From Blank Page to Breakthrough: Prepping Your Story (and Heart) for Novel November
Prep-Tober isn’t just about filling in outlines or plotting word counts—it’s about preparing yourself for the journey. Because the truth is, Novel November is as much a battle of the heart as it is of the page.
📄 The Lie of the Blank Page
We often stare at the blinking cursor and tell ourselves, I don’t have enough figured out to start.
We think we need a perfect map, a flawless character arc, or every detail tied up in a color-coded binder before the words can flow.
But here’s the secret: breakthroughs rarely come from having it all figured out. They come from showing up and writing through the unknown.
🧩 Prepping Your Story Bones
Instead of obsessing over details, focus on your story’s essentials. Think of these as your compass—something to guide you, but not cage you.
The “Why” – Why does this story matter to you? (This will anchor you on the hard days.)
The Character – Who has the most to lose, and what do they long for most?
The Stakes – What’s at risk if they fail? (And what’s gained if they succeed?)
The Theme – What truth do you hope shines through by the end?
Bonus: Consider the main plot points as pillars for your story.
💜 Prepping Your Heart
Novel November challenges us in many ways. One of those aims directly at our courage.
So, I want to encourage you to:
Release perfection. Your first draft will be messy-that’s just face.
Invite God into the process. Let Him remind you why He entrusted this story to you.
Name your fears. Write them out, then counter them with truth. (Example: I’m not qualified → I was called to write this.)
The most powerful prep you can do this month isn’t just for your plot. It’s for your posture.
✍️ My Own Story + Heart Prep
Here’s how I’m preparing myself for Novel November this October:
Reviewing my series arcs → Since Chaos of the Stars has returned from betas, I’m spending time split between mapping how Book 3 will carry the themes of identity and becoming and revising Chaos of the Stars.
Rooting in prayer → Each writing session this month begins with a few minutes of stillness, inviting God to guide the words instead of my own striving.
Permission slips → I’ve literally written myself sticky notes that say: “Messy is sacred. Draft first, refine later.”
This way, I’m stepping into November with clarity and courage.
🌟 Final Encouragement
The breakthrough happens when you trust that you’re not writing alone. Your job is to prepare your story’s heart—and your own—and then show up.
🚀 What’s next?
What’s one thing you’re doing this Prep-Tober to prepare your heart for Novel November?
Share it in the comments or message me—I’d love to cheer you on.
And if you know you’ll need extra encouragement and accountability during these sprints, join my 30-day sprint to the end of the script, “Flip the Script.” Doors open soon!
Together, we’ll go from blank page to breakthrough—without the burnout.
