• I get feedback while working on my draft, instead of having to wait until I’ve completed the whole thing.
• It helps me really see the work – re-vision as in to see it anew.
• It is just so helpful!
• Before, I could have spent many hours writing scenes that don’t work.
• I absolutely love it.
• Alida brings us back to the writing craft.
• Something unique about this program, is that Alida keeps us focused on the writing.
• I appreciate the opportunity to apply what I learn to my writing immediately.
• Alida is so responsive to what we are encountering in our work.
• The intensive learning is enormously helpful.
• We get feedback from Alida and from each other.
• It’s a very empowering process, developing this toolkit together.
• The nuts and bolts mentoring is really helpful.
• It has amazed me how similar our craft issues are, despite how different our genres are.
• It’s really helpful to realize you’re not alone and struggling with your writing.
• We get to bring our questions to the office hours and to class and get the answers we need.
• In all of the sessions, the writers really support each other and work together to get the most out of every call.
• Writers form friendships that last beyond the session.
• Alida asks us what we would like to learn before every session.
• Alida invites us to reflect on our writing and work out where the blocks are.
• Alida set the coaching up to be responsive, not rigid.
• It’s fun to have a constant exchange and flow happening on our calls!
• I love it!

The Novel Journey

coaching program – idea to draft

2025 Schedule

Coaching calls will be held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and typically last 2 – 3 hours, including time for discussion of readings, a craft lesson, exercises, and student updates and questions. Depending on group size, calls may be significantly shorter than 3 hours. Optional office hour calls will be held in the off-weeks. These are an opportunity for you to ask questions and get answers in between regular sessions.

Learn more at your discovery call.

You may be asked to supply a writing sample before being offered a spot in an upcoming coaching session.

Are you ready to finish your novel while taking your writing to new heights?

Cost per session: $2400

Payments will be invoiced and may be paid by PayPal, Stripe, or check. Installments available. Service fees apply and will be added to the invoice.

A scholarship may be available – ask.

You may be asked to supply a writing sample before being offered a spot in an upcoming coaching session.

Meet Alida

I named my coaching and developmental editing service Word Essential, because I truly believe that every word matters. For over a decade, I’ve been the writer behind the scenes, teaching, coaching, and editing whoever discovered me and my offerings, usually through word of mouth. I love helping others develop writing craft while bringing their own, deeply personal project to life. Whether a novel, memoir, self-help, stories, or essays, if it has narrative, I’m here for you.

A lifelong writer, with an MFA in writing, two published novels, two indispensable craft books (The Story Works Guide to Writing Character and The Story Works Guide to Writing Point of View), and numerous literary journal publications, I bring a lifetime of dedication to the written word. For over 12 years, I’ve been at the head of the classroom, from high school to college to graduate school, and even in Minnesota prisons, while connecting with writers the world over through my own platform, here at Word Essential. I’ve mentored novelists of all levels with varied genres, styles, and goals.

A three-time Pushcart Prize nominee, Notable in Best American Essays, and Page Turner Award winner, I am the creator and host of the Story Works Round Table podcast with over 7 years and 300 craft-focused episodes. The writer’s writer, I know what it takes to elevate your craft. Whether you’re starting your first book or your fifteenth, I want to be in your corner.