Welcome! Last year, Ann Garvin and I wound up collaborating a lot at various spring writing conferences, but this year, all of those conferences have been cancelled or postponed. So we’re scratching our itch to talk about writing and to immerse ourselves in the writing community by putting together a series of virtual sessions.
Our first talk was streamed to YouTube on April 8th, and we’ll be following up with five more sessions for anyone interested in sitting in. We aren’t charging for these sessions, but we’d appreciate tips or book purchases if you can spare a dime and if you find these helpful or inspiring.
So, without further ado, here is our planned schedule for these sessions. Check back for updates on links for future classes. (Oh, and they’ll all be recorded, and you can access those recordings from these same links.)
The “From Pitch to Manuscript” Sessions
A series with Ann Garvin on how to move from story concept to execution of marketable fiction.
1) Introduction
Learn about how Ann’s forthcoming book was born from her putting together five pitches for her agent. And hear why you might want to write a pitch before writing your book. (Wednesday, April 8th; watch the replay.)
2) Grounding in Character
As you move from idea to story, there are some key questions to consider: Who is this book about and why? Why are you interested? Why would anyone else be interested? What are you trying to say? And how should you tell this story? (Wednesday, April 22nd at 1:30 pm Central Time.) Link
3) Move toward story
What should you consider to ensure your idea becomes a story rather than just a plot? (Wednesday, April 29th at 1:30 pm Central Time.) Link.
4) Story structure
Why might you want to consider mapping out your story with a structural template, and how can you prevent being formulaic? Yes, this is classic structure. (Wednesday, May 6th at 1:30pm Central Time) Link.
5) Pitch-worthiness
How can you make your story pitch-worthy? How can you make your pitch pitch-worthy? We’ll examine the importance of your word choice in crafting an amazing pitch. (Wednesday, May 13th at 1:30pm Central Time) Link.
6) Logline and Comps
What does a query-letter logline look like? And how/why can you put together comps? (May 20th) Link.
These sessions are free, but donations are very welcome (via PayPal or Venmo). And check out Ann’s book, I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around: Indiebound | Barnes & Noble | Books a Million | Amazon
