You gave so much great information in Bones! Your input gave solid insight into how to build a good story. I especially liked structure. Your W diagram showed me very clearly how it's done.  ~ Barbara


Fall registration is open now.  A new term begins Thurs, Sept 17 at 11 a.m.  Click here to sign up.   

With this fine, and powerful class, my goal is to teach you all the bones of story from concept, theme, plot, structure, character and setting.  I also promise to help you walk away with a plan for writing a solid first & second draft.  Everyone who takes this class loves it. 
  

FALL PROGRAM OUTLINE 

Sept. 17, Class 1:  Concept & Theme 

Handouts:  
Concept and Theme
Butler Dreamstorming

NOTE:  You must wait for handouts to download from Dropbox, then click OPEN on far right corner for PDF., or printing will not work.  

Sept. 24, Class 2:  Plot

Handouts: 
Seven Basic Plots
NOTE:  You must wait for handouts to download from Dropbox, then click OPEN on far right corner for PDF., or printing will not work. 

Oct. 1, Class 3:  Structure & W  
Handouts:
W & Structure (email)

Oct. 8, Class 4:  Setting and Character 
Handouts:  
Booker on Character  Pg. 241 - 275 & Chap. 18
Brooks on Character  Pg. 61-85 & 106-115
McKee on Character  Pg. 144 - 159

Oct. 15, Class 5:  Setting/The Antagonist
Handouts:   
McKee Chap. 14 on Antagonist
Setting Sketch Sheet
McKee on Setting and Structure

Oct. 22-Nov. 19, Class 6-10: 
Advanced Concepts as applied to your personal project  & presentations.  TBA


Reference texts for craft and additional recurses:
Tell it Slant by Brenda Miller (Creative Non-Fiction)
The Situation and the Story by Vivian Gornick (Creative Non-Fiction)
From Where You Dream by Robert Olen Butler
Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
Screenwriters Problem Solver by Syd Fields
Story by Robert McKee
Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri Keep it Short by Danny Heitman (Click on link)
Debra Gwartney on Memoir  (click on link) 
Philip Lopate on Writing Personal Essays  (click on link)
Cultivations of Kindness Meditation (for self acceptance): Click here 
Scrivener (free download for 30 days)