Tag Archive - boot camp

Scene Mastery – An Essential Skill for Novelists

Scenes are the backbone and heart of novels. There are many types of scenes and many ways to write them. Genre is the biggest concern because in order to write the perfect scenes for your story, you need to know who you are writing to.

Too often writers sit down and pull a scene out of their heads. They don’t spend much time planning the purpose of the scene. This speaks to a bigger issue: lack of overall plotting. If you don’t understand novel structure and what the key turning points are, you will find it challenging to write the kinds of scenes needed.

Certain types of scenes are found in different sections of a novel. Setup scenes are focused on setting up character and premise. Scenes near the climax are about high stakes and high energy.

I’ve written a lot of blog posts and book chapters on scenes, and if you aren’t a scene master, be sure to dig into these (and other) resources. Continue Reading…

Plotting Madness on the Gorgeous California Coast

There is still time to sign up for our intensive, fun, and intimate Plotting Madness Boot Camp in Mendocino, CA. If you haven’t seen this gorgeous coastline of rocky coast and crashing waves, you are missing out.

I’ve spent many hours enjoying this part of the CA coast. As a diver, I’ve ventured into these amazing coastal waters to shoot pictures and search out fish (and sharks). While many of my friends were spearfishing, I headed the other way (not wanting a shark to mistake me for lunch when smelling all that blood), enjoying the underwater beauty the Mendocino coast has to offer (though the water is often below 50 degrees!).

Mendocino is a quaint town, with wonderful little shops, restaurants, and bakeries. But what makes this place heaven are the gorgeous views. This is one of my favorite places in the entire state, and I have quite a few faves! Continue Reading…

Scene Mastery Boot Camp ~ Geyserville, California

There’s still time to sign up for our Scene Mastery Boot Camp set in the heart of California’s gorgeous wine country! And, yes, there will be wine …

Why a boot camp?

Because getting away from the daily grind and distractions affords you the opportunity to focus 100% on your writing. No cleaning, laundry, meals to cook. Just indulge in your creativity.

At our boot camps, you’ll spend three full days with other writers, writing, brainstorming, reading your material, getting constructive feedback and personal attention, and having fun!

How often do you get out of your cage and just hang out with other creatives in a small group setting like this? Continue Reading…

Page 1 of 3123»