In this intensive two-day workshop, New York literary agent Don Maass reveals the techniques of master novelists.

How do consistently powerful storytellers make their protagonists, plots and passion irresistible? How do the worlds of their stories become places you hate to leave? How do they compel you to read EVERY word?

This hands-on workshop helps you apply mastery techniques to your fiction right away. Through lively discussion and structured writing exercises on your work-in-progress, you’ll learn to identify and harness your passions, tap into your emotions and personal experiences, all while best serving your story and your reader.

Based on Mr. Maass's book THE FIRE IN FICTION, forthcoming from Writers Digest Books (May 2009).

Stand-alone course: $399, includes lunch both days, workshop materials, and more.

See below to add full-day MASTER courses in Suspense and/or Romance

November 6-7, 2009: Seattle, WA

Donald Maass, a top agent for fiction writers and author of Writing the Breakout Novel, leads participants through practical writing exercises that plumb depths of character, raise stakes both public and personal, add plot layers, heighten sense of time and place, strengthen point of view and voice, deepen themes, transform openings, and develop the brainstorming skills that produce consistently original stories.

Donald Maass has helped many mid-list and genre authors transform their careers. His twenty-five years of experience can help you, too.

SUSPENSE MASTER CLASS with Don Maass and Edgar Award-winning author, Nancy Pickard

In this full day course, Don Maass and Nancy Pickard will teach you how to first foster a deep understanding of the suspense genre, and then go beyond the expected to create a truly original breakout work.

You’ll learn how to merge elements of literary and genre fiction, how to assure reader investment in the credibility of your world and characters, how to create a palpable voice on the page, how to create a resonant theme, and much more.

November 5, 2009: Seattle, WA
SHERATON BELLEVUE HOTEL

For more about Nancy, visit her website

Stand-alone course: $199 WITH FIRE IN FICTION: $549

Includes lunch, workshop materials, and more!

ROMANCE MASTER CLASS with Don Maass and bestselling author,
Susan Wiggs

In this full day course, Don Maass and Susan Wiggs will teach you how to first foster a deep understanding of the romance genre, and then go beyond the expected to create a truly original breakout work.

You’ll learn how to merge elements of literary and genre fiction, how to assure reader investment in the credibility of your world and characters, how to create a palpable voice on the page, how to create a resonant theme, and much more.

November 8, 2009: Seattle, WA
SHERATON BELLEVUE HOTEL

For more about Susan, visit her website

Stand-alone course: $199 WITH FIRE IN FICTION: $549

Includes lunch, workshop materials, and more!

Coming in 2010:
July 9 - 11, 2010: Dallas, TX
Fire in Fiction with Romance Master Class
CROWNE PLAZA, NORTH DALLAS HOTEL

November 5 - 7, 2010: Madison, WI
Fire in Fiction with Speculative Fiction Master Class

Don Maass and additional staff to be announced.

Stand-alone course: $199
Fire In Fiction only: $399
Fire in Fiction and Master Class: $549

FULL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE FOR SEATTLE: