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.
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.
— Christine Wilcox
Historical Fiction Writer
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.
Forget rigid formulas—this free masterclass shows you how to plan your stories intuitively, while still writing a novel readers want to read.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let’s Work Together
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.
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.
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.
Caitlin Satterlie
“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!”
Kiki Boyett
“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.”
Morgan Kelly
“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!”
Kae Wagner
“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.”
Jenni Meade
“Lewis encouraged me to embrace the heart of my voice while girding it with structural sense. I’ve been published by four literary magazines since our work together!”
Kathryn McAulay
“I finished the first draft of my novel a couple of years ago, then had critique partners read it, then beta readers, but while I received nice comments, I still felt it wasn’t quite right.
Lewis came along and pointed out a number of things I hadn’t seen because I was too close to it. Everything he gave back to me made perfect sense, and I would absolutely recommend getting a Big Picture Edit from Lewis. It was invaluable. I’m planning to get him to read all of my novels in the future!”
Ellie Roth
“When I first thought about joining the Forge, I was skeptical. I liked the idea of the vault and guest speakers, but I didn’t think I “needed” a community (which is utterly hilarious in hindsight—it’s been the most valuable part for me) and I’m kind of a penny-pincher when it comes to spending money. But I eventually decided to take the leap.
Cue me accidentally finding some of the best friends I’ve ever had, gaining real craft and marketing skills, and having all the resources I could possibly want to improve my novels. It was genuinely one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my writing!”
JenClaire Patterson
“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.”
Alyssa Hanke
“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.”
Best of the TNS Blog
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!
