Master Classes

One of the most complicated things about writing fiction is figuring out our plot. Not only do we have a whole world and characters and conflicts and emotions to bring in, but also -- there's no formula, no single way to “do plot”. Depending on the type of writer you are, you may start with very little plot, and figure it out loosely and organically as you write. Or, you may prefer to fully map out your plot before you write a word. Both of these approaches have great advantages, and you may find yourself using both at different points in time in your drafting and revising. Then there’s the question of plot structure - what is it and how might I use it. There are popular and less popular western models – the three-act structure, the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey. There are non-western structures like Kishotenketsu. Then there are less structured models like the Seven Point Story Structure. In this master class, we'll talk this all out, and try some different tools that you might use to explore and uncover the plot of your story. You'll leave with new ideas and hopefully also a new sense of trust that you can trust what's coming naturally, and not pressure yourself into an approach or technique for plot that doesn't work for you.