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Paranormal Romance * Romantic Suspense * SF Romance *SF Adventure Home * About Marilynn * Books * Articles * Short Stories * Workshops |
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Avaliable: November 1-28, 2010 at Writersonline Registration TBA
The Big Question
How to Create a Powerful Novel from a Few Ideas and One Big Question
A Writing Course
given by
Marilynn Byerly
Have you ever read a story then felt dissatisfied by it as you put it down? All the story elements--plot, characters, romance, and suspense--were there, but something was missing. That something is often called depth or resonance, and it’s that element that turns an ordinary story into one you couldn’t put down. How do you create a story like that? It starts with the creation of the story. I’ll show you how to take a simple plot idea, premise, or character and turn it into a novel with resonance. A Success Story from a former student: "I just wanted to let you know that I sold the book I was working on in your Big Question on-line workshop! I just got the call this morning. Yippee. It's another medical romance to Mills and Boon. I got a two-book contract too!
Very happy. Thanks for helping me hone in on what I needed to concentrate on for the core of the story. It's never easy!"
COURSE SYLLABUS WEEK ONE: You will receive an article on the big question. Questions: Ask Marilynn questions on the group listserv or privately. Assignment: Decide on your big question, and its two sides. The assignment is optional and will be turned into Marilynn, not shared on the listserv.
WEEK TWO: Optional: Turn in last week's assignment for feedback. You will receive a second article on creating characters to answer the big question. Questions: Ask Marilynn questions on the group listserv or privately. Assignment: Decide on the characters you'll need to answer the big question. The assignment is optional and will be turned into Marilynn, not shared on the listserv.
WEEK THREE: Optional: Turn in last week's assignment for feedback. The assignment is optional and will be turned into Marilynn, not shared on the listserv. Questions: Ask Marilynn questions on the group listserv or privately. Assignment: Flesh out your characters. Give them background and motivation.
WEEK FOUR: You will receive an article on story arcs. Assignment: Decide on the general plot and the different story arcs you'll need to ask the big question. You will receive a summation of the information. Questions: Ask Marilynn questions on the group listserv or privately.
Marilynn's Teaching Biography: Marilynn Byerly's two passions are writing and teaching. With a BA and MA in English with an emphasis on fictional structure and literary analysis, she has taught writing, judged numerous national and regional writing contests, reviewed books, and written articles on writing which have appeared in trade publications, national magazines, and writing websites. Her articles have also been used as part of the course work for writing and publishing programs at major universities. She has acted as a book doctor for established authors. Her romance, fantasy, and suspense novels, and short stories have won major awards including the National Readers Choice Award, the Sapphire, and the Write Touch. She has also been named an outstanding achiever in romance by a major romance magazine
What qualifies Marilynn to teach this topic? “This romance... is one of the most memorable books I've ever read. Intelligently written, fascinating in scope.... If you don't grab TIME AFTER TIME and put it on your keeper shelf, you are depriving yourself of mental stimulation, a page-turner book, and a love story to make you sigh." A review of one of Marilynn's novels from "Under the Covers." Many of Marilynn's reviews praise her ability to create a story with a depth that draws readers in and resonates with them. As a teacher, Marilynn can show you how to do it, too. Marilynn's Online Writing Workshops
Writing the First Chapter: How to pull the reader into your novel in the first chapter and keep her wanting to read more.
Worldbuilding Course: Creating a Believable Paranormal, Fantasy, or SF World.
Writing in the Moment: How to get your voice, viewpoint, and craft so perfect that you disappear and your story comes alive.
The Blurb: Mother of All Promotions How to write a blurb -- that pithy description of your novel in a query letter, the short "elevator pitch" used at a writer's conference, the log line for online promotion, and the all important back cover copy for a published novel. |
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