Your hands-on guide to write a book…
Story ideas are a dime a dozen, but a system to write your novel’s first draft is priceless!
The Trellis Method is not just another study course. It’s different.
Unlike other approaches, the worksheet’s prompts and questions serve as your accountability partner. It’s the discipline — a unique writing system — you need to gather essential story details and outline the entire story, enabling you to complete your novel’s first draft in record time.
- Go way beyond theory with practical steps that apply time-proven wisdom.
- Eliminate doubt about where to start, charging out the starting gate with a valid story idea that appeals to an eager audience.
- Stop wasting energy by relying on instinct and instead focus on what matters most to your readers.
- Learn story theory while gathering and organizing the details required to write a book readers will love.
Everything about the Trellis Method begs the question: why rely mostly on instinct when you can learn the writing craft and complete your book at the same time?
Stop overthinking and write a book!
Finally, complete your first draft in record time.
Join successful writers!
Flipping a weakness into a strength
I hunted for the best of what top authors already figured out, but that volume of wisdom created an enormous problem.
There was too much to learn. That’s my weakness: I couldn’t keep all those writing techniques in the little gray cells between my ears. So I looked for a way to break it down, but not dumb it down.
That’s when I created the Trellis Method. It packages the techniques in a form we can use again and again. And so that we don’t forget, the unique writing system guides us with prompt-driven worksheets.
You learn while you write. Create a novel outline of your entire story in weeks instead of months, empowering you to complete a first draft in record time.
Is the Trellis Method right for you?
Have you wanted to write a novel, but aren’t sure about the first step to take?
Have you started writing a novel, but now feel stuck?
Do you have plenty of ideas, but struggle to decide if the concepts will interest readers?
Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of approaches and wide array of terms?
Are you writing away at scenes, laying down words, but never linking everything together into a cohesive story?
Are you creating draft after draft, never satisfied with the content, so you start over — again and again?
All writers face these same basic problems.
If any of these sound familiar…
Chances are one (or more) of these problems is keeping you up at night (and keeping you from completing that all-important first draft).
And chances are, you know you should complete that first draft, and that’s why you’re on this page.
A goal to write a book has been on your to-do list for some time.
- Unsure of Story’s Appeal
- Lack a Step-by-Step Map
- Primary Genre Not Clear
- Worry If Premise Is Valid
- Flat Characters
- Unstructured Plot
- Unclear Themes
- Lack the Time to Write
- Side Tracked by Distractions
- Procrastination
- Suffer Imposter Syndrome
- Prone to Perfectionism
- Inconsistent Writing Schedule
Then the Trellis Method is right for you.
Here’s what people are saying…
“Put all those writing craft books back on the shelves! The Trellis Method is the foundation for new and even seasoned authors. Grant Ferguson breaks down the key elements of a story in easy-to-understand steps with visuals. I feel that I’m more equipped to take on my next writing project after reading and following the Trellis Method.” — Courtney
“Grant not only provides deeply helpful content to support and guide you through the writing journey, he’s also quick to respond to questions with on-target tips and practical assistance. He’s answered my questions and sent me many useful suggestions, and his genuine desire to help always makes me feel comfortable.” — Kelsey
“Grant has been very helpful with his generously shared resources and helpful suggestions. He was able to encourage me to try Scrivener again, and with his aids, I was no longer overwhelmed. The resources range from where do I start to checklists for once you imagine you are done. I highly recommend checking out his offerings.” — Susan
“Everything he writes about is well researched and comes with many examples. Grant is friendly and easy to communicate with. He also uses visual illustrations to explain the concepts he writes about. Writing a book is a complex task, and as a visual learner, they are valuable to me.” — Kristel
“Using the Trellis Method to plot my lit fiction novel. I love how you’ve thought of everything writers need to consider!” — Priscilla
“If you have a dream of completing your first novel but struggle with structure, embark on your pathway to novel success with Grant Ferguson’s Trellis Method writing system. Its well-crafted manuals and comprehensive workbooks are the essential companions to guide you through every step, from nurturing your plot seed to confidently self-publishing your masterpiece. Grant’s easy-to-use approach takes the guesswork and frustration out of writing your crowd-pleasing novel and is therefore a must-have if you are serious about your writing journey.” — Julian
The Trellis Method provides the know-how.
It adds the discipline to finish what you start.
Create your first draft in record time.
The Trellis Method supplies the how-to steps and prompt-driven discipline you’ve been missing.
Perhaps you’ve tried to write a novel before. But, time and time again, you pull up short. What began as a thrilling writing journey turns into an arduous chore. And soon, doubt sets in and your writing grinds to a halt.
But this happens because you do not have a step-by-step plan.
You’ve tried creating a first draft on your own after reading books and visiting websites, but now you feel like your novel was a non-starter.
But the Trellis Method solves the problem, and it gives you a well-marked path used by top writers, first to validate your idea and then master story structure to write a book readers will love.
Replace bad habits with what works.
Three common mistakes that derail writing a great story.
- Failure to follow time-proven writing principles. A combination of books, TV shows, and films has pre-established in the minds of audiences how a story should be told. If you don’t follow that structure, you’ll likely hear crickets chirping instead of cash registers ringing.
- Not satisfying your target audience’s expectations. When people buy books, they expect the content to satisfy preset expectations. Thrillers should thrill. Mysteries should mystify. Love stories should romance. Each genre has its conventions and scenes, and ignoring those expectations risks alienating the audience.
- Never finishing that all-important first draft. You cannot edit, polish, and publish an unwritten novel. Many say they want to write a book. However, only a few complete the project. Even fewer edit and refine that draft, turning it into a great story.
Stop reading about writing and write.
What’s the biggest mistake aspiring writers make? Writing without the end in mind.
At the start, you’re a reader, and you think you know what you want to write about, and you think you know what people want to read.
Let’s admit the truth. You don’t.
Based on the false assumption any avid reader can write a book, aspiring writers get caught up in a frustrating loop, often rewriting small amounts of text instead of knocking out the entire first draft.
It’s impossible to polish and publish what you’ve not written.
By determining your story idea is valid, verifying there’s an audience eagerly waiting for a book like yours, and by outlining the entire novel within weeks, you can overcome months (years?) of doubt and frustration. Once you’ve got a solid story structure and recorded the essential story details, you’re all prepared to complete your first draft in record time.
Sneak Peek: Free Character Template
Want to see what a how-to workbook and prompt-driven worksheet look like?
This FREE (lite edition), 36-page workbook plus its worksheet gives you what you need to create realistic characters who leap from the pages of your book.
No fluff. Just instructions and a character template you can start using TODAY.
All you need is your best email address, so we know where to send the entire module.
Time-proven principles.
The Trellis Method’s workbooks and worksheets rely on the time-proven principles used by bestselling authors. Here’s a sample of the books purchased and consulted.
Sure, you can find these same techniques by reading dozens of books and searching the internet, but wouldn’t you rather stop searching and reading about writing and instead, start writing? And not writing just any old story, but write a book readers will love?
A personal note about the journey…
The real challenge I had wasn’t the problem I thought I had.
At first, my focus was on finding a book or a course taught by some big name bestselling author. And if that’s what you’re looking for, by all means, go for it. But that’s not me.
Who am I?
Oh, I’m not a bestselling author. I’m a writer like you who learned the value of using a step-by-step writing system.
What do I do?
First, I study all the best, most appealing fiction writing techniques, and then I share writing know-how while supplying the tactical prompts required to outline a novel quickly. Think of it this way: I look for and share the best of what top writers have already figured out.
However… I will tell you that these actionable techniques are hard to find and even more difficult to apply because most books and courses teach theory, not practical know-how and application.
But the Trellis Method solves that problem, and I’ve explained exactly what steps to take to get your novel outline done rapidly. That means you learn your writing craft while outlining your book, enabling you to complete your first draft in record time.
― Grant Ferguson, Author of The Trellis Method
Stop searching. Start Creating.
Let’s nail down the crux of the issue. If you’re reading this, you know you should write based on what your target audience wants to read. Ever since you added “write a book” to your to-do list, you’ve seen many others do it successfully.
They fulfilled their dreams. Now it’s your turn.
Fortunately, the Trellis Method will get you to where you want to be. Move quickly to outline your entire novel and then complete your first draft. And once you complete that leg of the journey, you’ll polish and publish your manuscript.
Are you truly productive?
If you’re anything like me, planning and researching may feel productive, but those activities don’t replace actually writing the first draft of your novel.
The Trellis Method organizes all the details you’ll need to complete that first draft — it produces an outline of your entire novel rapidly, which you’ll use to write those scenes that you’ll polish into a great story. The Trellis Method even gives you the know-how and worksheet to write those scenes.
But writing scenes without story structure is like taking a bath but without soap. You feel you’re accomplishing something, but you’re really not.
Instead, the Trellis Method prompts you to start with a clear understanding of your chosen genre plus a valid premise ― a strategy that includes proving you have an audience of eager readers who await your novel.
So let’s look at what you actually get, and how the Trellis Method prepares you to complete your first draft in record time.
Here’s how the Trellis Method works.
On the surface, the Trellis Method is a course with workbooks, but it’s the worksheets’ tactical prompts that make sure you’ll consider including and organizing the essential story details readers crave.
Phases I and II move you quickly over weeks (not months) to complete a comprehensive outline of your novel. In Phase III, Day 15 and beyond, you’ll complete your first draft in record time.
Phase I: Plan
Day 1: Genres. Discover the details associated with your chosen genre(s)—the audience’s pre-established expectations—creating within you an essential understanding of what will transport readers to your chosen story world.
Day 2: Premise. Generate a strategic guide you’ll follow to write the entire story.
Days 3 to 4: Characters. Develop the dynamic characters who will react to plot events with realistic emotions.
Days 5 to 6: Plots. Create the main and subsidiary plot events that take place within the story.
Day 7: Themes. Define the external, internal, and philosophical themes that matter most to your target readers.
Phase II: Outline
Days 8 to 14: Story Spine, Story Body, & Story Beats. Outline and validate the entire narrative, including the Story Spine (a snapshot of the basic story), the Story Body (develops a synopsis of the overall story), and the Story Beats (organize the plot events into familiar patterns expected by readers).
Phase III: Write
Days 15 and Beyond: Writing Scenes. Here’s where the 14 days of gathering and outlining details pay excellent dividends as you then write and organize scenes into the logical sequence expected by readers. Complete your first draft in record time. As an example of a 50,000 word novel, your time will vary based on how many words you write per day.
Pen 510 words per day.
Wrap up a first draft in 14 weeks.
Write 1,020 words per day.
Finish a first draft in 7 weeks.
Create 1,786 words per day.
Complete a first draft in 4 weeks.
Complete your first draft in record time.
Put your learning into practice.
Create the details you need to outline an entire novel in 30 days or less!
Other writing course charge you hundreds and often thousands, only to convince you “theory” alone will write your novel. It won’t.
Because at the end of the book or course, you have a pile of notes — hand written and digital — that sit disorganized and unused as you wonder, what do I do next?
But the Trellis Method is all about stacking one skill on top of another to master story structure and write a book readers will love.
Within weeks, you will:
- Choose your genres,
- Write a valid premise,
- Develop dynamic characters,
- Engage readers with plots,
- Form appealing themes,
- Create a synopsis of the narrative (from beginning to end), and
- Construct the step-by-step (i.e., beat-by-beat) framework for all scenes.
In just 30 days or less, you’ll build an organized library of detailed content that creates a foundation for all your story’s scenes, which can serve as the support for an entire series.
Much more than a first draft…
By learning while writing every day, you’ll demolish your perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear of hitting the publish button after you’ve edited and polished your first draft.
Dive into a prompt-driven learning experience to enjoy rich creativity and productivity, enabling you to complete your first draft in record time.
Stop writing by instinct only.
Writing doesn’t have to be by the seat of your pants, but for most aspiring writers, it certainly feels that way.
The Trellis Method solves that problem and it’s the best program of its kind.
- Other writing courses encourage you to write with no consistent structure.
- Those books and courses somehow expect your story to come together magically.
- As a result, all you hear is the occasional chirp of a cricket instead of the applause of fans for your novel.
But with the Trellis Method, you’ll stack essential story elements on others to produce a first draft worthy of polishing and publishing.
Build on your story idea.
When you build on your book idea using a proven story structure, instead of some cookie-cutter narrative, you’ll write a unique novel only you can produce.
Stop overthinking.
Write your novel.
A few questions for you…
Do you struggle to get that story idea drafted, knowing it’s got potential, but then don’t follow through because of doubt and distractions?
Are you overwhelmed with the different terms, and wonder how you’ll put together the novel made from hundreds of story elements ― the puzzle pieces composed of genres, premise, characters, plots, themes, and scenes?
Or do you overthink every piece, getting lost in all the details and noise while doubt creeps in because of perfectionism?
Have you started writing that novel rocking around in your head, but now feel stuck?
Maybe you’re familiar with the dread of the blank page and the blinking cursor that dares you to write?
Do you have plenty of story ideas, but wrestle with putting yourself out there, afraid to go public with your book?
Or do you spend time on never-ending research instead of writing your story?
Do any of the above sound familiar?
If yes, the Trellis Method is for you.
Here’s what you get in the Trellis Method bundle.
📖 The Trellis Method Book
The 105-page book breaks down why you need to structure and includes a step-by-step approach to completing your first draft, and two valuable bonuses.
📔 Bonus: Glossary
The comprehensive glossary demystifies the jargon.
👁️ Bonus: Visual Aids
Those who benefit from infographics that break down but don’t dumb down a topic will love the many visual aids.
🧰 Story Genres Development Workbook
It’s your toolbox used to produces the details tied to a genre, fulfilling the expectations that transport readers to your story world. Includes the 48 page step-by-step guide. The worksheet prompts identify your genre’s conventions, key scenes, readers’ expectations, chief Protagonist’s goal, plot, subplots, and theme.
🧭 Story Premise Development Workbook
Generates a strategic guide for producing the story. Includes the 23 page step-by-step guide. The worksheet prompts turn an idea into a premise, recording your killer concept, storytelling approach, best lead character, and chief opposition. These steps evaluate your premise’s appeal to readers.
⚙️ Story Characters Development Workbook
Shows how to create dynamic characters who react to plot events with realistic emotions. Includes the 59 page hands-on guide, detailed character example, reusable character template, 9 character type descriptions, character type identification, 130+ character flaws glossary, and visual aids.
⚗️ Story Plots Development Workbook
Creates the main and subsidiary plot events that take place within the story. Includes the 28 page development guide, weaves plot with subplots, and prompts for events, story problem, emotions, stakes, character details (e.g., focus, goal, issues), plot’s fulfillment of genre-established expectations, settings, secrets, and twists.
⚖️ Story Themes Development Workbook
Defines why the external, internal, and philosophical themes matter to readers. Includes the 11 page explanation of themes, amplifies how themes resonate with readers, and prompts for the genre-related theme, character’s internal theme (i.e., the lesson learned and emotions craved by the audience), and the philosophical theme showing how the world really works.
🛠️ Story Spine, Body, & Beats Development Workbook
Use the 67 page guide and worksheet to outline and validate the entire narrative. The Story Spine creates a snapshot of the basic story, the Story Body develops a synopsis of the overall story, and the Story Beats organize the plot events into familiar patterns expected by readers.
🎬 Story Scenes Development Workbook
The details collected in Phase I and II and used in III will help you make sure the plot events, scene flow, and actual content intersect to please your readers. Create your first draft of the entire novel using the 40 page guide and visual aids, creating scenes that connect one to the next, showcasing content that exceeds readers’ expectations, and flowing text in logical and engaging patterns.
🧮 Bonus: Scene Number Calculator
This spreadsheet enables you to quickly estimate the number of scenes for each Story Beat based your chosen average scene size. This digital tool is Handy for envisioning how you’ll organize plot/subplot events and genre-based key scenes within the Story Beat framework. The download includes both Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers versions.
📚 Self-publishing Workbook
Self-publish your books using this 40 page ebook that includes infographics and a worksheet (RTF file) to gather the essential details.
🏆 100% Guarantee
A 30-day-no-questions-asked refund policy. We suggest you complete the Phases I and II course materials. Then, if you find the course isn’t for you, let us know by email within 30 days of starting it, and we will promptly submit your refund request.
Note: The worksheets are in an RTF file format, readable and editable by most word-processing apps (e.g., MS Word, Apple Pages, Google Docs, Scrivener, etc.). The Story Characters Development Workbook module includes a Scrivener template (SCRIV file format).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does this cost?
Other courses charge hundreds or more to help you write a novel.
But our goal with the Trellis Method is to keep it accessible while still charging enough to keep you accountable.
The full price of the course bundle is $36 (but if you purchased the separate modules, that price would increase to $96).
Can I gift the Trellis Method to a friend?
Absolutely! And what a tremendous gift indeed.
To do so, simply enroll using your email address.
Then, email us with the subject line GIFT TRANSFER REQUEST and we will send you further instructions.
What’s the time commitment?
Life is busy. We know you don’t have time to write all day.
By writing answers to the questions and prompts, you will spend a handful of hours daily, typically with 30 days or less.
But this habit of learning and writing daily is the highest leverage habit you can adopt.
After finishing the outline, the time to complete the first draft varies based on the length of the novel and your typing speed.
For example, writing an average of 510 words per day would complete a 50,000-word first draft in 14 weeks. If you doubled your average word count to 1,020 words per day, you could finish that first draft in 7 weeks.
Couldn’t I just do this myself with all the free content out there?
Well… you could. And I encourage you to try it! Because if it works for you, great!
But chances are, you’ve tried writing on your own before. And between the hours it would take you to aggregate all the free stuff, the headaches you would have trying to write every day on your own, and the difficulty figuring out how to apply the knowledge…
We think the Trellis Method will save you time while you learn, and is well worth the price.
Can this really work for me?
You might think… sure, this works for other people. But my situation is unique.
But I can assure you, over the past year, writers of all stripes have written using the Trellis Method.
No matter your background, experience, goals, competing commitments, interests, or special circumstances, the Trellis Method will help you finally create the first draft of your novel in record time.
What if I’ve never written a novel before?
Then Trellis Method is the approach for you.
We tailored the Trellis Method for beginner writers. In fact, many have never completed their novel’s first draft. And by the end, they’ve gone from never completing the draft to finishing a manuscript ready for polishing and publishing.
However, it’s not just for beginners. Several accomplished novelists shared how the Trellis Method served as their detailed checklist, giving them valuable insights and techniques on how they could add depth to their stories, especially during the editing phase.
You will learn within 30 days what it takes most writers months, if not years, to learn.
What if I’m not very tech savvy?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
We have students of every age, background, and experience level — everyone from tech whizzes to those who are just learning how to use computers.
That’s the beauty of having workbooks and worksheets that show you what to do, so you learn by doing (not just reading about writing).
Each workbook makes sure you’re comfortable by explaining the terms, including why the story elements are essential.
Why set a goal to finish Phases I and II Rapidly?
The pace various for each person, but we challenge you to complete the workbooks and worksheets rapidly. Each builds on the prior one based on the order they’re presented.
However, it’s your life and you control the pace.
We organized the modules so that you can go back and forth between them. You can use the story details for a single novel and for an entire series. That’s why it’s like a library stored on your computer you can reference again and again.
I don’t trust myself to complete the course. How will you hold me accountable?
It’s our goal for every student to complete the Trellis Method successfully — which includes working through Phases I and II rapidly.
That’s why we send you email encouragement during Phases I and II. Then, in Phase III, you’ll get periodic messages as you write the scenes.
Each email urges you to work through the material. But we also recognize life sometimes impedes your plans. That’s why all the modules are on your computer, and you control the pace at which you work through each one.
We believe goals serve writers, but never at the cost of losing the joy of writing.
Throughout the course, the worksheets serve as accountability mechanisms. When it’s time to polish your first draft, we recommend using editing tools followed by a professional copy edit before publishing.
We’ll check in via emails to hear how things are going and to make sure you’re getting everything you need to get the most out of the Trellis Method. Plus, you’re invited to ask questions. Just hit reply to any of the emails.
Do I have to be connected to the internet to complete the course?
You’ll purchase and download the course while connected to the internet. Thereafter, the entire course material is stored on your computer. Thus, you’re free to work on your book without an online connection.
Will this course help if I’ve already started writing my novel?
Yes, and in fact, you might be at an advantage.
The Trellis Method presents a new way of thinking about creating your first draft based on a proven story structure — a thought process about a story’s framework you’re likely not familiar with.
And once you see this framework, you can apply it to your current writing, increasing your creativity and productivity.
How long do I have access to the course materials?
You will have full access to the course materials stored on your computer. Unless you delete that material, you can continue to access it.
What file formats are the workbooks and worksheets?
The workbooks are in the Adobe PDF file format. All worksheets are in the RTF file format. Also, the Story Character Development Workbook includes an additional copy of the Character Template in the SCRIV file format.
What is the 100% Refund Policy?
We want your Trellis Method investment to be 100% risk free.
We encourage you to complete Phases I and II of the course materials. If you find the course isn’t for you within 30 days of purchase, we will refund 100% of your investment.
However, part of what makes the Trellis Method work is the financial accountability. If you do not engage with the course materials and complete Phases I and II, that would be like the farmer who plowed and planted a field, but walked away before the harvest.
Email us within the 30-day of purchase period and we will promptly process your refund.
Stop overthinking. Start writing.
One last thing…
If you’re down here, you might think… is this really worth it?
And sure — you could hunt and stitch together all the free content we’ve put out there on how to master story structure and write a book readers will love. And you could use all that content to try writing on your own.
But I’m guessing that if you’re on this page, and you’ve read this far, you’ve tried something like this before.
And after struggling with doing it on your own… the results… well… they’re not what you’ve been hoping for.
And ever since “write a book” appeared on your to-do list (likely long ago), you’ve probably seen dozens of other people do it successfully, gaining an audience of engaged readers.
So here we are, more time has flown by, and both your “fresh start” and “first draft” are still out of your reach.
Now, wouldn’t it be magical to look back after a year has flown by, pointing to this exact moment, this exact decision, as the thing that led to an incredible, life-changing choice?
Imagine having outlined an entire novel, completed a first draft, polished that manuscript, and now you’re ready to hit the publish button.
Feels good, right? You’ve moved your writing from dream mode to a reality. A completely new personal trajectory, all possible by your decision to master story structure and write a book readers will love.
And it can all start right here, right now.
Choices shape future results.
So, what do you say?
Start now…
Phase I: Plan
You begin by gathering essential details about the story you want to write.
Story Genres Development Workbook
Produces the details tied to a genre, the expectations that will transport readers to your chosen story world. Includes the 48 page step-by-step guide. The worksheet prompts identify your genre’s conventions, key scenes, readers’ expectations, chief Protagonist’s goal, plot, subplots, and theme.
Story Premise Development Workbook
Generates a strategic guide for producing the story. Includes the 23 page step-by-step guide. The worksheet prompts turn an idea into a premise, recording your killer concept, storytelling approach, best lead character, and chief opposition. These steps evaluate your premise’s appeal to readers.
Story Characters Development Workbook
Shows how to create dynamic characters who react to plot events with realistic emotions. Includes the 59 page hands-on guide, detailed character example, reusable character template, 9 character type descriptions, character type identification, 130+ character flaws glossary, and visual aids.
Story Plots Development Workbook
Creates the main and subsidiary plot events that take place within the story. Includes the 28 page development guide, weaves plot with subplots, and prompts for events, story problem, emotions, stakes, character details (e.g., focus, goal, issues), plot’s fulfillment of genre-established expectations, settings, secrets, and twists.
Story Themes Development Workbook
Defines why the external, internal, and philosophical themes matter to readers. Includes the 11 page explanation of themes, amplifies how themes resonate with readers, and prompts for the genre-related theme, character’s internal theme (i.e., the lesson learned and emotions craved by the audience), and the philosophical theme showing how the world really works.
Phase II: Outline
This phase helps you envision the entire narrative, enabling you to make an informed decision whether to continue with this writing project or search for a story idea with greater appeal to you and your target audience.
Story Spine, Body, & Beats Development Workbook
Use the 67 page guide and worksheet to outline and validate the entire narrative. The Story Spine creates a snapshot of the basic story, the Story Body develops a synopsis of the overall story, and the Story Beats organize the plot events into familiar patterns expected by readers.
Phase III: Write
Here’s where all your work gathering and outlining the details will pay off as you then write and organize scenes into the logical sequence expected by readers, completing your first draft in record time.
Story Scenes Development Workbook
Create your first draft of the entire novel using the 40 guide and visual aids, creating scenes that connect one to the next, showcase content that exceeds readers’ expectations, and flow in logical and engaging patterns.
Use the details collected in Phase I and II to make sure the plot events, scene flow, and actual content in Phase III intersect and combine to please your readers.