Writing a Novel Only Takes 3 Drafts!
And other brilliant reframing & advice from novelist Matt Bell
Hello Bleeders!
The latest episode is teeming with writerly wisdom from “the trenches” (aka the desk, every day). Novelist Matt Bell is prolific, which means a lot of showing up whether or not the spirit moves him on a particular day. He’s also a teacher and the kind of writer keen to share what he’s learned along the way. That made for a delightfully nerdy conversation about writing practice and mindset (with a side of publishing) and gave me lots to noodle on after the interview — some tidbits running on loop — so I know you’ll find something useful to take away from listening, as well.
🎧 How to Write a Novel with Author Matt Bell & His Craft Book "Refuse to Be Done"
Matt Bell wrote his craft book Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts between drafts of his latest novel Appleseed, and most likely, both books were the better for it. Matt has an exhausting yet enviably productive novel-writing process — it’s truly inspiring. He's a writer's writer and knows all about creating the best writing and publishing life for him, as we all should! We also discuss his tips for NaNoWriMo, his favorite craft books, and more.
Here’s a preview:
“Publishing books does change your life, of course, but the change that happens at the granular level that changes you as a person is something you do at the desk. And so if you privilege what happens in the time you're at the desk with yourself that just makes everything else easier. And it's also the part you can control. And I think that that is really important that so much of the outside stuff is completely outside your influence. And you will also just keep raising the bar as you succeed.”
Episode links:
🏃♀️ Follow Matt Bell @mdbell79 on Twitter and Instagram.
🔔 Subscribe to Matt Bell’s “No Failure, Only Practice” newsletter on Substack.
🛒 Order Matt’s latest novel Appleseed and his craft book Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts.
💻 Check out Matt’s website for more about his writing and books.
🎧 And, of course, pop in those earbuds and listen to How to Write a Novel with Author Matt Bell & His Craft Book "Refuse to Be Done" on your favorite podcast platform.
Online reading about writing:
The Murky Path To Becoming a New York Times Best Seller - Sophie Vershbow investigates The New York Times best-seller list for Esquire and oof, another reminder to privilege what happens at the desk because this shit is not a meritocracy.
My boyfriend, a writer, broke up with me because I’m a writer - Isabel Kaplan’s essay in The Guardian. Obligatory. Presented without commentary (BUT WOULD LOVE TO TALK ABOUT IT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW).
Until next time, HAPPY BLEEDING!
So… ROLL CALL! 🗣️
Let’s discuss The Guardian essay…
Are you in a relationship with another writer?
If not, have you ever submitted yourself to that particular form of torture?
What’s the correct way to handle career jealousies within that dynamic?
What’s the etiquette for writers writing about each other?
Any thoughts are welcome!
Let’s connect on social media! I’m at @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.