardt

      Fantasy Writer

      “Until I joined the Outline Camp, my story was a heap of too many ideas, old snippets, and a lot of frustration. Lewis’s gently-structured process has helped me to sort through it all and define a solid foundation I’m excited to work with. And the lovely group sessions helped my squirrel brain to focus on only one story for six weeks, which is a big feat!

      This was a true lifeline for anyone who is adrift in their story and drowning in their own ideas.”

      Morgan Kelly, developmental editing client with Lewis

      Morgan Kelly

      Dark Fantasy Writer

      “Over the last few months, I’ve gotten my novel through the editing stage! I’d completed some 50k NaNo novel starts, and I’d even done a 75k one, but none of my longer work ever really made it to polished status. I would tell any writer curious about the Forge to come jump on in!”

      Articles & Resources

      Best of the TNS Blog

      Browse the Archives

      How to Write an Awesome Ensemble Cast

      Character Development

      The Four Act Structure: What It Is + How It Works

      Plot & Structure

      4 Key Crossroads Your Protagonist Must Face

      Character Development

      A Better Way to Write Diverse Characters

      Character Development

      Redemption Arcs: How to Redeem a Flawed Character

      Character Development

      Writing a Trilogy: How to Plan a Series of Novels

      Planning Your Novel

      Free Writing Workshop

      How to Outline an Intuitive Story

      If you get stuck halfway through every draft you write, the culprit might not be your story—it’s probably your outline.

      In this 60-minute workshop, you’ll learn the three biggest mistakes I see writers make when starting their novels, and how to plan a story that actually gets written!

      Watch the Workshop