A Premise Isn’t a Plot: Putting momentum into any manuscript

In this energetic 90-minute class, novelist and publishing consultant Courtney Maum will walk participants through how she transformed a good idea for a novel into a manuscript that went to auction for both the US rights and film rights and was pre-empted in the UK. After hearing the changes Courtney made to her novel ALAN OPTS OUT before it went on submission, Courtney will share the following techniques to help writers of any genre deepen their existing plot or create one from almost-scratch if you don’t have a plot, yet, or are working in memoir. In this class, you’ll learn: An exploration of how book titles set a project up to soar—or fail. A drawing exercise to help you visualize your book as a whole on a single page. A Mad-Lib formula to help you discern whether you have a selling plot or not. The Hollywood make-or-break exercise that Courtney personally failed. This class is appropriate for writers of all levels working in any genre except poetry. Simply bring enthusiasm, lots of paper and a willingness to learn. Join us after the workshop for a special discussion with Courtney about ALAN OPTS OUT, her inspiration, and other writing tidbits, plus a meet-and-greet and book signing. Workshop attendees will receive a code to register for a complimentary registration for this discussion. About the Author: Along with her latest novel, ALAN OPTS OUT, Courtney is the author of five previous books, including the romantic comedy TOUCH (A New York Times Editors’ Choice) and the memoir THE YEAR OF THE HORSES, chosen by the Today show as one of the best reads for mental health awareness. Creator of the groundbreaking publishing guidebook BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL and the bestselling Substack newsletter by the same name, Maum is an educator and writing coach hellbent on preserving the joy of art-making in a culture obsessed with turning artists into brands. In addition to her advocacy work for writers at The Author’s Guild, Courtney runs a workshop in New Mexico where she combines twenty years of experience in advertising with a deep love of craft to help writers boost their confidence and industry know-how. Learn more and sign up for her writing classes at CourtneyMaum.com