A Writing Coach’s Guide to Unforgettable Opening Lines

Discover what makes a great first line in fiction. Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares practical tips for hooking readers from the very first sentence.

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What Should Happen Next? How to Fill in the Gaps in Your Novel’s Plot

Let’s face it: even with the best-laid plans, stories have a mind of their own. Right now, I’m coaching several amazing authors through my First Draft group program—many of whom recently completed my Story Plan Intensive program, where they created detailed, well-structured outlines in just 30 days. These writers aren’t flying by the seat of…

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The Nature Cure for Writers: Why Attention Restoration Theory Works

What if the key to better writing wasn’t another online course, writing prompt, or productivity app… but a tree? No, seriously. There’s a reason why the best writing retreats aren’t held in office towers or strip mall conference rooms. They’re tucked away in cottages, forests, mountains, and oceanside inns. That’s not just a vibe thing.…

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Writing Coach Tips: Why Deadlines, Revisions, and Mistakes Make You a Better Author

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares essential lessons for authors on embracing deadlines, revisions, and resilience to create powerful, finished novels.

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May the Fourth Be With You: What Star Wars Taught Me About Storytelling, Childhood, and Writing

Writing Coach Podcast, Kevin T. Johns reflects on how Star Wars shaped his childhood, morality, creativity, and coaching philosophy. Discover why stories matter more than ever.

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A Writing Coach’s Guide to 6 Common Mistakes New Authors Make

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares the six most common mistakes he sees first-time authors make—because he made them too. Learn how to fix them and level up your novel.

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4 Essential Strategies Every Writing Coach Wants You to Know Before You Start Your Book

Creative writing workspace with laptop, notebook, and coffee—symbolizing book planning strategies from a writing coach.

Discover 4 proven strategies writing coaches use to help authors finish their books—from time management to accountability and deadlines that actually work.

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The Magic of the Messy Middle: Why Writing Is an Iterative Process

As a writing coach, here’s something I say to my clients all the time (and if you’ve worked with me, you’ve probably heard me say it too): writing is iterative. It’s not linear. It’s not one-and-done. And no matter how much we wish we could nail the perfect novel on our first try… we can’t.…

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Are You Killing the Tension? 3 Common Mistakes Writers Make With High-Stakes Scenes

Avoid these high-stakes pitfalls! Writing coach Kevin T. Johns reveals 3 common mistakes that flatten tension—and how to fix them fast.

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Want Readers to Care? Build Characters Who Bleed (Advice from a Writing Coach)

Want readers to care about your story? Don’t write perfect characters—write ones who bleed. Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares how flawed, emotionally raw characters drive deeper reader engagement.

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