Welcome!

Writing for the Ground Up is for writers who are starting to write, whether for the first or millionth time.

Here you’ll learn the groundwork for a story and kickstart your writing habits.

Because writing is hard, but our stories matter.

You have a story in mind but you don’t know where to start. You feel overwhelmed by the thought and spend a lot of time dealing with negative self-talk, overwhelm, and procrastination. And helloooo, imposter syndrome!

Starting to write is hard. Especially if you’re new to it, or have been stuck, or just haven’t done it in a while, but even if you’re starting something new. It can feel daunting, thrilling, scary, exciting, overwhelming, and impossible.

A quick tangent: I am a novice skier. What I love most is to ski with someone who is just a little bit better than me because they will challenge me, but are also not so far removed from my experience that they become impatient or bored.

I am here to be your ski buddy, buddy!

Writing From the Ground Up will help you lay the groundwork for a solid story and/or writing practice.

I’ll be your writing friend who gets it, and who can nudge you in ways that challenge you, but not defeat you.

What People Are Saying:

“Meeting Stephanie on Substack has been such a gift! We share the same belief: our stories matter.” - Darien Gee (Writer-ish)

“Your messages are inspiring! Thanks for sharing your experiences." - Shellee, writer

“Stephanie's posts are a wonderful mix of the practical (pop-up coaching videos!) and the inspirational.” - Sarah McCraw Crow (An Unfinished Story)

“You reminding me that I love the writing life is vital.” - Corina, writer

"Stephanie is a generous guide and a steady voice — part writing coach, part mindset whisperer. Her newsletter is a kind and sturdy companion for anyone starting (or starting again, as many WAGO readers are!). Writers at heart: you’ll feel seen here." - Lou Blaser (We’re All Getting Older)

“I have enduring respect and enthusiasm for your literary coaching gifts!” - Karen, writer

“Stephanie's knowledgeable and gentle approach is such a benefit to writers!”
- Julie Artz, Your Story Matters

Writing From the Ground Up is for writers who are starting to write, whether you’ve been stuck, scared to start, or waiting for the “right time.”

I’m here because writing is hard, but our stories matter.

But wait, there’s more!

Your free subscription includes:

• craft and mindset tips and strategies

• monthly roundup of things I’ve been enjoying

• a curated and regularly updated list of great resources for writers

• video conversations with other Substack writing teachers

All of this comes to you for free, but if you want to support the work I do, consider upgrading for less than the price of a single latté each month.

Help a girl out!

Oh, and also…

For paid subscribers…

Access to live webinars and webinar archives, including:

• First Draft Craft Workshops When you’re writing a first draft, there are a lot of things you can let go of and catch in revision. In these workshops, we talk about what you DO need to focus on in the first draft.

• Upcoming teachings on mindset, writing habits, and more!

These webinars and recordings are ONLY available to paid subscribers.

Access to live Pop-Up Coaching and archives

This is where you can get your specific questions answered! I will record live on Substack to answer questions submitted in advance…and if you’re brave, you can join me for some live coaching! The live video and archives will ONLY be available to paid subscribers.

10% off of my one-on-one coaching services

Learn more here.»

$5/month for all of this? I mean…

Upgrade your subscription now to join me in these awesome events.

Or just to help a girl out. 😉

Upgrade to paid subscription

Here is what I believe:

1. Your story matters. You deserve to write it and you have a reader out there who needs it.

2. There is no "right" way to write (but there are some things that can help).

3. You can write with a schedule that fits your life.

4. Self-doubt is part of the process, and it doesn’t need to keep you from writing.

5. The deeper you understand your story, the more your reader will be impacted by it.

6. Your story will only get written if you write it. 

7. You’ve waited long enough to become the writer you’ve always wanted to be.

8. We writers need community. 🌷🌼🌹🪻

I believe in the power of story to impact both the person telling it and the people receiving it in a positive way. Stories are how we grow to understand each other better and in doing so create a more empathetic and compassionate world.

Toward this end, I support ALL writers, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, neurodiversity, nationality, how they live, who they love, or how they move their bodies through this world. impact both the person telling it and the people receiving it in a positive way. Stories are how we grow to understand each other better and in doing so create a more empathetic and compassionate world.

A few more things:

• I’ve been a writer as long as I can remember.

• I wrote a book once, and my stories, essays and articles have been in some places.

• I have worked with writers of all ages for three decades.

• I also work at my local indie bookstore as a bookseller and community programs coordinator.

• I’m a married mom of emerging adults.

• I was an elementary teacher in a former life.

• My last name is pronounced det-lefs. (In case you were wondering!)

• I have an anxious dog and some shady cats. Photos of them are likely to appear.🐾

Let’s discuss!

Be part of a community of writers. Participate in the comments section, send me a direct message, bring in a friend!

Substack Stuff

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.

Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community features, get the Substack app.