Gutsy Great Novelist

Gutsy Great Novelist

Gutsy Great Novelist is an online educational platform and community dedicated to helping aspiring authors overcome the psychological and technical hurdles of finishing a novel. Founded by award-winning novelist and writing teacher Joan Dempsey, the site is built on the philosophy that “gutsy” persistence is as vital to success as raw talent. It is best known for the Gutsy Great Novelist Writers Studio, a free, private community of thousands of writers who engage in craft discussions, accountability groups, and peer support. Dempsey also hosts the prestigious Page One Prize and Chapter One Prize, which provide blind-judged recognition and cash awards for exceptional opening excerpts of unpublished manuscripts, emphasizing the importance of a “gripping” start to attract agents and editors.

Beyond its community and contests, Gutsy Great Novelist offers a suite of professional resources designed to bridge the gap between a rough draft and a publishable book. This includes intensive online masterclasses on specific skills—such as self-editing, dialogue, and narrative hooks—as well as high-level writing retreats in Maine. By providing a “no-sugarcoating” yet deeply supportive environment, the platform empowers writers to treat their work with professional rigor, offering tools like the “Writing Contract” and personalized coaching to ensure their stories move from the “shitty first draft” phase to completion and beyond.