What You’ll Learn

As artists, our process is often not tidy or linear. Many times, we catch pieces of a story—a character, a moment, a setting—without seeing the big picture. It’s like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle when you’ve lost the top of the box: many pieces, but what is the full image?

This class is founded on the story-craft fundamentals Lisa researched and developed during her time as a professional editor at major publishing houses, including Disney Press, Scholastic and HarperCollins. Secrets of the Plot Goddess: The Big Picture helps writers see deeply into their novels, brainstorm meaningful plot events, craft character arcs and power through and/or revise existing drafts to create stories with impact. We will also cover tactical decisions around point of view, voice, setting and supporting characters. 

Everyone in the class will receive a scheduled 15-minute Zoom call with Lisa to be used for questions, brainstorming and feedback. At the end of the four weeks, participants will leave with a one-page plot synopsis and a more detailed three- to five- page synopsis. These synopses are due April 26 (one week after the end of class) so that Lisa can provide final feedback. 

Our four weeks together include:

Week One: Foundational Story Structure and the Protagonist:  We’ll be looking at the simple structure that underlies almost all stories told in the Western tradition. We’ll also explore why that structure exists and how it is tied inextricably to character development. We will explore and develop the necessary ingredients to move our protagonist forward in their story. 

Week Two: Brainstorming Major Moments: We’ll take a look at the five major plot moments and brainstorm events for the main plotline and at least one subplot. We will also look at how to balance these in a novel. 

Week Three: Brainstorming Connecting Scenes: There are a lot of pages between the inciting incident and the climax. We’ll look at what these scenes need to accomplish and how to brainstorm events that have meaning and flow logically from the character. 

Week Four: Writing the Synopsis: It can be very difficult to boil a whole novel down to the essential pitch-worthy moments. We’ll explore crafting two different documents: one to help us as we write and revise, and one to help us communicate our idea to those who might be interested—agents, editors, and readers. 

Each class will include:

• Multiple writing prompts

• Breakout groups to discuss prompts

• Assigned readings

• Also: Participants will receive a copy of Secrets of the Plot Goddess by Lisa Papademetriou before the first class

  
  

  This Workshop Is For You If

• You’re a published novelist looking to improve your plotting skills for a new project

• You’re a published novelist struggling to wrap your head around a new story

• You’re a published novelist who is feeling stuck with a manuscript that doesn’t seem to be coming together

• You’re an aspiring novelist looking to plot your first novel

• You’re an unpublished author who can’t seem to get traction on your work

• You’ve almost been signed by an agent but keep getting sent back for revisions

• You’re getting good feedback on your novels but haven’t sold one yet

• You keep getting great feedback on your writing but can’t reach your goals
  
  

Workshop Size

In keeping with our commitment to small class sizes, this class will have no more than 14 students.

Refund Policy: There is no refund for our Master classes. All classes are recorded, and students can watch at a later time.