Courses

Ready to take your shot? You’ve put in the work. Crafted a killer concept with hooks that pique a publisher’s interest. Created unforgettable characters that connect with readers on a heart level. Plotted a roller coaster ride of a narrative with unexpected but satisfying twists and turns. Then you polished every word so your story […]

Great writers trust in revision. From agents to editors to bestselling authors, every publishing pro has seen and experienced firsthand the transformational work of revision. This course explores critical methods to help you approach your revision process strategically and with intention. From gauging a manuscript’s readiness to diving into layers of refinement, you’ll discover methods

Pacing and tension are like the soundtrack to your story. They work together to create a sense of rhythm and suspense, keeping readers engaged and eager to turn the page. From overarching story stakes to scene-by-scene tension, there’s a science to keeping a reader glued to the pages. This master class digs deep into the

Every story has a world. From Jane Austin’s 19th century England to Steinbeck’s California or Andy Weir’s surface of Mars, great world-builders give us an immersive sense of place and time. Here’s the awesome news for you and me. As writers, offering a first-class voyage into an intriguing world (real or imagined) is one of

Voice is publishing’s silver bullet. Learn to harness yours. Perhaps the most elusive element of craft, everyone has a different definition of what it means to write with Voice. Some say it is the X-factor. Some say you’re either born with it or you’re not. Others say you’ll only know it when you hear it.

Dialogue is a Writer’s Swiss Army Knife One of the sneakiest ways to make your story brilliant is through your characters’ conversations, which often take up more than half of your story. Dialogue can compress backstory, intensify action, raise the stakes, reveal motivations, and LOADS more. This master class takes a deep dive into character

Ever wonder how a chapter becomes a perfect package? The answer is Scene Structure. But what is a scene and how is it different from a chapter? As individual moments in time in a story, every scene contains specific elements that must be addressed in order to engage the reader on an emotional level and

Brilliant Stories Don’t Happen on Accident They’re thoughtfully planned and carefully coordinated. Diligence at refining plot and structure self-corrects a litany of story problems, including: Concepts that fizzle out Starting in the wrong place Lack of conflict Slow / unnecessary action Lumpy or mushy middles Poorly defined goals Low tension Dangling story threads In this

We fall in love with character first And industry gatekeepers want to acquire projects with characters that shine. But how do you make your characters ring true? What makes them feel like real, actual people instead of cardboard stereotypes? This course dives deeper into character, including how to use your understanding of self to fully

When it comes to Story, Concept is King Editors and agents are constantly on the lookout for fresh, high-concept stories. But do great ideas happen on accident? Or can they be intentionally designed? The answer is both.  This course examines the specific structure of a story idea including different ways you can approach your story