Draft Builders Phase 2: Drafting

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 Lester.

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.

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.

Class Policies