Live Online Class Series

Storytelling Mastery for Novelists

Write more compelling stories by overcoming these costly mistakes!

Instructor: James Powell

When: May 20 (Part I) and May 22 (Part II) at 8 p.m. EST

Length: 60 minutes + Q&A each session

Ideal for: Novelists actively writing or revising a novel or novella

Have you ever felt stuck, like your novel isn't reaching its full potential?

As novelists, we pour our heart and soul into our stories. But have you ever experienced the pain and frustration of realizing your novel doesn't connect with readers? Or received another polite but discouraging rejection for a novel you thought was "the one"?

You're not alone.

Now imagine your storytelling evolving into something readers can't put down. Envision writing a novel that brings your vivid daydreams to life. With expert advice from someone who knows the ropes, your novels can become the page-turners you've always envisioned . . . stories that finally get the approval from your growing fan base.

For years, I've edited seasoned authors and first-time novelists, and I've pinpointed common and costly mistakes that derail even the most compelling story ideas. I’m here to share these insights so you can polish your storytelling skills and avoid the mistakes that might be holding back your success.

These are the missteps that agents and publishers notice first, and trust me, your readers do too, whether they’re consciously aware of it or not.

In my upcoming 2-class series, I'll show you how these issues undermine your stories, and more importantly, I'll provide actionable strategies to overcome them.

It's time to transform your good story into one that readers can't stop talking about.

Sign up today! The early access pricing expires May 1.

What you'll learn

In this 2-part series of live classes, we’ll explore how to...

  • Open your novel with a scene that captivates from the very first moment.

  • Craft multidimensional characters whose choices drive the plot and deeply resonate with your readers.

  • Intensify your narrative by mastering conflict and creating resolutions that leave a lasting impact.

  • Master pacing techniques that ensure your story maintains tension and momentum until the unforgettable climax.

  • Orchestrate your character's growth to align with pivotal moments, culminating in a satisfying and timely evolution at your story's end.

  • Seamlessly integrate all your newfound skills during the rewriting phase for a polished and cohesive narrative.

Who is this class for?

  • Writers who focus on genre fiction.

  • New and intermediate novelists.

  • Writers who haven't found interest from agents or publishers.

  • Self-published novelists whose books are not generating buzz with readers.

Who this might not be suitable for

  • The class focuses on storytelling in genre fiction, such as horror, crime, superhero, fantasy, and science fiction. Writers in other genres (romance, memoir, narrative nonfiction) might not find all principles or examples applicable.

  • Writers who only need style, tone, or grammar support to improve their writing.

  • Experienced writers who've already had strong success with their novels.

About the Instructor

Editor James Powell

Five years ago, James quit his high-paying corporate writing job to edit fiction full-time. Now, he runs a successful editing business in which he helps new and experienced novelists and comic writers make their stories more engaging.

James is the writer and creator of the Dark Horse comic series, House of Fear. He's successfully funded nine Kickstarter campaigns, including his recent novellas, The Wishing Stone and Santa's Dark Legacy.

James writes the weekly Substack, The Fiction Coach, in which he provides practical tips on how writers can improve their craft, routines, and mindsets.

How do I access the class?

When you register, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the live classes. I will send an email with login information immediately after registration, plus a reminder email the day of the class.

If you don’t see the email within a few minutes of registering, check your spam folder.

James will use Zoom to host the class.

What you receive

All attendees will receive:

  • Access to the live classes.

  • Access to the recorded sessions (available four days after the live events).

  • A copy of the slides used in the presentations.

  • An in-depth checklist of the items discussed in class for you to check against your story .

Storytelling Mastery for Novelists

In this 2-class series, fiction editor James Powell teaches you how to overcome the most common (and costly) storytelling mistakes writers!

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