So you have a character you’re just dying to kill. Maybe he is a real villain and deserves to die. Or, instead, she is a sweet child and everybody cries when she slips away in the middle of the night. Regardless, there’s a right place, time and reason to get rid of that character and […]
Are you still trying to figure out Steampunk? Do you have an idea for a Steampunk story but aren’t sure what to start? Are you in the middle of a Steampunk manuscript and need a little help? Whether you just want to learn what all the buzz is about or have specific spots you need to work on, “Writing […]
The kids are screaming, your spouse reminds you that you need milk, your boss is texting you, you have a big deadline at work tomorrow that makes your head hurt, your friends is having drama, and you have to finish drafting this scene tonight. Sound familiar? Whether you’re trying to balance a job with writing, […]
Whether your characters are soaring through space on a ship or through the sky on the back of a dragon, this four-week course will go over the basic elements of Sci-Fi and Fantasy stories. What We’ll Cover: The main elements of Fantasy and Sci-Fi stories including creating dynamic characters, a compelling plot, and stand-out settings […]
Fantasy stories can take you into other worlds where you can fight pirates, soar on the back of a dragon, or go on a quest. There could be magic, adventure, romance, daring deeds, and great beats. Over the course of four weeks, we’ll go in-depth on how to build a compelling fantasy story including worldbuilding, magical […]
Whether your manuscript is Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy, High Fantasy, Steampunk, a mash-up, or something in-between, worldbuilding is a key element to a successful and immersive story. In this four-week course you will go over the various aspects to building a solid world, from where and when the story is set to the characters that populate […]
Toward the end of the twentieth century, the modern Civil Rights era was launched and as Sam Cooke sang, “A Change Gone Come.” The change came and the psychology of Black people in the United States underwent a sea change. As we will see in this class in the first week, there were several reasons […]
At Point Comfort in 1619, more than a dozen enslaved Black men were bought to the shores of Virginia and the history of Blackness in the United States was established. There are three distinct time periods to think about and I will address them, depending upon what you are writing about: 1619-1800, 1800-1865, 1865-1950. 1619-1800—Enslavement […]
As a historical fiction author, I have researched for years on legal issues my characters have encountered in their stories. In talking to readers of historical fiction, particularly regency romance, I’ve learned that many people have questions about some of the issues addressed in novels, as well as misunderstandings about inheritance and marriage laws (yes, […]
In this course we will dive into the dizzying world of literary contracts. You’ll learn what is typically in a literary contract, such as an author-agent agreement or a publishing contract, and what the most common clauses really mean. You’ll learn what to watch out for, when to try to change things, and when to […]
You’ve got your plot. You know your characters. You’ve filled your stories with goals and obstacles and conflicts, and oh boy, are the stakes running high. You’ve written a book that will surely jump off the shelves. BUT No matter how much you love your story, characters, and world, surprisingly, not everyone always feels the […]
How to hook and retain readers by exploiting uncertainty Have you been told your character isn’t engaging or that ‘special something’ is missing from your story? The Create Page-Turning Tension workshop is for fiction writers who want to hook readers and compel them to keep turning pages all the way to the end. Uncertainty is […]
How to weave the past in without information dump telling Does your character or location have a fascinating history, but you’re unsure of the best way to express it? The Write Backstory With Confidence workshop is for fiction writers who want to avoid information dumps and use backstory to provide character motivation that resonates with readers. […]
Previously titled Master Emotive Storytelling How to combine showing action with effective telling The Master Emotive Storytelling and Showing workshop is for fiction writers who want to decipher the contradictions in the old ‘show don’t tell’ mantra so they can avoid author intrusion and maximize evocative actions and sensory details. Both showing and telling are […]
If you’ve always dreamed of writing a book, stuck in the middle of the one you are working on, or looking for some structure and support for your current novel, this class is for you. Designed to take you from idea to finished book, The 8-Week Author will cover all major components of a book, […]
A critique group can make or break your writing. And here’s the rub–your group might not even realize the damage they are inflicting. Bestselling author Kathleen Baldwin will give you the tools you need to build a Healthy Supportive Critique Group geared for mutual success. We will practice Kathleen’s prove critique methods, and as a result, some of the members […]
This course will save you at least five years of struggling in your writing career. Whether you’re a fan thinking about taking up the pen for the first time, or a pro looking to take things to the next level, this course is for you. In Building from the Ground Up: Character Development & Story […]
The stakes have never been higher. With the Internet, Netflix, HBO, Prime, movies, news, everything at reader’s fingertips, who cares has never been more important. Sure, you have put your heart, soul, and every drop of blood into your characters and the story they have to tell. You have created a compelling plot where characters […]
Anthologies are the “hot” item lately, giving authors a chance to collaborate and create amazing themed books. The writing side is usually pretty easy for an author, but what about all the details? A partnership can be a real problem if the business side isn’t addressed. This class, taught by an author/editor who has published […]
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