Ready to Plan, Write, and Finish Your Draft?

Draft It Scared

Small-Group Book Coaching for Fiction Writers

Draft It Scared is built on the belief that courage in writing doesn’t mean doubt and fear disappear—it means you don’t have to face it alone.

Groups capped at six writers.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE SPRING 2026 Cohort!

Apply for a spot in the Spring 2026 Cohort

“Stacy has created a fabulous, supportive group coaching experience that honors the writer, their process, and helps them make steady progress on their story and goals. I had some big story breakthroughs during my time in this cohort, and I always felt heard and supported during my cohort. Highly recommend!”

—K. Women’s Fiction Writer, Fall Cohort, 2025

Who’s this for: 

  • A writer stuck in drafting and doubting their ability to tell the story.

  • A writer who feels paralyzed by impostor syndrome cannot shake their inner critic.

  • A writer with a story idea who has never written a book or has stalled out with their writing.

  • A writer who keeps writing/re-writing the first three chapters or jumps from project to project and never finishes.

  • A writer who is overwhelmed at the idea of writing a book and feels uncertain about how to begin.

  • A writer who wants accountability and guidance with a built-in community and support.

  • A writer willing to participate and give as much as they get in a group learning environment.

“I’ve read so many books on productivity that taught me a lot, but netted no change. Feels so good to finally cooperate with my own goals!”

— Denise, Women’s Fiction Writer

What’s included: 

The January 2026 cohort will run from January 12 to May 22, 2026.

  • Story Development & Drafting Instruction from a professional editor and book coach using a combination of Author Accelerator’s signature tools, such as the Inside Outline and parts of the Blueprint for a Book Process, plus story structure and character development techniques, all delivered to you via video format and easy access downloads to watch/view when it’s convenient for you.

  • Three 60-minute Interactive Coaching Calls Per Month (on Zoom) where we talk about all things writing and mindset-related. Each writer will have an opportunity to workshop their story with me in a Story Spotlight, ask questions about modules and homework, and receive input from others if they wish.

  • Weekly Accountability Check-ins to help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Tools to Keep You on Target with mindset, story development, word count, and help manage expectations when life happens.

  • Access to a Group Slack Channel so you can communicate with the group and me during the week to post your writing questions, get support, plot help, and stay motivated.

  • Supportive Setting in a small group coaching environment: 6 writers maximum.

  • Once a Month, an Individual 60-minute Book Coaching Session where we can review your written work or brainstorm character, plot, story, or mindset struggles.

  • Editorial feedback on three deadlines per month (five pages of written work per submission)

  • Option to purchase additional editorial feedback each month.

  • The January 2026 cohort will run from January 12 to May 22, 2026.

  • There will be no critique between writers on written work. Writers will not swap pages.

“Being in community really does bring levity to these WTF swirly moments, and I feel like a stronger writer knowing we’re all doing this together.”
— E, Fall Cohort

Investment: 

$375 per month, 3-month minimum commitment.

All fiction genres are welcome. (Not for non-fiction or memoir writers.)

  • Writers must be kind and courteous and agree not to share another’s ideas or work. 

  • There is a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind.

“I finished my first draft! So excited and thankful to everyone for helping me along the way.”

—Darby, Fantasy Writer

Group Coaching Call Schedule:

Two Cohorts for Spring 2026.

Cohort 1 meets: Tuesdays at 9 AM PT. (Openings available)

Cohort 2 meets: Tuesdays at 1130 AM PT. (This Cohort is FULL!)

(Group coaching call schedule: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Tuesday of each month unless otherwise specified.)

NOW ACCEPTING INQUIRIES FOR THE SPRING 2026 COHORT!

Apply here for the January 2026 Cohort

REVIEWS FOR GROUP COACHING

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't know where I'd be had I not found Stacy and this WIS community. Pursuing my writing with intention through group coaching with Stacy has not only helped build my confidence in writing my stories, but it has also helped in so many other areas of my life as well. I look forward to our weekly sessions so much it hurts!

—Kristi Colbert, Children’s Author, Women’s Fiction Writer

“Stacy, I wanted to let you know how great it’s been to work with you the past few months. I really needed to find a “home base” where I could be inspired, challenged, and yet affirmed. You’ve done all of that. You’re truly a gifted coach. Your feedback is such a special house blend of assistance toward growth and affirmation of the individual…not all creativity is alike. I look forward to my continued growth and work with you.”

— Barb, Cozy Mystery Writer

“Dear Stacy, I'm writing to say how incredibly helpful your group coaching has been over the past few weeks. Your craft modules have enabled me to better understand both my story and my main character. Your coaching style is accessible and fosters a great sense of community. Overall it has been such a great experience. I have looked forward to our group call every week.”

— Emily, Rom/Com Writer

“I completed all the modules, just finished 12 today! I am happy to have worked through them. They've helped me get reacquainted and excited by this story again after all this time. I am now ready to start drafting my “as-is outline” and new scenes.”

-Mirah, Fall 2024 Cohort Member

“This course is, by far, the most useful forum I have come across in my quest to draft my first novel. From day one, Stacy has been encouraging, supportive, and has a wealth of knowledge on the subject of fiction writing. She fostered a cohesive group that allowed us to share our weekly "wins" and support each other through the more trying moments of a writer's life. Stacy has fully dedicated herself to this work and is by far the best writing coach I have worked with. Because of her, my first draft has moved closer to completion. I highly recommend this group.”

— Denise, Women’s Fiction Writer

“I am grateful to everyone in this group for their support, for showing up, for being open and honest, and for letting us learn from their personal wins and challenges. I am pleased with how much I have learned, how I have improved my craft skills, and how I have gained confidence and the tools to use for both writing and mindset! Stacy is always so patient, emphatic, helpful, creative, kind, and always knows when and what to advise, which exercise to propose, which book or movie to recommend. And of course, the best is deadlines and editorial feedback! I am deeply thankful and happy to be part of the group, to see how my story and characters are growing, how I grow with them together.”

—Liubov Kamosko, Fantasy Writer Fall 2025 Cohort

Apply for a the January 2026 Cohort

FAQ’s

Questions About Professional Editorial Feedback

  • You’ll receive professional, developmental feedback focused on story clarity, structure, character development, and scene structure. The goal is to help you understand what’s working, what needs attention, and what to focus on next—without overwhelming you.

  • Editorial feedback in Draft It Scared comes from a trained book coach and editor. It’s grounded in craft, genre expectations, and story structure—not personal taste. You’re not guessing which notes to follow or trying to please multiple voices.

  • No. This program focuses on developmental feedback, not copyedits. We’re working on the big-picture elements that help you finish a strong draft—structure, character, and story logic.

Questions About Group Coaching Sessions

  • Each hour long session includes a mix of craft discussion, mindset support, and live coaching for two writers who have designated story spotlights. We talk through your questions about your story, writing process, and the challenges that come up while drafting. There is no cross-talk during a writer’s time to share about their work. But encouraging supportive and collaborative comments are welcome in the chat. Each writer is asked if they would like input from the group at the end of their share time.

  • Two writers will share and receive coaching during each 60-minute call.

    A Story Spotlight schedule is prepared before the cohort officially begins, so you always know when you’ll be sharing. There is a Work-In-Progress Report where you will list the elements/ideas/concerns you would like to receive coaching/feedback on.

    If there is a scheduling issue, writers can swap Story Spotlight times.

  • During your story spotlight yes, but otherwise no. You’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels supportive—listening counts. Many writers find value just in hearing others work through similar challenges.

  • All group coaching sessions are recorded. You’ll have access to the replays so you can stay connected even if life gets in the way.

Questions About the Private Writing Community

  • It’s a small, supportive space where writers share progress, questions, and encouragement. This is not a noisy, overwhelming, or competitive environment—it’s intentionally calm, joyful, real and respectful, and 100%  grounded.

  • Highly encouraged but not required. You can engage as much or as little as you want. Some writers post often; others check in quietly. Both are welcome.

  • No. While accountability naturally happens, this is not pressure-based or shame-driven. The community exists to support steady progress and normalize the ups and downs of drafting.

Questions About Fit & Logistics

  • Not at all. Draft It Scared supports writers at many stages—first-time novelists and experienced authors alike. The tools and guidance are flexible enough to meet you where you are.

  • Yes. Many writers join when they’re stalled, second-guessing, or circling their story. The combination of structure, feedback, and support is designed to help you regain momentum without pushing harder.

  • There’s no hourly requirement. Most writers spend several hours a week writing, engaging with lessons, or reviewing feedback. The focus is on consistency, not intensity.

  • Falling behind is part of being human. Draft It Scared is designed to support you when life happens without guilt or shame, so you can come back to the work when you are ready.

  • Cohorts are intentionally small to protect the quality of feedback, coaching, and community connection.

  • You can choose to re-enroll for the next session. (Two sessions per year)

  • If you’re craving professional guidance, steady support, and a way to keep showing up for your writing—even when it feels hard—this program is likely a good fit.

Still have questions?

You’re welcome to reach out—email me at stacy@writeitscared.co, or fill out the application form and schedule a free consultation call. We’ll explore the fit together.

Apply for a the January 2026 Cohort