Exciting news!

I continue to be approached by writers needing help with writing a compelling query or a killer synopsis. Soon, I'll be announcing a release date for my upcoming Query Writing Handbook. But today, I'm excited to announce that I will now make available for purchase my Synopsis Workshop handouts!

Writing a synopsis is much different from writing a book. In fact, it requires an entirely new skill set. A writer must be able to analyze voice and pacing, identify the key plot elements that must be included, understand which conflict arcs and emotional arcs must be included, format the synopsis correctly, weed out any extraneous details, and do all of this in just a page or two!

Sound overwhelming?

My handouts address all of the above. From answering basic questions like "When do I need to write a synopsis?" and "How do I introduce my main characters?" to teaching you how to break your story down into three key parts to make summarizing easy, I offer a comprehensive guide that walks you through the entire process.

The handouts arrive in a Word.doc attachment to the email address you provide through Paypal. See the sidebar for purchasing.

And stay tuned! I will soon have a release date for the Query Writing Handbook!

Exciting News!

Wish you had a query writing guru in your corner? Frustrated because you can't figure out how to write a condensed plot summary that makes an agent or editor want to request your manuscript? I've got great news for you!

While my publication deadlines don't leave me enough time to continue running query workshops, I'm currently working on putting my lessons and method together into a Query Writing Workbook. This workbook will be available in all major e-book formats for a bargain price, and will include how to research literary agents, what to include in your query, how to write an amazing hook, how to make your writing credentials (or lack thereof) work in your favor, what questions to ask an agent who is interested in working with you, and more!

I expect to be able to offer the Query Writing Workbook by the middle of August. Stay tuned for details.

Last Query Workshop EVER

Because of my recent book deal, I will be retiring from teaching workshops so I can focus on meeting my writing deadlines instead. The last Query Workshop I will ever teach starts this coming Monday, and I have plenty of openings. For more info on the course itself, click on the Query Workshop tab above.

Last Plot Workshop of the Year

The last Plotting Workshop of the year starts this coming Monday. I still have 4 spaces available for anyone who needs help with plot structure, pacing, character and conflict arcs, tension, high stakes, and more. Last chance to take this workshop and get a one hour online brainstorming chat with me!

2011 Workshop Dates

To learn more about a specific workshop, please use the tabs above.

"In all 3 courses, I learned a tremendous amount in a short time about how to hone to the heart of plot, synopsis, and query letters!"

- Kit Grindstaff, writer

Query Workshop:

January 24th - February 4th - Registration CLOSED

April 4th - 15th - Registration CLOSED

June 6th - 17th - Registration OPEN




Synopsis Workshop:

February 14th - 18th - Registration CLOSED

May 2nd - 6th - CLOSED



Plot Workshop:

February 28th - March 5th - Registration CLOSED

May 16th - 21st - Registration OPEN, 4 spots left