The Jump Start Your Novel Workshop

Since I started writing in 2002, I’ve sold nine novels to major publishers in five different countries. Eight of those nine novels were sold on the basis of nothing more than a proposal which consisted of a synopsis, an outline, and a sample chapter.

I’ve been able to do this thanks to the method I use to thoroughly organize and prepare my novels before I sit down and write them. This method also gives me an extremely detailed project bible that I use to keep my scenes, characters, and settings straight while the project is underway. This allows me to write the scenes I want to write whenever I want to write them, even if I’m writing them out of order, which keeps my creativity and enthusiasm for the project high. Even better, it lets me know pretty quickly when an idea isn’t worth pursuing, so I don’t waste valuable time and energy.

In the Jump Start Your Novel Workshop I’ll walk you through the methods I use from start to finish, using one of my latest novels as an example. In addition, participants will receive personal coaching from me, including feedback on the exercises you’ll be doing on your own project.

We’ll do this step by step:

Lesson One – Character and Plot Sketches, Summary outline

We’ll start by writing a short (one sentence) summary of what your book is about and then expand that into a one paragraph and one page summary, both of which will be used for other purposes later. We’ll also create character sketches of each major character, being certain to understand the motivations that drive each of them forward throughout the story.

Lesson Two – Settings and Research

Next we’ll create setting sketches of the major locals within the story and identify any areas of information we are going to need to research before we actually begin writing.

Lesson Three – Scene Structure

What is a scene? Why are scenes important? How can you construct your scenes so that each one appears vital to the reader? We’ll answer questions like these during this lesson.

Lesson Four – Story Evolution and Timeline

The bestselling stories often follow the same basic structure and understanding this structure and applying it to your work is vital to creating a story that keeps the reader wanting more. We’ll identify the key story elements and how they evolve throughout your tale, then create a writing timeline for you to keep track of story events through the writing process.

Lesson Five – Beginnings, Middles, and Endings

This lesson dissects each of the three major parts of the story – beginnings, middles, and ends – and provides tips to make certain that your tale doesn’t sag in any of these important areas.

Lesson Six – Revisions and the Final Roadmap

The final lesson in the seminar covers writing the final working roadmap for you to use in the actual writing process. By having this prepared from the start, you not only know that your story can stand on its own two feet but it also gives you a working plan to get your project written within a particular timeframe.

At the end of the six weeks, you’ll have an extensive outline and project bible which you can easily use to develop a rough draft without the usual false starts and stalled momentum. You should also be able to create a strong synopsis and a proposal from what you’ve completed. (This is a terrific workshop to take before taking my Writing a Killer Book Proposal workshop, by the way.)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This workshop is best suited for those who have not yet begun writing a given project. Some basic thought and structure should have been developed however, so that you are not starting completely from scratch. (In other words, have the general storyline thought out and some basic characters envisioned.)

The lessons in this process CAN be used to rewrite/revise an already completed project, but the workshop participant should be prepared to do extensive rewrites if needed.

WHERE AND WHEN

The Jump Start Your Novel Workshop starts on the Monday following your registeration and runs for six consecutive weeks. Lessons and assignments are delivered via email. Feedback is given on all assignments and personal coaching is available via telephone or Skype to workshop participants. The cost of the workshop is $150.00. (HWA members – email me for a discounted rate!)

Space is limited so sign up now!

The cost of the workshop is $150.00.  (HWA members are eligible for a discounted rate.)