Want to start your novel?
Enroll in START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE, the online self-paced program that guides you step by step through my proven intuitive and practical process.
In only 3 weeks, START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE will take you from feeling unprepared and uncertain about starting your novel to feeling confident, empowered and on-purpose, experiencing the excitement of having the plan, structure and mindset you need to write your novel and the confidence to believe you can finish it.
By the time you finish the program, you will have:
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Written your first chapter
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Created a general outline of your entire novel
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Made a plan for finishing your first draft
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Acquired essential mindset tools so you can persevere all the way through writing that draft
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And received an easy-to-follow roadmap so you can get on the path toward publishing your novel
Using the process outlined in the program will also:
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limit the amount of rewriting you'll need to do down the line and
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allow you to finish a draft in up to 75% less time.
START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE will guide you from uncertainty and self-doubt to clarity, confidence and inspired action.
Hello! I'm Ellen Baker.
From the time I was a little kid, I dreamed of being a novelist.
Now I'm the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of three novels published by HarperCollins/Mariner and Random House, with a fourth one, SUMMERLAND COVE, scheduled for release in 2026 and a fifth in 2028.
I created my program START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE to help you make your dream of writing a novel come true -- just like I did.
My novel
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON
was featured as a top book of Winter 2024 in:
START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE is a one-of-a-kind program that:
1) guides you through quickly starting your novel using my proven step-by-step system
AND
2) integrates visualization and other intuitive techniques and mindset hacks with practical, real-world steps to set your novel up for success before you begin writing it
...so you can not only start but FINISH the novel you’ve always dreamed of writing.
And the entire program is designed to be completed within only three weeks.
Watch this sneak peek of the Welcome video to discover exactly how START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE will move you from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to having the plan and mindset you need to start and finish the novel you've always dreamed of writing.
HERE'S EXACTLY WHAT YOU'LL FIND INSIDE THE PROGRAM:
Go from uncertainty and self-doubt to confidently writing your novel in 12 short video lessons.
The lessons are designed to be completed within three weeks, by investing about 3-6 hours per week.
But you get access to the entire course when you enroll, so you can go through at your own pace.
WEEK 1: READY
In this module, over four short video lessons, you will:
- Identify and change any thoughts that have been holding you back from writing your novel and firmly declare your why
- Visualize successfully completing your novel and brainstorm ideas to get ready to write
- Learn about genres of fiction and determine which genre of novel you're going to write
- Learn how to balance discipline with self-compassion
By the time you finish Week 1, you will know:
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exactly what kind of novel you're going to write
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what the world of that novel is going to look like
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exactly how you'll incorporate self-compassion into your writing process for long-term success
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that you can succeed in not just starting but finishing your novel.
WEEK 2: SET
In this module, over five short video lessons, you will learn:
- How to deal with place and time in your novel and develop complex, real-seeming characters
- How to create conflict that will keep your readers hooked
- How to choose the right point of view to tell your story from
- How to determine how much outlining you should do before you start writing, based on what's right both for YOU and for your book
- My quick three-step process to get your novel outline DONE so you can get started writing
By the time you finish Week 2, you will know:
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the who, what, when and where of your novel, in vivid detail
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the point of view you're going to write from
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what the structure and arc of your novel will be
AND you will have completed a general outline of your novel.
WEEK 3: GO
In this module, over three short video lessons, you will learn how to:
- Create an effective opening hook
- "Show" vs. "tell"
- Keep the pacing of your novel on track as you're writing it
- Format your manuscript for success
- Use a simple formula to determine the date by which you can realistically expect to have the first draft of your novel done
- Overcome any remaining negative thoughts and program your mind so you can succeed in writing your novel all the way through to the end
By the time you finish Week 3, you will have:
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Written your first chapter (with a great opening hook!)
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Made a bite-sized, doable plan for exactly how and when you'll finish a draft of your novel
-
Totally set yourself up for success to actually finish the novel you've always dreamed of writing
ENROLL TODAY AND YOU'LL ALSO GET THESE VALUABLE, SUCCESS-ACCELERATING BONUSES
This package of bonuses ensures you'll have everything you'll need to start your novel with confidence.
BONUS #1
The Start Your Novel Workbook
Works hand in hand with the course to provide a step-by-step framework to create the foundation and plan you need to start your novel with confidence
$497 VALUE
BONUS #2
The Novelist’s Guide to Terminology
This comprehensive guide defines every term you need to know to start your career as a novelist – and be knowledgeable when you talk to editors and other writers down the line
$97 VALUE
BONUS #3
The Roadmap to Becoming a Published Novelist
Lays out the 7 steps you need to take to go from where you are right now – wanting to write a novel – to becoming a published novelist
$97 VALUE
BONUS #4
The Novelist’s Character Development Worksheet
Comprehensive, in-depth worksheet to help you create true-to-life characters to populate your fiction, over and over again
$597 VALUE
BONUS #5
Point of View Planner
Guides you through defining points of view and choosing the right one to tell your story
$97 VALUE
BONUS #6
Novel Navigator
Plotting, pacing and time management tool to create a step-by-step plan, structure and outline quickly, so you can get started writing
$697 VALUE
Lara Z.
There is literally no way I'd be a published author without Ellen!
Terence S.
My growth and ability to adapt and write (with confidence) comes from Ellen… Without her, I would not have been able to even attempt writing a book… and already (because of what I have learned and still learn from her), I know my novel is going to be pretty phenomenally accomplished.
Rob T.
Ellen's expertise is top-notch.
All together, this comprehensive program to get you started confidently writing your novel is valued at $5,019
But right now, it's all yours for only $497.
ENROLL NOW TO GET:
This is my story
From the time I was six years old, I dreamed of being a novelist.
I wrote and wrote and wrote, read and read and read. By the time I was 30, I'd written four novels, and the fourth one was the charm. I got a literary agent and a two-book deal with Random House. KEEPING THE HOUSE was published in 2007 and I GAVE MY HEART TO KNOW THIS in 2011.
I spent a decade writing and rewriting my next book, but, unable to find the right publisher, I finally needed to set it aside. I realized my dream had never changed, though, so I started fresh, and...
My latest novel, THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON, was published by Mariner Books (HarperCollins) in 2024. It was featured as an Indie Next pick, Goodreads buzziest book, People magazine Best New Book, Woman's World book club pick, and more.
During the decade-plus between publications, I began pursuing my passions for psychology and energy healing and became a certified mindset coach.
I also became a fiction editor, working 1:1 with clients to help them overcome any technical or mindset pitfalls they were facing as they wrote their novels.
I began to notice that my clients were missing certain foundational knowledge, which, if they’d had before they began writing, would’ve saved them a ton of time and heartache.
This is the exact knowledge I share with you in START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE.
START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE gives you the exact intuitive and practical tools I used to outline, plan and write THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON as well as my next novel SUMMERLAND COVE (coming June 2, 2026).
You'll also get the mindset tools you'll need to keep writing your novel all the way through to the end.
You'll identify what's been holding you back till now -- and develop the perseverance and no-matter-what attitude it takes to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE different from other writing programs? How do I know if it's the right program for me?
Is START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE going to work for me?
I'm a pantser and don't like to plan. Why should I get START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE?
Will START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE teach me everything I need to know to write a novel?
I've already started my novel but I'm stuck. Would START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE help me?
How do I get access, and how long do I have to complete the course?
If I complete START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE, am I guaranteed to finish my novel and get it published?
What is your refund policy?
Remember, when you enroll in START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE, you get complete access to the comprehensive course and all the success-accelerating bonuses
The online course curriculum includes:
WEEK 1: READY
By the time you finish the first week's lessons, you will know:
-
exactly what kind of novel you're going to write
-
what the world of that novel is going to look like
-
exactly how you'll incorporate self-compassion into your writing process for long-term success
-
that you can succeed in writing your novel
WEEK 2: SET
By the time you finish the second week's lessons, you will know:
-
the who, what, when and where of your novel, in vivid detail
-
the point of view you're going to write from
-
what the structure and arc of your novel will be
AND you will have completed a general outline of your novel
WEEK 3: GO
By the time you finish the last week's lessons, you will have:
-
Written your first chapter (with a great opening hook!)
-
Made a bite-sized, doable plan for exactly how and when you'll finish a draft of your novel
-
Totally set yourself up for success to actually finish the novel you've always dreamed of writing
PLUS... you'll learn so much more
Over and above these tangible outcomes that you WILL experience as you go through the step-by-step curriculum, START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE also sets your novel-writing up for success by teaching you exactly how to:
- Make the 8 Key Decisions that you MUST make before you start your novel
- Create the RIGHT level of detail in your outline, considering your natural tendencies + your genre
- Finish that outline quickly so you can get started writing
- Create deep and complicated characters
- Create layers of character-based conflict to keep your reader hooked
- Determine the role of place in your novel
- Understand the genre you're going to be writing in
- Write your first chapter with an effective opening hook
- Change any beliefs that have been holding you back from writing your novel
- Train your mind to fully and compassionately support your effort
- Create a realistic timeline (both within the novel and for completing your first draft!)
All of this within three weeks or less, creating the momentum and confidence you'll need to keep going -- and finish a draft of your novel in up to 75% less time.
You'll also get these success-accelerating bonuses:
Remember, all together, this comprehensive program is valued at $5,019...
But right now, it's yours for only $497.
ENROLL NOW TO GET:
How will START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE work? When does it start?
- Just click the button to ENROLL NOW to access the program.
- Check your inbox -- you'll have all the information you need to log in to the course.
- The self-study online course is prerecorded, and the entire course, including all the bonuses, will be delivered to you at once. You'll have access to the entire course from the moment you buy.
- Proceed at your own pace, as quickly or slowly as you like.
- Course content is designed to be easily completed within 3 weeks, devoting about 3-5 hours per week.
- You'll have lifetime access to all pre-recorded course materials.
Nervous? Don't be.
I'm so convinced that you'll love START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE that I'll give you your money back if you don't.
Ask for a refund within 30 days of your purchase and I will grant it - no questions asked or hoops to jump through.
(Just note that it’s bad karma to ask for a refund and still use the resources and system. :)
Just imagine, by 3 weeks from today, you could have...
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Written your first chapter
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Outlined your entire novel
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Gained the knowledge you need to start writing the novel you’ve always dreamed of writing and feel completely assured in what you're setting out to do.
Rather than continuing to doubt yourself and wonder if writing a novel is just a crazy dream, you could actually be underway with making that dream come true.
And you could be on your way toward your novel receiving dream-come-true accolades and praise like mine have:
The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson (2024, Mariner)
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HarperCollins' Lead Read, Winter 2024
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PEOPLE magazine Best New Book
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WOMAN'S WORLD magazine Book Club Pick
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An Indie Next Pick (March 2024)
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A Goodreads Buzziest New Book
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Bookbub Top Historical Fiction of Winter 2024 list
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An AARP Top New Book
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A Bookbub Best Book of Winter 2024
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Published and distributed in 10+ countries
“A family secret, a DNA test, a journey as rich and colorful as the early-day circus itself. Through Cecily Larson’s hidden life, Ellen Baker tenderly examines personal determination, lost love, family ties, and our innate need to discover our own truth.”
- Lisa Wingate
NYT Bestselling Author of BEFORE WE WERE YOURS and BEFORE AND AFTER
“A sprawling, beautiful delight of a novel spanning nearly a century as four generations gradually peel back the layers of long-buried family secrets that may just change everything. ... I immensely enjoyed this sweeping, heartrending, emotional roller coaster of a tale, which made me laugh, cry, and think about the true meaning of family.”
- Kristin Harmel
NYT Bestselling Author of THE PARIS DAUGHTER
“The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson is a deeply satisfying, multi-generational rollercoaster of a novel written in gorgeous prose and with characters that ring so true you want to reach out and touch them. I savored every page of this book and will remember the story of Cecily and Lucky for a very long time to come.”
- Tara Conklin
NYT Bestselling Author of THE LAST ROMANTICS
“Part genetic mystery and part adventure story, The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson takes readers on a riveting ride through America, spanning nearly a century of history, heartbreak, and—most importantly—hope.... With rich, original settings, determined characters, and countless twists and turns, Ellen Baker has written a deeply felt novel about families, both lost and found.”
- Thao Thai
Author of BANYAN MOON
Keeping the House (2007, Random House)
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Winner, Great Lakes Book Award
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A Chicago Tribune Best Book of the Year
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An Insider Discovery of the Literary Guild
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Featured Selection, Doubleday Book Club
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Featured Selection, Random House Reader's Circle
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BookSense Notable Book
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Midwest Connections Pick
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Heartland Indie Bestseller
I Gave My Heart to Know This (2011, Random House)
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A Heartland Indie Bestseller
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"Masterful." - Booklist
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"Sensitive." - Publisher's Weekly
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"Richly satisfying." - Minneapolis Star Tribune
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"Deeply moving." - Ann Arbor Observer
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"Simply amazing." - Planet Books
"Ellen Baker gives us characters who are so real, so recognizable, so likable, in spite of (or perhaps because of) their problems and secrets and frustrations and missteps; and she presents them against a story line that is epic in scope... I really loved reading this powerful and poignant book, which, though it acknowledges pain, regret and remorse, ultimately is a celebration of life.”
- Elizabeth Berg
"Ellen Baker is a brilliant writer and I Gave My Heart to Know This is a marvelous novel. Moving between past and present, Baker weaves her themes of secrecy, betrayal, and forgiveness into a powerful, unforgettable story.”
- Bev Marshall
