Your opening chapters are a book’s first date with a reader! They’re going to make decisions on if this is the right match for them based on their first impressions. So how do we write engaging, enticing, informative first chapters that set up your story, your characters and keep readers...
Writing a good first draft in less time is not so much a matter of typing faster but rather of using your time more efficiently. If you know where you’re going before you start your journey, you’ll get there faster. This means two things. First, plan the story in advance. This doesn’t...
Want to learn how to craft a bestseller from an award-winning editor?
A great idea will only get you so far. Learn the tricks of the trade from an industry professional who has seen--and fixed-- it all. While writers tend to focus on trends and tropes, they often forget about story, about...
Learn the three parts of a mystery and where to include what and when. Steve will show you how to outline and use free writing techniques to craft a winning mystery short.
What makes a good mystery, and how to be an idea machine.
How to craft openings that hook your reader, and twist endings...
Did you ever want to write a short story but never knew where to start? Do you love stories and tell yourself stories from time to time? Do you think in terms of stories? Do you love reading short stories in the Chicken Soup Series? If you answered any of these questions in the affirmative...
Fairy tale retellings are very popular for a reason. They use tropes and characters that we're familiar with. For instance, the Cinderella story is a common one across cultures and centuries. Learn how to use these familiar and beloved characters in stories and give them a different twist.
1...
Have you ever finished the first draft of a book and thought it was missing something, but you weren't sure what? That "what" is probably layering - the process of adding details to your story, from character traits to body language to descriptions of the environment surrounding your story. Each...
Body language is a key ingredient in correctly conveying the emotion you need to add power to your story. This class will teach writers how to use body language to make their characters stronger and more real so they become more than talking heads.
Once, long ago, back in the halcyon days of decent sized advances – or advances, period! – when many of us snagged contracts that guaranteed we’d have a new book out every year unless we didn’t turn in a book every year, an author could make a living – a meager one, but still a living – with...
How do you keep a reader engaged? One tool is using the desire to find out what happens next. That means predictability is the death of stories. Many people will put down a mystery as soon as they figure out whodunit. And “spoilers” that give away turns and plot points in a movie or a TV show...
Have you ever started reading a book that you just couldn't put down? Learn the secrets that keep your reader from putting down your book. LC. will show you how to incorporate the page turning elements into your manuscript, including:
Element of time,
Cliffhangers,
Mood and atmosphere,
Use...
Do you read romance novels? Do you find a real affinity in the story lines? Do you find that cozy romances provide a wonderful escape for you, even when you life seems a bit in tatters? Do you love Hallmark movies? If you answered any of the above questions in the affirmative, you have come to...
Humans are first of all visual creatures, and symbols are basic powerful communication tools. The more consciously you use symbols, images, and codes in your stories, the more effective your message will be. Using appropriate visuals – in prose, poetry, plays, or scripts - will heighten the...
We’ve all heard of writers using a series bible. But how is it best used while writing a series and what should it include? During the four weeks of the workshop, we’ll explore how to create a series bible that fits what you’re writing and how to use and maintain your series bible over the...
Learn how to keep the middle of your book from suffering from the Sagging Syndrome. Get secrets of how to make your plot move along more quickly through the middle. Learn the basics of subplots and how they can be utilized to get the most out of your characters. Find out how you can use dialogue...
Are you seeking a coach and mentor who listens? Doesn't squash your writing style? And who provides positive, constructive feedback to meet your goals?
As a certified coach with a background in education and over a decade of working with writers, my goal is to offer you an individualized...
Core Wounds sit in the heart of every person - both real and fictional. An understanding of these deep-seated, harmful "truths" we believe can lead to the creation of three-dimensional characters and emotionally impactful narratives readers will never forget.
This workshop will explore what a...
Everyone has that special picture book that we all remember. The one that instilled in us the love of books and reading. You can write a book that will touch a child's heart! Come along with Irene on a voyage of discovery and learn the secrets of writing every child's favorite book!
In this...
What makes a great romance novel is the inner conflict that the lovers experience. Yet, working out our characters' inner conflict can be intimidating! But, it needn’t be.
In this workshop, we’ll talk about:
What inner conflict is
Why inner conflict is important
How to create inner conflict...
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.