Essential Tools Course:
Seven Weeks to Perfect Your Novel

I have been “writing" forever but learning to write for the last 14 years. Bardsy’s Tools Course surprised me with several aha moments. I feel as if I just might have a handle on the two hardest parts of writing a novel (at least for me): Pacing and Structure. A big hug and thanks to Adam , Celeste, and their team. I look forward to working further on my new novel in my directed writing group. — Kyle Ann R.

As much as we’d like to think that writing a book is something we can do alone, it’s not. Bardsy is different from other critique groups because they consciously select competent, supportive and focused writers for every Elite group so that each session is productive and effective with high quality feedback. No time is wasted. I’ve made more progress in the past six months on my manuscript with my group than I have in my years alone or with any other critique group. — Sarah K.

Bardsy has been a game-changer for my writing. Tools like the Minimum Complete Story and Publishability Index™ are essential parts of my drafting process. The high-level feedback I receive in my directed writing group is incredibly helpful, and the craft lessons continue to help me develop my storytelling skills. My first traditionally published novel releases this fall, and you better believe Bardsy and my directed writing group are in the acknowledgments! — Allie O.

When I first heard of Bardsy, I was skeptical of their live coaching and writers’ groups. Honestly, it just felt like a way to take my money without any results. How wrong could I be?! I have received amazing personal coaching that has improved my writing and helped keep me motivated. My coach has given me actionable steps to take in improving my query letter and finding an agent. And my writers’ group has given me honest, impartial feedback that I have needed and craved. The result is that my writing is better, my scenes are tighter, and I now have a trusting community to turn to that is devoted to helping me succeed as an author — Stacey C.

Five years ago, I was a recently retired engineer/business person entering short story contests. Then, I found Bardsy, and the coaching and inspiration to engage large projects. My Bardsy group keeps me accountable, so I make regular progress. The professional guidance from Bardsy staff has improved the complexity of my story development and taken my writing to a level worthy of publication. Additionally, Bardsy’s experience has been invaluable on the back-end of writing, too. Today, I am a published novelist writing a second book. — David D.

Bardsy has been an amazing experience for me. I started by stumbling upon it for the first chapter contest and then was welcomed into an amazing writing group. Through the group meetings , my writing has soared. I have added, taken away, and even changed full chapters. Everyone in the group has been extremely supportive and have greatly helped my confidence as a writer. My book is well on its way to being wonderfully polished all thanks to the help of the Bardsy process! I would highly recommend this for any writer. — Jocelyn C.

The Bardsy directed writing group provided invaluable support and constructive criticism that were instrumental in securing both literary representation and a traditional publishing contract. The thoughtful feedback and encouraging community fostered an environment conducive to refining my manuscript to a professional standard. For authors seeking serious guidance and a supportive network in their publishing journey, this group comes highly recommended. — Diana W.

After discovering Bardsy through their Spring 1st Chapter Anthology contest, I enrolled in their Essential Tools Course. Those seven weeks transformed my approach to writing. Coming from engineering and medicine, I found their methodical framework for creative storytelling aligned perfectly with my analytical mindset. The structured techniques gave me exactly what I needed to shape my memoir's narrative. Now I'm eager to join their upcoming directed writing group to further refine my voice on the page. — Tuong L.

Joining my Bardsy directed writing group was one of the best decisions I could’ve made for my stories. The amount of growth I’ve been able to accomplish through the individual coaching and feedback from peers has resulted in my ability to construct stories quicker, diagnose issues sooner, and produce satisfactory stories for my readers. Bardsy has helped me not only grow in my craft, but my confidence, and now I get to say I’m a published author with more stories in the works! It’s been the community and push I’d been needing to get me where I wanted to be. Not to mention I’ve met some of the most incredible people through it. Highly recommend! — Ariel J.

The feedback provided during Bardsy’s first chapter contest was superb and elevated what had been a decent first chapter to something so compelling that it won the competition. I got to try out Bardsy’s Elite Workshops, and I was hooked halfway through the first one. These curated groups are led by Bardsy’s experienced and highly educated staff, and include like-minded writers who take their craft seriously. Sharing your WIP is exciting and productive rather than scary. I’m proud to say Twenty-twenty Boom is a Bardsy novel. — Lynda W.

I had reservations about "another class" but learned so much about craft/novel writing. I quickly embraced Bardy's perspective from writer to reader, and writer to the publishing industry, meeting the expectations of both. I found myself among writers also seeking publication of their first novels and I'm prepared to use the Seven Tools writing forward, and backwards, toward revising drafts of my writing projects. The experience was a major step-up in my writing journey. Thanks, Bardsy! — Michael W.

The Essential Tools Course taught me more as an author than three years of creative writing classes at university. The right tools work! There is a system—a template—that surprised me with its uniqueness. Years of research by highly educated leaders have developed these tools. Presentations are clear. Explanations on how to use each tool needed to produce a quality book include facts and examples that resonate. Both presentations and practical lab work are conducted with firmness rooted in kindness for writers. This is a stellar writing program that works. — Rosemary L.

If it weren't for Bardsy, this book might not have found a home. The feedback I received from my directed writing group and facilitator was specific, targeting exactly what was needed to get my story into publishable condition. The guidance I received directed my revisions, and the group's encouragement led to my polishing the story. The end result was a publishing contract! — Pamela R.

The problem for me personally was I was sending stories out all over the place and getting nothing but rejection slips, so it was hard to make any real improvements to my writing skills. I found Bardsy, and it gave me the opportunity to explore my characters in their Anthology contest and receive actionable feedback to help me improve. I’ve noticed the writing has improved with every chapter with the feedback from their writing sessions. I highly recommend giving Bardsy a shot if you’re feeling stuck and losing confidence in your writing If you’re feeling stuck and losing confidence in your writing, I highly recommend Bardsy. — Nicholas D.