If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your writing to the next level, of writing a novella that grips readers from the first page to the last, now is the time to make it happen. The 2025 Author’s Journey workshop is officially open for signups, and we want YOU to be a part of it. This is our fourth annual workshop, and our 2nd novella workshop. We had such an amazing success rate last year that we just have to do it again.
This workshop is for authors who are ready to challenge themselves. Whether you’re an experienced writer looking to join a group effort or a short fiction author ready to tackle something more substantial, the Author’s Journey will provide the structure, support, and professional guidance you need to succeed.
Why This Workshop is Different
Writing a novella—especially if you’ve only written short stories—can seem like a huge leap. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to do it alone. The Author’s Journey is all about community, collaboration, and support. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Guidance from Experts: Start with a one-on-one story coaching session with Joe Mynhardt, founder and CEO of Crystal Lake Publishing, and an award-winning editor. His personalized feedback and advice will help set you up for success, whether you’re a first-time novella writer or a seasoned author. Together you’ll shape your story idea and characters, no matter how much or how little of your story is already shaped.
- Professional Editing Support: Throughout the 13-week workshop, you’ll receive ongoing feedback from a dedicated team of professional editors. These editors will cover everything from plot development to character creation, pacing to suspense-building. You’ll get valuable insights at every step of the process.
- A Writing Community: Writing can be isolating, but here, you’ll work alongside other authors who are facing the same challenges. We’ll have voluntary check-ins every second Saturday via Zoom to keep you motivated and on track. You won’t just be writing in a vacuum—you’ll be supported by a team of peers and editors every step of the way.
Take Your Writing to the Next Level
What’s exciting about this workshop is that it’s designed for writers at all stages. If you’ve never written a novella before, this is your opportunity to push yourself and expand your skills. It’s not just about finishing a story, though. It’s about creating something that will stand out, a work that captures readers’ attention and keeps them hooked.
Perhaps you’ve written short stories but never ventured into the world of longer fiction. This is your chance to take the leap with guidance and support at every turn. With deadlines and regular check-ins, you’ll find yourself pushing through doubts, overcoming obstacles, and reaching new levels of creativity.
What You’ll Achieve
- A complete novella (2nd or 3rd draft)
- A deeper understanding of character development, plot structure, and pacing.
- The confidence to take on longer projects in the future.
- Multiple rounds of feedback from editors and peers to refine and perfect your story.
- You’ll also have a working relationship with several editors and a publisher (me!).
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and community support to succeed not just in completing a novella but in growing as an author. Many of our past students have gone on to receive publishing contracts and see their stories brought to life, and you could be next! Three of last year’s students received contracts from Crystal Lake Publishing, even though we really tried not to recruit any of our students.
Your Story Starts Here
There’s no better time to commit to your writing journey. Whether you’ve been thinking about writing a novella for years or are simply ready to step out of your comfort zone, the Author’s Journey workshop will provide you with everything you need to succeed.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and start your journey to novella success!
Sign Up Today.
