The Ultimate Editing Game Plan: From First Draft to Final Polish

The Read-Through and Reverse Outline

It's editing season on Writing on Caffeine! In this episode, Jonathan and Ragan share their experience rereading their first drafts and diving into the reverse outline process—complete with character revelations, structural surprises, and a healthy dose of Post-it note chaos. They reflect on February’s progress and look ahead to the real work of March: character revisions, thematic clarity, and staying motivated through the mess. Whether you're mid-revision or gearing up to start, this episode is your cozy companion on the editing journey.

The Ultimate Editing Game Plan: From First Draft to Final Polish

In this episode, we’re breaking down our month-by-month plan for editing our novels, from big-picture structural changes to final proofreading. We’ll walk through each phase of the process, including macro edits, character development, worldbuilding tweaks, and polishing prose. Plus, we’ll share our strategies for staying on track, managing feedback, and avoiding burnout. Whether you're deep in revisions or just preparing for your first big rewrite, this episode will give you a clear roadmap to take your novel from messy draft to polished manuscript.

2025 New Year: Finish Line

In this episode, Jonathan and Ragan talk about the previous year of writing (2024) and how they did at finishing (or not finishing) their rough drafts. They discuss metrics from Spotify Podcasting and then discuss what topics they have in store for the year ahead.

Fast, Fierce, and Fluid: Tips for Writing Fight Scenes

Looking to craft fight scenes that grip your readers from the first punch? In this episode, we dive deep into the art of writing fast-paced, fluid, and fierce action sequences that leap off the page. Learn how to master cause and effect, engage all five senses, and structure dynamic fight scenes that keep your audience on the edge of their seat. Whether you're writing hand-to-hand combat or epic battles, these tips will ensure your action scenes pack a punch!

Crafting Characters: The Impact of Trauma in Fiction

Join us as we explore how trauma in fiction shapes characters and drives compelling narratives. We’ll discuss how these intense experiences influence motivations and actions, adding depth to any story. Whether you're writing or reading, this episode offers key insights into the power of trauma in storytelling.