Story Masters

An unprecedented event for writers of all genres of fiction and creative nonfiction, featuring THREE masters of writing instruction: James Scott Bell, Christopher Vogler, and Donald Maass!

This intensive four-day event brings together the talents of three industry professionals whose acclaimed instruction and books on writing craft have helped thousands of writers to succeed in a competitive industry.

Through their combined expertise, you’ll be fully immersed in your novel in progress, engaged in practical, hands-on work while learning advanced writing techniques.

Most of all, you’ll learn the skills you need to succeed in today’s publishing environment—how to create a book that editors and agents will love and readers will embrace.

Upcoming Offerings: 

 

When: November 7 - 10, 2013
Where: Minneapolis (Bloomington), Minnesota
Venue: Crowne Plaza Mall of America Hotel

Register Here!

This workshop is best for:

• Unpublished writers with a novel-in-progress or a work of creative nonfiction
• Published authors wanting to rise from the mid-list
• Anyone with an idea for a novel and a desire to bring that idea to fruition!

Tentative Schedule:

Thursday-Friday:

Class: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Lunch: 12:30 PM-1:15 PM (included in price)

Saturday:

Class: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Lunch: 12:30 PM-1:15 PM (included in price)
Book-signing/reception: 4:30 PM-6:30 PM

Sunday:

Class: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Lunch: 12:30 PM-1:15 PM (included in price)

Topics

Thursday: Christopher Vogler
 

THE WISDOM OF THE BODY:  How the Hero's Journey Triggers the Emotions of the Audience

In this engaging, insightful presentation, Vogler will be covering his core material, the twelve-stage Writer's Journey model of structure, but looking at it through the lens of the body and the way it responds to signals from stories and characters.

For more on Mr. Vogler, see:  http://www.thewritersjourney.com/

Further details to come!

 

Friday: James Scott Bell
 

BEYOND NUTS AND BOLTS

In this workshop you'll learn the essentials of bestselling fiction, what agents, editors and readers are looking for – and how you can give it to them.

Using instruction and interactive exercises, you'll come away with a grasp of the techniques that can get you to the "next level."

You'll learn:

The LOCK System for your novel
What makes for a compelling lead character
How to get reader emotions involved
The one essential secret to a high stakes Objective
How to create the strongest Confrontation possible
What it means to knock Out the reader at the end

A deeper understanding of structure
The Disturbance
The Doorways of No Return

No dull parts
Scene structure
One key concept that will supercharge any scene
Finishing touches
A system for revision so you don't miss a trick
The final polish

For more on Mr. Bell, see: http://www.jamesscottbell.com/

 

Saturday: Donald Maass

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FICTION

How is fiction evolving in the Twenty-first Century?

How can novelists write with high impact in an age of low attention spans?

The most successful novels of the early 21st Century combine fine writing and great stories. Both effects can be achieved by every fiction writer. Literary novelists can create great story events. Commercial storytellers can heighten their tales with powerful literary tools.

In this hands-on, immersive workshop, Mr. Maass demonstrates advanced methods for creating strong story events, plot layers, parallels, reversals, symbols and gripping themes. Coupled with those are techniques for constructing depth of character and sweeping character arcs.

In addition, this workshop shows how to break free from genre boundaries, go beyond "brand," shed outdated techniques and elevate what is both unique and universal in one's stories. The best of 21st Century fiction technique is available now. This workshop hands you the tools.

For more on Mr. Maass, see: http://www.maassagency.com

 

Sunday:

Panel discussion with all three Story Masters, with a special analysis of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, plus Q&A!

Accommodations and meals:

Registration fee includes:

• Lunch Thursday-Sunday (included)
• Saturday evening reception with light hors d’oeuvres
• Coffee/tea/water in classroom each day

All handout materials, and more!

Registration:

• Early registration -- $449 by March 30th
• Regular registration -- $499 by September 30th
• Late registration -- $549 by November 5th (registration cut off date)

For more information, please call 813–391–8980

Questions? Email Lorin Oberweger, Program Director at lorin@free-expressions.com

Register Here!

Participants Say: