The Novel Workbook for Messy Writers: Videos
Do you want to write a novel?
what people are saying:
"This makes so much sense to my own "messy" way of writing, but also offers concrete ways to get your thoughts onto the page."
Delilah Devlin, NYT Bestseller
“Authors will use this inspiring book with every project.”
Donna Fasano, USA Today Bestseller
"Buy this book. It's an amazing tool for novelists in all genres."
Chuck Sambuchino, author of Get a Literary Agent
Why Messy?
Many existing books on writing are long and complex. Some of the workbooks are daunting and require reading long passages before doing any writing, or involve completing exercises that have nothing to do with the final goal – a completed novel. Many writing books expect you to complete exercises in a separate notebook or on your computer, which only serves to distract writers from the process of learning as they go. And some writing workbooks are so detailed and intricate as to be robotic.
All of these qualities make books and workbooks like this unsuitable to writers like me—creative, impulsive, disorganized and “messy”. I have ADHD, and have abandoned more writing books (and software!) than I care to admit. The Novel Writing Workbook For Messy Writers is designed for writers like me, and is based on the extensive notes I have accumulated while writing my fourteen published books.
about the Book
There are many thousands, if not millions of aspiring novelists out there who simply don’t know where to start. Thousands more writers have attempted or even completed a novel or two but are looking for a new way of approaching their next one. Then there are successful, published novelists who are sure they’ve forgotten how to write a novel and will never be able to do it again. And finally there are published novelists who are confident they can do it again if they could just find their laptop under the chaos on their desk.
The Novel Workbook for Messy Writers is for all of the above and more. It’s a writer’s workbook that provides just enough structure to get the creative juices flowing, while leaving writers the freedom to get their words down how, when and where they want to. Lists, quotes, doodles, collage, prose, verse, song lyrics, maps and diagrams will all fit into the Workbook pages, allowing writers to create a complete and detailed blueprint for their novel, including such information as character names, setting descriptions, genre, musical inspiration, props, world-building and much more.
Including prompts and tips on each page, The Novel Workbook for Messy Writers is for novelists of all ages, at any stage in their writing career.
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Links
Book Mentoring
Picture Book Mentoring
Have you got a book inside you? Maybe a LOT of books? Gabrielle is now offering a mentoring package for picture book writers at any level from very beginner to published. The package consists of ten hours of advice, critiques, exercises, feedback, strategizing and support, custom tailored to each writer’s needs.
The aim of the package is to inspire and guide picture book authors or author/illustrators to create marketable picture book manuscripts, along with a strategy to getting them into the hands of publishers.
The mentoring process is self-paced and dependent on the needs of the writer. We can work intensively for a month or at a more relaxed pace for a year or more. And the package is renewable. If you want to continue working after the ten hours is up, simply re-enrol.
The cost of the package is $499USD. Please email Gabrielle at gp (at) angelhorn (dot) com to discuss.
“Working with Gabrielle has made a huge difference in my writing career. She gently guided me towards a different kind of picture book writing–one that was more marketable. With her help querying, I was able to sign with a reputable agent and eventually secure my first book deal with a Big 5 publisher. My next goal is to write a YA novel–with Gabrielle’s help again!” Julie Thompson, When Isaac Hears the Rain coming from Worthy Kids/Hachette Spring 2024
Query Mentoring
Are you ready to query agents or publishers? Gabrielle will consult with you on your query to get it into the best shape possible. This process includes a 15 minute Zoom to discuss your project and to answer any questions you may have about writing your query and preparing your submission package. Following this you will write the first draft of your query and Gabrielle will review it, offering extensive notes and tips to improve on your work. With your second draft in hand, you and Gabrielle will have another 15 minute Zoom to finalize any last tweaks and strategize for your submission plan.
The cost for this package is $99USD. Please email Gabrielle at gp (at) angelhorn (dot) com to discuss.
The Courage to Write Mentoring
Have you always dreamt of writing a novel? Do you not know where to start? Gabrielle’s Courage to Write Package may be just the thing for you. You will start with a 30 minute Zoom with Gabrielle to discuss your ideas and your goals. Following this you will receive your included copy of THE NOVEL WORKBOOK FOR MESSY WRITERS (note: if you already have a copy you will receive a free copy of any of Gabrielle’s other books) and begin your writing process. Gabrielle will schedule two further 30 minute calls with you: one after you have finalized the idea for your book and written your short (250 word) pitch and one after you have written your first chapter. Gabrielle will review and provide notes and feedback on both.
An optional extra, if you are a plotter (you write an outline before writing) is another call after Gabrielle reads your complete synopsis (1000-2000 words).
The cost for this package is $299USD with the full synopsis option an extra $99USD. Please email Gabrielle at gp (at) angelhorn (dot) com to discuss.
Book Doula Mentoring
Do you think you need help and support through the whole process of writing a book? As a book doula, Gabrielle will consult with you monthly to advise, support, encourage, help inspire your writing journey and keep you accountable. This service includes weekly check-ins, one monthly 30 minute zoom/call as well as notes on up to five pages per month (12 pt, Times Roman, double spaced–about 1500 words).
Book Doula mentoring is $99 per month, with a minimum of 3 months. Notes on extra pages can be added for $10/page. Please email Gabrielle at gp (at) angelhorn (dot) com to discuss.
G.S. (Gabrielle) Prendergast is the bestselling author of numerous books for children and teens. She studied writing at the University of New South Wales in Australia, at San Francisco State University and the University of British Columbia. After years of working in the music industry, in social welfare, and the film industry, Gabrielle began writing books when she became a mother, so she could work from home. Her books have received nominations for the White Pine Award, the Canadian Library Association Award, the Vancouver Book Prize and several other honors. She won the BC Book Prize for her YA sci-fi Zero Repeat Forever and the Westchester Award for her YA novel in verse Audacious. Born in the UK and both an Australian and New Zealand citizen, Gabrielle now lives in East Vancouver in a permanent state of “under-construction”.