A couple summers ago I decided to make a video series for teens who wanted to write novels. It was a free program and we had over a thousand students. But I realized, actually, it’s probably my best summary of all my writing advice and ideas, because I *tried* to keep things simple and organized.
Even so, there’s a ton of very advanced, very insightful writing stuff in there, that could be useful for everyone, but is especially useful for people working on their first book. Here are the first two videos; and I made a few more available on the course page.
I have friends who charge hundreds of dollars for writing courses, and I’m pretty confident mine goes deeper and has more material. However, since I’m not selling this course anymore, and I know I’m a bit scatterbrained and disorganized, I’m content to keep the price low so it can help more people.
It’s currently *only* available in the writing course bundle, The Bestseller Blueprint – which itself is $197… unless you’re reading this (old post) and found this secret coupon voucher that will take 81% off.
What makes a story?
- Consistent tense / POV
- Linear timeline
- A character worth caring about (avatar)
- Something they want, and an inability to get it
- An event or challenge they cannot overcome
- …that forces them to change.
- A barrier or active antagonist
- A setting (description)
- Interesting characters (cast)
- Obstacles (challenges)
- Difficult decisions
- A beginning and an end
Rewards must outweigh the risks (they must want goal enough to overcome dangers: must be completely committed to action). Pressure forces action, and keeps the momentum.
See if you can write your story in a few sentences, using this formula.
My character is a _____ who wants _____. But then when ________, they’re forced to _____.
And they have to choose between ____ and ____.
In the end, they learn _____ (probable theme of the book; but don’t worry if yours doesn’t have a crucial or critical theme, it’s not necessary.)
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I’m a philosophy dropout with a PhD in Literature. I covet a cabin full of cats, where I can write fantasy novels to pay for my cake addiction. Sometimes I live in castles.
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