Forget brainstorming. Get ready for storybreaking. Got an idea that begs to be a story? Don't know where to start? NYT-bestselling author Delilah S. Dawson is here to help in this four-week workshop.
Your Instructor: NYT bestseller Delilah S. Dawson, author of PHASMA and WAKE OF VULTURES
Where: Online — Available everywhere!
When: This class is not currently enrolling. To be notified when it is offered again, Click Here
Enrollment: 16 students
Price: $350
Class Description
Forget brainstorming. Get ready for storybreaking.
Got an idea that begs to be a story and don't know where to start? Dream of creating a sturdy outline to get you from page 1 to THE END? Does typical 'brainstorming' leave you with a huge list of ideas and 0 action items? Need help figuring out where to start your story in an exciting place that will get the plot rolling?
Delilah S. Dawson, the New York Times best-selling author of Phasma and Wake of Vultures, is here to help. Welcome to Storybreaking.
Storybreaking is the process of turning an idea into a workable plot with characters who leap off the page in a world that will delight your readers. Each of these elements should organically contribute to your story—and you're going to learn plenty of writing hacks to help you get there.
In this four-week workshop, you'll practice being nimble and creative but planful as you build your idea into an outline featuring a colorful cast of characters. Starting by creating a book playlist, you'll talk about how to use music to behaviorally condition yourself to be in your world and ready to write.
Plotting, theme, worldbuilding, character, and first chapters will be discussed, along with plenty of tips and tricks to keep you plotting or writing when you stall out. At the end of this class, you should have what you need to start writing—and a finished first chapter with comments from Delilah.
What This Class Covers
Week 1:
You'll talk about building a playlist and making exciting choices to determine world flavor, characters, and how to kick off your plot.
Homework: Give us your main character and the 5 main signposts for your plot.
Week 2:
Time to build on what you already have. You'll talk about creating characters who attract and repel each other and how to build relationships on the page.
Homework: Describe your cast of characters and how they meet.
Week 3:
Get deeper into worldbuilding and plot as we talk about how the world can challenge your characters on their journey.
Homework: Describe your world and build out your plot into an outline.
Week 4:
Time to bring together everything you've learned to finish your outline and write your first chapter.
Homework: Write up to 2,000 words of your first chapter for critique by the instructor and your fellow classmates.
Goals Of This Class
You will learn:
- how to turn the smallest idea into a story you're ready to write.
- how to build a book playlist to keep you in the world.
- how to create a protagonist uniquely challenged by your world.
- how to craft a cast of characters who play off one another in interesting ways.
- how to piece together character and plot for a sturdy outline with a satisfying story arc.
- where (and how) to start writing.
- how to keep going and finish this book!
