Plot Twists, Publishing, & Parenthood
Welcome to my March author newsletter.
Greetings from yr friendly neighborhood novelist.
Monthly writing tips, pop culture recs, and secret peeks into the publishing process. Let’s go!
Such sweet and sleepy newborn days…
Greetings from New York City, Baby Edition. Truly the city that never sleeps — but not because this longtime resident is out partying like a rockstar, more like swaddling like a mum.
Our new daughter, Lulu, is now eight weeks old: current interests include reckless farting, smiling (!), and being oddly captivated by my tuneless renditions of “Incy Wincy Spider” (which is the Aussie version of the American “Itsy Bitsy Spider”—who knew?!). We’re hanging in there!
This week marks sixteen astonishing years since I moved to NYC as a single, broke, aspiring novelist/ratbag femme. Still kinda crazy to me that I find myself married to my dream girl, with two kids and actual savings, working on my eighth book for a fantastic imprint. It wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of what I made happen for myself.
Since we last caught up, my other kid turned three, I hosted a Writers Retreat in the Hudson Valley, and I celebrated my birthday with a truly generous gift from my incredible wife, Lindsay: a night alone in a hotel! I watched a whole movie and spent a lazy morning in bed. Heaven. Parents will get that one. 😆
Linds and I also had our first date night since the birth — we saw Mae Martin in concert for their debut album I’m A TV, supported by Cat Cohen. I’m a big fan of both comics — it was a killer show. Equally funny and heartfelt, a sweet spot I adore.
Other than that, life is very simple. Thanks for all your kind words and gifts for our new arrival — we’re so grateful to be a family of four little ladies. ❤️
As always, I’m pulling from real life here — I’m currently deep in revisions for my new book! This is how I approached it:
1. Solicit Reader Feedback
My new book is part of a two-book deal, so I got feedback from my two editors, Katy and Emma. But pre-published writers can still gather valuable feedback through early or “beta” readers (which I also use!).
I recommend a formal process: engage at least five readers in your specific genre — ideally not close friends or family (since their feelings for you may cloud their feedback). Give them 4 to 6 weeks to read, then gather as many as possible for a group Zoom. I find this more generative than just receiving notes over email.
First draft feedback is considered developmental feedback — big-picture suggestions that usually require significant rewriting. It’s best to be emotionally prepared for this, even though it’s usually a terrible shock that will plunge you into a brief depression.
2. Process, Then Brainstorm
Give yourself time to sit with the feedback. I often don’t know how to fix big-picture issues right away, which can be uncomfortable — but you’ll get there.
The first step I took with this book was sending back a brainstorm doc with a few different ways to address the issues raised by my editors — without exactly knowing how I’d execute them. Keeping the revision process feeling open and exploratory helps — think “what if…” rather than trying to protect what you’ve already written.
3. Make a Plan
After I sent my brainstorm doc, my editors and I had a 90-minute call where we discussed what they did and didn’t like and spitballed plot points. I then used colored index cards to plot out the major beats for each of my four POV characters, braided them together (as this is an ensemble novel), and re-established the timeline (what happens when).
4. Replot the Book
Next, I created a new outline in a single document, weaving together the parts of the first draft I was keeping with new action and beats in bold. My editors and I fine-tuned the details through comments. This produces a comprehensive outline I can work from, and that my editors can see, and approve, in advance of the drafting.
5. Start a New Scrivener Doc
Finally, I created a new Scrivener doc and pulled over anything reusable from the first draft. I added new blank chapters and sections with summaries of what needed to be written. From there, I was officially ready to start Draft Two!
TL;DR: Get structured, big-picture feedback. Sit with it. Brainstorm solutions without locking yourself down too early. Make a detailed plan. Create a new outline. Start fresh with a clear roadmap.
You have a story to tell.
Are you a writer looking to get more confident as a performer? Do you love storytelling but aren’t sure if you’d ever have the confidence to get up onstage — or even what the first step to a first draft is?
📣 Join my Storytelling Masterclass and unlock the secrets to powerful, unforgettable storytelling. I’ve spent over seven years performing at Generation Women and editing every story on our stage, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned with you. This is your chance to learn directly from me and discover how to craft a narrative that connects and resonates with any audience.
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This masterclass is designed for all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply want to become a better communicator (or dream dinner party guest), my class will help you tell your story with confidence.
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— Susan Mazonson“This class was such a dream -- super-specific, well-organized, and filled with great examples of how to tell a story in the funniest, most effective way. I was inspired!”
— Jennifer Smith“Georgia is a dynamic teacher and offers concrete tools to make your story better. I came into her workshop with a vague idea of the story I wanted to tell. Highly recommend for getting unstuck or getting inspired!”
— Suzanne Weerts
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Join My Writers’ Group – 3 Spots Available!
Do you have a novel or long-form project in the works but need guidance, accountability, and professional insight? My Writers' Group is a supportive online community designed to help pre-published romance and women’s fiction writers reach professional publication.
"Georgia’s Writers’ Group helped me turn a vague idea into a book deal. Georgia’s high-energy, affirming feedback gave me the confidence to seriously pursue my queer romance idea. The monthly meetings provided accountability and valuable peer feedback that helped me revise and strengthen my manuscript. After two years, I felt prepared to query thanks to Georgia’s industry insights — I received eight offers and signed with a senior agent at Transatlantic Agency. My novel, GRAND SLAM, was acquired by DoubleDay Canada and will be published in 2026."
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We meet monthly over Zoom, with targeted feedback, craft discussions, and Q&As with industry professionals. The group is capped at 12, so space is limited!
📅 Next Quarter: Wed April 23; Thurs May 22; Wed June 18, 6 - 8pmET
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I’m reading How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
I’m loving this sharp, sexy enemies-to-lovers set in Hollywood. It follows Helen Zhang, a successful novelist whose young adult series is being adapted for TV. Helen joins the writers' room only to discover that Grant Shepard, a former classmate linked to a tragic accident involving her sister thirteen years ago, is also part of the team. Unresolved grief and unexpected chemistry surface, challenging their perceptions and leading them toward healing and forgiveness. Hot and emotional! Fun fact: Yulin is adapting two Emily Henry books for screen.
I’m rewatching Younger on Netflix
I really love this show — and not just because it was filmed in my hood of South Williamsburg! It’s such a perfect mix of funny, sexy, and entertaining while also being smart, insightful, and emotional. The characters are so well-drawn — Liza’s balancing act between her real life and her younger persona is super compelling, and the love triangle with Josh and Charles is *chef’s kiss*. Plus, the publishing industry backdrop is so juicy and layered even if wildly unrealistic (way more parties, designer outfits, and in-person pitches than real-life). It’s a rom-com with depth, which is exactly the kind of tone I’m always trying to hit in my own work.
I’m performing at Generation Women at Joe’s Pub
I’ll be at NYC’s iconic Joe’s Pub this Wednesday March 19th, hosting my famously feel-good storytelling show, Generation Women, and telling a story on the theme Plot Twist!: Stories You Never Saw Coming. With our signature blend of heart and humor that’ll leave you feeling inspired and empowered, join us for an unforgettable evening of world-class stories. You won’t see these twists coming—buy live tix or livestream tix now!
Big thanks to everyone who has rated and reviewed Most Wonderful on Goodreads and Amazon! Haven’t done that yet? Do it now! Every star helps.
That’s it for this month! If you’ve read this far, let me know by clicking the “like” button below. Chat with me in the comments—I reply to every message and I’d love to hear from you!