Hi Reader,

"Is it good?" This is the most common question I hear from customers at the bookstore.

There is always a particular book at the heart of the question, and usually it is something from the new release display--something that hasn't been tested yet by time.

Before I answer, I ask what they've read and liked recently and what they're in the mood for. Because the question, "Is it good?" almost never means, "Is this book something my English teacher will point to as a shining example of narrative form?" It almost always means, "Will I like it?"

What Makes a Book Good?

This question of what makes a book good--and what our readers will like--drives to the center of what we're doing as writers. We all want to write something good. We, after all, have excellent tastes as readers ourselves. We can point to our favorite books as categorically "good," and yet our own drafts (especially those early ones) don't quite hit the bar.

What gives? How do you write a book that you yourself know is good and that a lot of other people will consider good, too?

1. Understand (and work to accept) that not everyone's definition of "good" is the same. Tastes vary. Your book will not be everyone's bag--and that's OK!
2. Write the story that is alive within you without regard to the publishing market. Trying to predict trends or grasping the coattails of one that's passing by is a dangerous game. Publishing moves slowly; by the time your query hits agents inboxes there will be a new trend afoot. And if you're writing toward trend you may find that agents are no longer seeking fantasy epics centered on school-aged wizards. (Picking a trend here that has surely passed!)
3. Double down on your storytelling technique. No matter your genre or subject, compelling narrative is what will entice your readers to keep reading and to tell their friends that they must, must read your book.

Most of all, don't be discouraged by that first, third, or fifth draft. Good books, even great ones, don't emerge whole and unedited from their writers. With persistence, yours will measure up to your vision. 💥

Do you need clear outside feedback on whether your novel embodies great storytelling?Now through October 10, I'm offering readers of this newsletter a 10% discount on my manuscript review!

Your Creative Reconstitution

One of the best things I've done for myself creatively these past few years is take myself out of my familiar environment at every opportunity. There's something about a new place, new food, new people that gets the synapses firing. If you're looking for the same, I have just the experience for you!

Join fellow artists and yoga practitioners for six miraculous days in Playa Troncones, Mexico, where you'll enjoy guided meditation, energy work, creative projects, massage, fitness, and local excursions. Each day will be dedicated to one color, tuning into its vibrational energy and its effect on our emotional and physical being. Learn more about your chakra centers and how to activate their energy while enjoying the beauty of nature.

💎Your stay includes plenty of free time to reflect, rest, and restore. No artistic skills or yoga experience is needed.

I'm not associated with the retreat at all, but I know the artists and practitioners running it and can totally vouch! Plus, if you go, I can live vicariously through you ✨

COLORES RETREAT - October 14 - 21, 2023​
$2,650 all-inclusive, except airfare

Unleash your inner rainbow!

And to inspire your writing week ahead:

Here's to finding your home on the page,

Rachelle

Rachelle Newbold · PO Box 265, Napa, CA 94559

​Your Story Matters!​

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