Book Coaching for the Messy Middle

Make it through the Messy Middle

The second act—whether saggy, messy, foggy, or infuriating—is where novels often falter and writers stop progressing.

Many novelists struggle to create momentum but can’t figure out why. They go around in circles editing and perfecting or replacing an opening scene, chasing shiny new ideas but never making it past the hook or the first act, through the messy middle to a finished first draft.

That initial flurry of ideas or words was giddy, but as the weeks turn into months or years, their story is still stuck on scraps of paper, fragmented across notebooks, reduced to a few false starts.

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Messy Middle Book Coaching is here to help.

I’m Dr. Georgina Green (George), a writing and self-belief coach. With my trusty toolkit of proven story engineering principles and coaching to tap into your deeper wisdom and bolder voice, I’ll help you get through the messy middle so you can finish a strong first draft.

I work with emerging writers who want to finish their first novel—an apprentice piece where they refine their craft, put into practice all they’ve learned, and prove (mainly to themselves) that they can do it (despite many attempts that have stalled in the past).

With story-engineering insights, mindset coaching, and kind accountability as you write, you can…

✔ Get the words on the page,

✔ Write a well-paced ‘middle’ that pulls you (and readers) through to the final act.

✔ And fall in love with your unique creative process along the way.

What you can expect:

  • Support when resistance and self-doubt try to get into the driving seat.

  • A brainstorming partner to dial in the plot, structure and conflict that will carry you through the second act.

  • Deep conversation about points of craft as you write.

  • Thoughtful, analytical and targeted feedback to help you see what is working, why, and what you could do to make it stronger. 

  • Invitations to weekly small group co-writing or body doubling sessions during term time.

“Our time working together has made me feel like the mystique of book writing has had the veil lifted, and I am no longer stumbling through the process blindfolded with my hands out  in front, hoping my gutsiness will see me through.”

— P.E. Holdsworth

The Process:

  1. After you express interest, we will meet via Zoom to see if it’s a good fit, discuss your writing, and discuss logistics like scheduling.

  2. Before our first coaching call, you submit outlines, prewriting, and up to 10,000 words of draft material one working day before your appointment.

  3. Feedback: I’ll annotate with encouragement, magical questions and discussions of points of craft, providing tools and approaches tailored to your story.

  4. Deep Conversations: We meet for deep conversations, reflecting on your writing in detail, zooming out to the big picture, or looking ahead to prepare for your next submission.

  5. We repeat this rhythm for as long as it serves you -ideally through to the final page.

“The best bit is having someone who seems as invested in the story as I am, someone to  share all the plot holes / problems / confusion with and know that you aren’t on your own. I honestly can’t say enough good things about working with you.” 

— Sophie Flynn. Author of All My Lies (Simon & Schuster: 2021)

£270 a month

(After the initial month, 3 month minimum commitment)

Including:

  • Two spacious coaching and brainstorming calls (ninety minutes each)

  • On the page feedback on outlines, concepts or up to 10,000 words of your draft per month.

  • Add-ons can be purchased if you need more feedback or calls.

Whenever you’re ready, let’s talk.

I love hearing about your writing and your creative aspirations.

I also understand that the initial enquiry call can feel a bit intimidating.

My promise to you:

The call will focus on understanding what you need, and any questions you have about the process.

You will never be asked to make any commitments on the call.

There will be no hard feelings if it doesn’t seem like a fit, and I will endeavour to recommend a trusted colleague if I don’t think I’m best placed to help you.

FAQ

  • The starting point I would usually suggest is a regular appointment every other week, submitting upto 10,000 words a month (once we move into the drafting phase), and meeting for regular small group body doubling in between coaching calls. This would be £270 per month.

    This works well for those who are ready to push on at a steady but sustainable pace. However, all writers have unique needs and circumstances and we can discuss a bespoke package which will evolve as you write. There are lots of options! Book a free call to discuss what will work best for you.

  • Body doubling is a phrase that those in the ADHD community use to describe the mysterious procrastination-usting power of someone else simply sitting in the same room with you, doing their own thing, while you do the thing you've been avoiding.

    I've been running these cowriting sessions using Zoom since 2020 and they can be a great tool when you know you are ready to write but somehow, you just can't start. In 2024, I decided this was such an important part of my toolkit that all clients will receive invitiations to join me in small group body doubling or cowriting sessions.

  • Annotations are how I provide written feedback. I provide comments using Word’s commenting tool and sometimes edits to the words themselves using Tracked Changes. These annotations are not proofreading or copyedits. Instead, they are like ‘teachable moments’ that help you see where you have done something well and at times where you could strengthen your technique. I use annotations on the page to pinpoint moments, for example, where you might dig deeper, where you might be using too much telling, or where you have nailed it! You can expect at least one comment on every page. I also sometimes use annotations to suggest structural and line edit level changes. For instance, if a section or scene or paragraph would flow more smoothly somewhere else, I might use Tracked Changes to suggest where. If a beat of dialogue would be more dynamic in a slightly different order, I might use Tracked Changes to show you what I mean.

  • You can 0 to 10,000 words per call. If you’d like feedback on more than 10,000 words per month, I will need longer to work on them before the call, but it can be arranged as an add-on you can purchase.

  • After the initial month, I usually recommend a minimum commitment of three months. Writers who get the best results tend to work with me for several months.

  • Twice a month suits most people. We can arrange something different if you would like calls more or less often.

  • I prefer to hold calls on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30-12:00 or 13:00-14:30 (UK time). I realise many people will not be able to make these times, so I also offer UK evening calls between 18:00 and 19:30.

    Ideally, you will choose a slot that suits you, and that will be reserved for you until you want to give it up. I do offer limited evening and weekend slots on request, where available.

  • We will meet on Zoom unless you are able to come to my kitchen table in Worcestershire, UK (where you are most welcome!).

Book an Initial Conversation