Wanna Write a Novel? Matt Bell’s Got You Covered

🎙️ New episode: Get the blueprint from "Refuse to Be Done"

Hey Bleeders,

If you’re someone who dreams of seeing your novel on the shelf someday, this week’s episode is a must-listen. I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the brilliant

Matt Bell

—author of Appleseed, the craft book Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts, and an ever-growing oeuvre of incredible fiction.

This episode is a masterclass in novel writing—practical, inspiring, and everything you need to tackle your manuscript with confidence. If you’ve ever stared at a blank page thinking, How do I even start?, or found yourself stuck in the murky middle of your manuscript, don’t worry—this episode will help you find your way to the end.

Here’s what we cover:

✅ Breaking down the novel-writing process

Matt walks us through the three stages of writing a novel:

1. Discovery draft: This stage is all about exploration—finding your story, getting to know your characters, and embracing the messiness of getting your concept onto the page.

2. Narrative draft: Focus on structure and plot—how can you make this story the best it can be?

3. Reader-focused draft: Polish and smooth so your audience gets the best reading experience possible.

“A novel is really effort expressed over time,” Matt says. This episode is packed with actionable advice to make that effort feel less daunting.

✅ Craft book inspiration

Matt shares some of his favorite craft books, including The Writer’s Notebook: Craft Essays from Tin House, The Art Of series from Graywolf Press, and

Benjamin Dreyer

’s Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style. We also get nerdy about how those books shaped his own approach to writing Refuse to Be Done.

✅ Dealing with the inevitable writerly doubts

Matt’s advice for living with uncertainty and avoiding the comparison trap is both comforting and motivating. Spoiler: Comparison is the root of writer’s block, but embracing your weaknesses as areas of exploration? That’s where the growth magic happens.

Just press play already

Matt’s wisdom will change the way you approach the process. He’s funny, generous, and makes writing feel doable—even if you’re a little scared to start. Plus, Matt shares his tips for NaNoWriMo success, insights on the agent-publisher relationship, the importance of focusing on the work itself rather than external rewards, the benefits of taking breaks, and so much more. Let Matt light a fire under your creative process.

🎧 Listen to Matt’s episode now!

XO,
Courtney

P.S. If you’re loving the pod, please leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it helps other writers find the show!

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I’m teaching some upcoming workshops you might be interested in:

• Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns

• Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast

• How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought

• Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network and Business

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So… ROLL CALL! 🗣️

What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to novel writing? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear!