Before she became a bestselling novelist, Jessica Dettmann spent years behind the scenes as an editor.
Now, with four novels under her belt (and two cats in her writing room), she’s one of Australia’s most beloved voices in contemporary fiction—funny, sharp, and sneakily profound.
🍿 For paid subscribers: Jess shares how she drafts and edits at the same time, why a spreadsheet can save your story, and the little-known tool writers should use…a style sheet!
Here are the top three takeaways from Michelle’s conversation with Jess:
1. You don’t need a messy first draft—just your voice.
Jess doesn’t do “vomit drafts.” As an editor-turned-writer, she writes and polishes as she goes. Her process is slower, but her first draft is close to submission-ready.
💡 Takeaway for Writers: Work how your brain works. If you’re someone who needs to make it beautiful as you go—that’s valid.
2. Being funny is serious work.
Jess writes fiction that’s funny because it’s true. It’s not about punchlines—it’s about tension, tone, and letting humour emerge from honest character reactions.
💡 Takeaway for Writers: Humour is more than comic relief. It’s a pressure valve. A mirror. A survival tactic.
3. Spreadsheets are your secret weapon.
From character birthdays to consistency tools, Jess uses editorial tricks to keep her writing tight, smart, and structurally sound. The result? Stories that land cleanly—and hit emotionally.
💡 Takeaway for Writers: Don’t just write. Track. Plan. Organise. Future-you (and your editor) will thank you.
Connect with Jessica Dettmann
Connect with Michelle Barraclough
✨ Subscriber Bonus: Structure, Style Sheets & the Editor’s Edge
In the bonus segment, Jess shares how she drafts and edits at the same time, why style sheets are her secret weapon, and the timeline mistake she won’t make twice. Plus—her top tips for working with an editor, tracking character birthdays, and making your manuscript easier to finish (and fix).
💛 This full bonus chat is available for paid subscribers ($7/month) and includes behind-the-scenes access to more interviews, creative deep dives, and writerly real talk.
🎧 Get Inspired. Get Encouraged. Get Writing.
Happy writing! 🎉
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