About

This four-week, beginner-friendly program supports writers as they set a routine and provides feedback on pacing, emotional depth, and momentum.

Our “Writing Coach” series is a three-part series designed to help writers at any stage of their writing process — Foundation and Story Blueprint, Drafting (this class), and Finishing the Draft. In each phase, writers work one-on-one with writing coach Chrystal Street.

The second phrase, Drafting, is designed to help writers move from planning into consistent, forward momentum. This phase focuses on building a routine and overcoming the common mindset and scheduling challenges that can stall a draft. Writers commit to regular scene production while receiving guidance to help stay focused, motivated, and aligned with their goals.

Throughout the four weeks, writers receive targeted feedback on chapters and scenes, with an emphasis on pacing, tone, emotional depth, and sensory detail. Special attention is given to navigating the “messy middle,” offering practical techniques to push through uncertainty and maintain narrative drive. By the end of this phase, writers will have a significant portion of their manuscript drafted and a clearer sense of how to carry their story forward with confidence.

General Details

• Skill level: All levels, including beginner.
• Each phase includes a weekly 60-minute call, or an in-person meet-up on Bainbridge Island with Chrystal, and daily email/chat support.
• Other phases (Draft Builder Phase 1: Foundation and Story Blueprint and Draft Builder Phase 3: Finishing the Draft),  are not prerequisites for this phase.
• Meeting times and locations will be decided upon by writer and coach.

Choose Your Level

Level 1: Overview

• Focus on maintaining momentum and avoiding getting stuck
• Accountability and support in maintaining writing momentum
• High-level feedback on submitted sections
• Guidance on pacing, structure, and staying on track
• Help troubleshooting common drafting challenges - like the messy middle
• Addressing any concerns students have with their progress and direction

Level 2: In-Depth

• Everything in Level 1, plus:
• Focus on strengthening the draft as it is being written
• Detailed feedback on submitted scenes/chapters
• Scene-level guidance on conflict, stakes, and structure
• Support in strengthening narrative tension and pacing
• Identifying structural issues 
• Email support between in-person sessions

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.