New Class: Story Structure 101, June 28

Join my new class, a one-session summer seminar on story structure, offered via the Writing Co-Lab on Sun., June 28, 7-8:30pm.

People are natural storytellers—so why are plot and pace so hard to figure out? Join me for one session on character, conflict, and plot to discuss:

  • the qualities that make characters compelling;

  • generating and structuring action;

  • hinge and crisis points, and where to place them;

  • satisfying and meaningful endings; and

  • dramatic models, and how to find your story’s organic shape.

Along the way, we’ll talk about practical strategies and techniques for brainstorming, analyzing, and revising. We’ll also address how to employ these fundamental elements in stories of different lengths, from flash fiction all the way up to novel series.

This class is suited to new fiction writers searching for a foundation in narrative; experienced fiction writers looking for a new grip on plot; and anyone who finds themselves stuck and in need of a plan to invigorate their draft.

 Read more and enroll via the Writing Co-Lab.

Story Structure 101

Ten Minutes with the Coode Street Podcast

Thanks to Gary Wolfe and the Coode Street Podcast for inviting me to discuss my favorite recent books and reading and writing during the pandemic. You can download the episode here or find it on your favorite podcast app.

Ten minutes with… is a special series presented by Coode Street that sees readers and booklovers from around the world talk about what they’re reading right now and what’s getting them through these difficult times.

Crawford Award winner Stephanie Feldman joins Gary to talk about the unexpected complexities of virtual Kindergarten; writing about young adult characters and their attraction to the unknown; the appeal of short fiction by Daphne Du Maurier, Joan Aiken, and Angela Carter; the rewards of reading nonfiction; and her recent story “The Staircase” (published in the July 2020 issue of F&SF).

Books mentioned include: