Workshops for Writers
Our online writing workshops are designed to take your writing to the next level. We bring in expert teachers to cover everything from plotting to character development to emotion. Each workshop includes writing exercises focused on your work-in-progress. Recordings will be available for 30 days after each event.
View our upcoming sessions and register online!
Fall Workshops
Season Passes - $99 for all 4 workshops
Register for a season pass for access to all four workshops live and access to all for recordings through December 31, 2025.
Character at the Core: Developing Plot by Exploring Character
with Michael Leali
OCTOBER 4
10-11:30am Pacific/1-2:30pm Eastern
Novel Revision: Top to Bottom and Scene by Scene
with Misa Suguira
OCTOBER 18
9:30-11am Pacific/12:30-2pm Eastern
And . . . Scene! Writing Active, Emotionally Resonant Scenes
with Michael Leali
NOVEMBER 1
10-11:30am Pacific/1-2:30pm Eastern
Plot Party!
with Ann Dávila Cardinal
NOVEMBER 15
9-10:30am Pacific/12-1:30pm Eastern
For Novelists!
Character at the Core:
Developing Plot By Exploring Characters
Taught by award-winning middle grade author Michael Leali.
Details
October 4, 10:00-11:30am Pacific/12:00-1:30pm Eastern
Online (recording available for 30 days after the event)
For middle grade and young adult novelists (chapter book authors can also benefit!)
Description
We love character-centered stories, but developing a plot alongside a character's external and internal arcs can be tricky. In this workshop, award-winning author Michael Leali will discuss how to translate characters' needs, wants, hurts and more into plot points and story elements. Writers will leave this workshop with tangible tools for brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Come with a character or two in mind!
Michael will be using his own middle grade novel The Truth About Triangles and Louis Sachar’s Holes as examples. It’s not necessary to read them ahead, but familiarity with them will enhance your workshop experience.
For Novelists!
Novel Revision:
Top to Bottom and Scene to Scene
Taught by award-winning YA and middle grade author Misa Sugiura.
Details
Saturday, October 18, 9:30-11:00am Pacific/12:30-2:00pm Eastern
Online (recording available for 30 days after the event)
For middle grade and young adult novelists. (Chapter book authors can also benefit
Description
Revision doesn't have to be scary! From big picture issues--like plot structure, pacing, character development and theme--to individual scenes, we'll cover everything revision. Award-winning YA and MG author Misa Sugiura will share practical tools and strategies that can take your draft from so-so to sparkling. Bring your work-in-progress (or a favorite published novel) to use for practicing your new skills.
For Novelists!
And . . . Scene!
Writing Active, Emotionally Resonant Scenes
Taught by award-winning middle grade author Michael Leali.
Details
Saturday, November 1, 10:00-11:30am Pacific/1:00-2:30pm Eastern
Online (recording available for 30 days after the event)
For middle grade and young adult novelists. (Chapter book authors will also benefit!)
Description
We've all heard the old saying, "Show, don't tell." But how do we write effective scenes that simultaneously propel the story forward and reveal aspects of our characters' growth? In this workshop, award-winning author Michael Leali will explore how to write dynamic scenes using examples from his own writing and the work of others. Authors will leave this workshop with tips and tools to better develop their own stories. (Be prepared for writing exercises!)
For Novelists!
Plot Party!
Story + Friends = Painless Plotting
Taught by award-winning young adult and adult author Ann Dávila Cardinal.
Details
Saturday, November 15, 9:00-10:30am Pacific/12:00-1:30pm Eastern
Online (recording available for 30 days after the event)
For middle grade and young adult novelists.
Description
Are you a plotter, a pantser, or something in between?
Join Ann Dávila Cardinal (a recovering pantser) for this special Plot Party Workshop to discover a way to plan out your projects without having to suffer alone!
Bring your ideas or work in process and Ann will outline a simple plotting technique, and then we'll do this work together. No pressure, it's a party after all! Feel free to have your snacks or party streamers within reach and let's play together!
Be the First to Learn About Upcoming Workshops
Stand-alone virtual sessions on topics such as emotions, plotting, and character development.
Join our waitlist and be the first to know when workshops are announced!