Trail Guide to a Novel
Small group coaching using a proven method + a nature lens
Now accepting interest for the Fall 2025 cohort!
Nature-passionate people just see the world differently.
You notice the living things around you.
You notice where nature is allowed to show up, and where it is excluded.
You see what was and what still could be.
Not everyone sees what you see. This vision is your superpower. Why not use it as you plan your novel?
Trail Guide to a Novel is a 6 week, small group coaching cohort of 4-6 writers who want to lay the ground work for a nature-centered fiction project. Together, we’ll define the key foundational elements of your story, including your point, your protagonist and their character arc, and the cause-and-effect momentum that will carry your protagonist to The End. Through live instruction and coaching, and three opportunities for written feedback from me, you will come away with a clear vision of your novel and be ready to execute it.
In 6 weeks you could be prepared and confident to begin writing your novel.
Hi, I’m Erin, and I’ve been in your shoes: a nature-passionate person who was curious about writing a novel but had no idea where to begin. I spent years thinking these passions were two distinct things–nature and fiction–and not realizing I could fit them together. Turns out it’s possible to take your love of the natural world, add a bit of story construction know-how, and finally get unstuck.
You bring the passion for nature. I’ll teach you how to grow a story.
Ready for the details?
In Trail Guide to a Novel small group coaching we’ll:
Use Blueprint for a Book by Jennie Nash as our framework
Apply a nature-forward outlook to focus on what really matters to you as a nature-passionate writer
Take cues from nature and story craft, and apply those lessons your work
What’s included:
Weekly group meetings alternating between instruction and live coaching, so you have opportunities to learn, get answers, and apply the knowledge.
Deep dive workbook to really uncover who your protagonist is, because they are the key to a novel that works.
Three submission deadlines with written feedback from me. Stop guessing if you are ‘getting it’ and move forward confidently.
The option to purchase additional feedback if desired. In case you want some 1:1 energy!
Trail Guide to a Novel fall 2025 cohort price: $350
Sessions will meet every Tuesday at 2:30pm PST from October 14th to November 18th.
Put on your pine-colored glasses and plan your nature-centered novel with a group of fellow enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Trail Guide to a Novel meet?
We gather online via Google Meet. To participate you should have access to the internet and be comfortable being on camera.
Will other participants be reading my work?
No, only I will read the submissions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions that are specific to your story during the live coaching sessions, but no one else will see your writing.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, you have the option of paying the full amount up front, or half to secure your spot and the balance by October 27th.
What If I want you to comment on my full Blueprint?
You will have the option of purchasing a full review of your Blueprint at the end of the session. The cost will be $300 and will include in-line comments, a detailed feedback letter, and an hour long coaching call.