UPCOMING WRITING WORKSHOPS January–December 2023 From Laurie Schenbly Campbell

Laurie Classes for 2023! 

Online: PSYCHOLOGY FOR CREATING CHARACTERS
(Jan. 9-20) SoCalRomanceWriters/events

• Tools for determining naturally lovable (and intriguingly flawed) characters include Adlerian birth order, Jungian thought/feeling scales, the Dewey priorities, and other theories of temperament. Learn which ones will offer the best opportunities for conflict between your realistic hero & heroine...whose “inborn” personalities will both oppose and attract.

Zoom: BLOCK-BUSTING / PROMO TO SUIT YOUR PERSONALITY
(Jan. 14, 10:15-1:30 Pacific) Orange County RWA (registration opens 12/31)

• Putting the joy back in writing, & promotions that won’t grind you down.

Zoom: CONFLICT FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR BOOK
(Feb. 4, 1 pm Mountain): Coeur du Bois

• Co-workers? Siblings? Neighbors? Lovers? See how to give them all trouble.

Online: DEEP & DEEPER POV
(Feb. 6-17) s in c guppies dot wild apricot dot org (Guppy members only)

• We all know readers like getting deep into a character’s soul, and we know the way to make that happen is through Deep POV. But how exactly do you present someone’s viewpoint so fully that readers will feel like they’re truly inside this person on the page? There are a surprising number of techniques for making that process easier, whether you’re creating a brand-new character or intensifying one who’s already in progress.

Zoom: CHOOSING YOUR HERO’S FATAL FLAW
(Feb. 14, 8:30 pm Eastern) Greater Detroit Romance Writers (members only)

• Which of the nine enneagram types will give your characters the best story?

Online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION
(March 6-31) writeruniv.com/classes/plotting-via-motivation/

• Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here.”

Zoom: HIS PERSONALITY LADDER
(March 11, 10 am Eastern) Connecticut RWA

• Track your hero’s arc through seven core steps he’ll need to climb in his story.

Online: FROM PLOT TO FINISH
(April 10-21) writeruniv.com/classes/onemaster-class-from-plot-to-finish/

• For anyone who’s taken Plotting Via Motivation online or in person at some point, this group gets you plotting a brand new or already-begun book (using your completed 14-point worksheet) from start to finish. No need to prepare a new story idea, character bios, goal charts or anything else...because you’ll see how to plot an entire book, and actually have it ready to type, by the end of this hands-on workshop.

Blog: WHERE THE TROUBLE STARTS
(April 26) writers in the storm blogspot

• It begins a long time before the first meeting, explosion, or lingering glance....

Online: BUILDING CONFLICT FROM THE HEAD DOWN
(May 8-19) groups.io/g/ConflictHD

• Great conflict comes from not only the situation, but from within the characters themselves. This class offers tools for shaping basic personalities into heroic, appealing characters who'll naturally wind up in conflict. Explore the various types, archetypes and subtypes -- ideal for creating clashes between genuinely likable people -- and see which will offer the best opportunities for conflict that’s built in right from the start.

Online: WRITING A SERIES...
(June 5-16) s in c guppies dot wild apricot dot org (Guppy members only)

• It’s one thing to write a stand-alone novel. It’s another to write a sequel, a trilogy, a box set or an open-ended series that’ll continue for as long as you want. While great storytelling is great storytelling no matter the format, there are techniques to keep in mind when writing a series that will not only keep your readers on board through every story, but keep you from burning out while they’re still waiting for more.

Online: HOW TO WRITE YOUR FIRST (OR 45th) SYNOPSIS
(June 19-30) groups.io/g/Synopsis

• If you’ve ever had trouble writing a synopsis, here’s a hint: pretend you’re writing an ad. An advertising copywriter for 25 years, Laurie was amazed to discover that the same skills which helped her sell bikes, bouquets and birdbaths also helped her sell books. Discover how to use those Mad Men techniques to interest “consumers” (whether they’re agents, editors, reviewers, or whoever) in your product.

Zoom: MAKING REJECTION WORK FOR YOU
(July 1, 4 pm Eastern) Women’s Fiction Writers Assn

• Turning rejection into a profitable experience, personally and professionally.

July is always a no-class month, which sounds a bit rowdy...hmm. :)

Blog: EDGE OF THEIR SEATS
(July 28) writers in the storm blogspot

• How long should you keep readers in suspense? When should it rise and fall?

Online: TICK...TICK...BUILDING TENSION
(August 7-18) groups.io/g/Tension

• The ticking clock. The infamous day. The elusive stranger. The sizzling glance. The unbreakable promise. The haunting memory. The forbidden love. Tension is what keeps readers awake far too late at night, and what makes them rave about your book even before they reach the final page. How do you create that kind of tension? Think of a story you’ve already started writing, or are just beginning to plan, and see how to build...build...build....

Online: THE HERO’S JOURNEY, FOR HEROINES
(Sept. 4-29) writeruniv.com/classes/journey-for-heroines/

• Christopher Vogler identified 12 steps for daredevil heroes who explore the outside world and return with the elixir. But a character whose emotional journey leads to flowering change instead of physical adventure, as described in Kim Hudson’s 13 steps, will embark on a journey filled with other -- more internal -- challenges. For writers whose heroine faces her own less traveled road to discovery, this class offers a fascinating map.

Online: GROWING YOUR HEROINE
(Oct. 2-13) writeruniv.com/classes/growing-your-heroine/

• This limited-enrollment master class picks up where September’s ends, focusing on the heroine’s journey through everything she needs to overcome from beginning to end. Starting with a “stick figure” and moving to your work in progress, chart the route she’ll use for transcending her weak points -- as well as those of people she cares about -- while avoiding both the false triumph and false disaster of her own story.

Blog: FORWARD, BACK, FORWARD, BACK
(October 30) writers in the storm blogspot

• No reader wants a perfectly smooth ride, but how many roadblocks are okay?

Online: HIS PERSONALITY LADDER
(Nov. 6-17) groups.io/g/Ladder

• Track your hero’s arc through the seven core steps he’ll need to climb during his journey from a not-yet-heroic character to one who’s fully earned his victory by the end. Of course, the heroine has her ownladder to climb, often in parallel stages...until the finale, when they reach their ultimate triumph. (There’s even a ladder for the villain, although he seldom makes it to the top.)

Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

Keep This Updated Class List Handy ~ Laurie Schnebly Campbell Workshops

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
July 2022-June 2023

live in Washington DC: THE FATAL FLAW, IN PERSON
(July 30, 10:30) If you’d rather get the class below in just one hour, here it is!

online: CREATING YOUR HERO’S FATAL FLAW
(August 8-19) groups.io/g/FatalFlaw
       The ideal flaw isn't totally random, tossed in at the last minute to keep a character from being Too Perfect. Instead, it's built right into their personality--which means it's guaranteed to create turmoil that’ll keep the plot moving, along with a flip-side asset that'll enable your character to triumph in the end. See what kind will work best for your people, whether they're starring in a current story or taking the lead in another to come.

blog: HOW MUCH DOES GENRE MATTER?
(August 19) writers in the storm blog dot com
       Is it a useful tool? Is it a crippling stricture? What can “genre” do for you?

Zoom: KEEPING THE WRITING FIRE LIT 
(August 27, noon-1pm Eastern/9-10am Pacific; info TBA in the July 29 email)
       Free for anyone who donates any amount of time or money to any (not-their-usual) charity they feel like God has in mind.

online: YOUR PLOT / CHARACTER / STORY BRAID
(Sept. 5-30) writeruniv.com/classes/braid
       Weaving the different strands and levels of your story is trickier than making a simple braid, but the idea is the same: you need to give equal attention to every separate element that’s part of the finished creation. Whether you’re braiding 
the conflict and resolution of a thriller, romance, fantasy, mystery, women’s fiction or any other journey of discovery, learn how to deliver the balance your readers expect.

live in San Diego: SHOWING EMOTIONS
(Sept. 10, 10:30 Pacific) SoCalRW.com/meetings/
       Just like the May class, but in person--come ready to do some writing!

online: BUILDING YOUR BRAID
(Oct. 10-21) writeruniv.com/classes/building-braid
       Once you’ve outlined the elements of your braid in September, this hands-on master class takes you through the steps of assembling it from beginning to end. Each day’s assignment will keep you going, accomplishing more actual writing than in any usual two-week period, with individual feedback during every segment of the process.

Zoom: 9 TYPES, 999 CONFLICTS
(Oct. 15, 9am Pacific): AgedToPerfectionRomanceWriters.com/workshops/
       No matter which enneagram types your characters are, there’ll be trouble.

live in Southern California: CRW FULL-DAY WORKSHOP
(Oct. 22) https://form.jotform.com/221227303113034
       Block-Busting, Double Ds, Personality Ladder, Revision & one-to-one chats.

live in San Diego: FALL RETREAT
(Oct. 23-26) Ask about the private-room waitlist for this gathering of 8 writers.

blog: SWEET, SCARY, OR SOME OF EACH?
(Oct. 31) writers in the storm blog dot com
       It goes beyond Halloween decorations. What’s going to draw your readers in?

Zoom: CHOOSING THAT FATAL FLAW
(Nov. 5, 1pm Eastern): FFPRWA.com/choosing-that-fatal-flaw/
       Which of the nine enneagram types will give your characters the best story?

online: BOFFO BEGINNINGS & FAB FINALES
(Nov. 7-18) groups.io/g/Boffo-Fab
       How can you make sure your book will draw readers in from the very first paragraph, through the next several pages, continuing into further chapters until they realize they’ve been reading so fast and so deep they can’t put this story down? How can you leave them, after reaching The End, so wonderfully satisfied with the book they just finished that they’re already vowing to read whatever else you’ve written and are going to write next? That’s what this class is about.

live in Houston: TOPICS TO COME (not yet open for registration)
(Nov. 12 & 13) for Houston Romance Writers & Sisters In Crime
       Rumor has it the mystery writers will hear about Creating A Villain...

Zoom: YOUR EDITOR-AGENT PITCH
(Nov. 19) https://contemporaryromance.org/workshops/
       Tips for perfecting your pitch, no matter to whom/when/how you’re doing it.

Zoom: CREATING A CHARACTER BIBLE 
(December 3, noon-1pm Eastern/9-10am Pacific; info TBA in the Oct 31 email)
       Free for anyone who donates any amount of time or money to any (not-their-usual) charity they feel like God has in mind.

online: PSYCHOLOGY FOR CREATING CHARACTERS
(Jan. 9-20) SoCal Romance Writers (not yet open for registration)
       Tools for determining naturally lovable (and intriguingly flawed) characters include Adlerian birth order, Jungian thought/feeling scales, the Dewey priorities, and other theories of temperament. Learn which ones will offer the best opportunities for conflict between your realistic hero & heroine...whose “inborn” personalities will both oppose and attract.

Zoom: CONFLICT FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR BOOK
(Feb. 4, 1pm Mountain): Couer du Bois (Boise, Idaho)
       Co-workers? Siblings? Neighbors? Lovers? See how to give them all trouble.

online: DEEP & DEEPER POV
(Feb. 6-17) s in c guppies dot wild apricot dot org (Guppy members only)
       We all know readers like getting deep into a character’s soul, and we know the way to make that happen is through Deep POV. But how exactly do you present someone’s viewpoint so fully that readers will feel like they’re truly inside this person on the page? There are a surprising number of techniques for making that process easier, whether you’re creating a brand-new character or intensifying one who’s already in progress.

online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION
(March 6-31) writeruniv.com/classes/plotting-via-motivation/
       Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here.”

online: FROM PLOT TO FINISH
(April 10-21) writeruniv.com/classes/onemaster-class-from-plot-to-finish/
       For anyone who’s taken Plotting Via Motivation online or in person at some point, this group gets you plotting a brand new or already-begun book (using your completed 14-point worksheet) from start to finish. No need to prepare a new story idea, character bios, goal charts or anything else...because you’ll see how to plot an entire book, and actually have it ready to type, by the end of this hands-on workshop.

online: BUILDING CONFLICT FROM THE HEAD DOWN
(May 8-19) groups.io/g/ConflictHD
       Great conflict comes from not only the situation, but from within the characters themselves. This class offers tools for shaping basic personalities into heroic, appealing characters who'll naturally wind up in conflict. Explore the various types, archetypes and subtypes--ideal for creating clashes between genuinely likable people--and see which will offer the best opportunities for conflict that's built in right from the start.

online: WRITING YOUR SYNOPSIS
(June 5-16) groups.io/g/Synopsis
       If you've ever had trouble writing a synopsis, here's a hint: pretend you're writing an ad. An advertising copywriter for 25 years, Laurie was amazed to discover that the same skills which helped her sell bikes, bouquets and birdbaths ALSO helped her sell books. Discover how to use those "Madison Avenue" techniques to interest editor-agent-reviewer-reader "buyers" in your product.

JUNE Q&A

Q: Even though I know feedback will improve my story, I’m afraid to send other readers the manuscript for fear they won’t like it as much as I do.

A: I totally get how scary it can be to find someone else doesn't love your story the way you do. I always used to feel like that before giving a live speech -- what if somebody yawned? What if somebody spent the whole time looking at their phone? What if somebody (gasp) walked out?

Then I realized that it only meant THAT person wasn't the one who needed what I was going to say. In every group, I assured myself, there was at least one person who really needed to hear this speech...and if somebody walked out, it just meant they WEREN’T that person. (Amazingly, a lot of people have come up after speeches and said "I really needed that," so it's nice to see the premonition was true.)

But the same thing applies to critique partners. Some of them might not be your readers. And some of them WILL be...which means THEY'RE the ones you're looking for!

Laurie, figuring that makes any less-than-100%-delighted response less disturbing...after all, you wouldn't expect your grandma to jump for joy over a video game that would thrill your teenage nephew :)

Laurie's  Bio:
Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

Time To Brush Up Or Learn New Writing Skills?

 
If you're brushing up on writing techniques or want to learn some new ones, Laurie's classes are a great place to start. I speak from experience!

online: MORE THAN SETTING: WORLD-BUILDING

(February 7-18, 2022)

rwakissofdeath.org/product/more-than-setting-world-building/

       Of course your book needs a setting that contributes to the story, but your characters’ story world goes far beyond just the time and place they occupy. It’s also the people who surround them, the expectations they take for granted, the rules that infuriate them, the attitudes they share with their society -- whether or not they realize it -- and more. All those elements belong in your story world’s setting, and here’s how to build a world that works.

Zoom: MAKING INTROVERTED CHARACTERS INTERESTING 

(February 19, noon-1pm Eastern/9-10am Pacific)

get link & handouts by emailing Laurie at address on booklaurie.com

       Free for anyone who makes any size contribution to any (not-the-usual) charity they feel like God has in mind.

online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION

(March 7-April 1)

writeruniv.com/classes/plotting-via-motivation/

       Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here!”

online: FROM PLOT TO FINISH

(April 11-22)

writeruniv.com/classes/onemaster-class-from-plot-to-finish/

       For anyone who’s taken Plotting Via Motivation online or in person at some point, this group gets you plotting a brand new or already-begun book (using your completed 14-point worksheet) from start to finish. No need to prepare a new story idea, character bios, goal charts or anything else, because you’ll see how to plot an entire book -- and actually have it ready to type -- by the end of this hands-on workshop.

online: CHOOSING THAT FATAL FLAW

(April 16, 4pm Eastern)

https://contemporaryromance.org/workshop/choosing-that-fatal-flaw

       The ideal flaw isn't totally random, tossed in at the last minute to keep a character from being Too Perfect. Instead, it's built right into their personality -- which means it's guaranteed to create turmoil that’ll keep the plot moving, along with a flip-side asset that'll enable your character to triumph in the end. See what kind will work best for your people, whether they're starring in a current story or taking the lead in another to come.

Zoom: DYNAMIC DIALOGUE & DELICIOUS DESCRIPTION

(April 23, 9am Pacific): AgedToPerfectionRomanceWriters.com/workshops/

       Use whichever of the Ds you’re better at to improve your work on the other.

Live retreat in San Antonio: SPRING GATHERING

for details, email Laurie at address on booklaurie.com

(April 28-May 1) Morning workshops, afternoon consultations (four individual half-hours with each of eight writers), and time for writing...plus relaxing!

Laurie's  Bio:
Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

October - January: Laurie Schnebly Campbell Classes

 Never Stop Learning. 

That's my motto and Laurie's classes help my writing in a big way.

online: BUILDING YOUR BRAID
(Oct. 11-22)
writeruniv.com/classes/building-braid
       Once you’ve outlined the elements of your braid in September, this hands-on master class takes you through the steps of assembling it from beginning to end. Each day’s assignment will keep you going, accomplishing more actual writing than in any usual two-week period, with individual feedback during every segment of the process.

Zoom: CREATING YOUR HERO’S FATAL FLAW
(Oct. 16, 10am Central) free at ACFW, RSVP to LoriDeJongWrites@gmail.com
       Every main character needs a heroic trait with a flip-side that, er, isn’t.

blog: HOW DEEP SHOULD YOU GO?
(Oct. 27) writers in the storm blog dot com
       When & where deep POV works, or doesn’t work...plus a free-class-prize.

online: DEEP & DEEPER POV
(Nov. 1-12)
writeruniv.com/classes/deeper-pov
       We all know readers like getting deep into a character’s soul, and we know the way to make that happen is through Deep POV. But how exactly do you present someone’s viewpoint so fully that readers will feel like they’re truly inside this person on the page? There are a surprising number of techniques for making that process easier, whether you’re creating a brand-new character or intensifying one who’s already in progress.

online: PUTTING THE JOY BACK IN WRITING
(January 10-21, 2022, only for members of Sisters In Crime Guppies)
s in c guppies dot wild apricot dot org
       For anyone determined to make 2022 a Better Writing Year, this class offers practical and psychological techniques for dealing with writer's block. Part of that block is a lack of joy in the process, so this roll-up-your-sleeves session looks at the causes -- including boredom, exhaustion, and fear of success -- and the benefits of getting blocked. Writers finish with new awareness of what works for them, and with renewed inspiration for returning to the craft they love.

---

Laurie's  Bio:
Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

Class Flash ~ New Quarter's List of Writing Classes with Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Zoom: BUILDING CONFLICT FROM THE HEAD DOWN
(April 10, 1pm Eastern) HCRW, open to non-members

Zoom retreat: SPRING GATHERING
(April 17-18) Already filled with eight writers, but there’ll be more in June, October & February.

Blog: WHEN EMOTION GETS TRICKY 
(April 23) writersinthestormblog.com
       We’ve all seen too much, and too little. How do we find the balance?

Zoom: CHOOSING THAT FATAL FLAW + HIS PERSONALITY LADDER
(April 24, 10:30 + 1 Eastern) MMRWA Retreat From Harsh Reality 

Online: SHOWING EMOTION
(May 10-21)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes/showing-emotion
       Everyone knows how important it is to show rather than tell. But when it comes to showing emotion, that can be…well, tricky. How do you keep from going over the top and making readers roll their eyes? How do you avoid not going far enough and sending their attention downhill with every word? Learn the tricks of conveying emotion for readers of whatever genre you’re writing and how to find the right balance between plummeting, purple prose, and perfection.

Online: WRITING A SERIES…

(June 7-18, only for members of Sisters In Crime Guppies)
s in c guppies dot wild apricot dot org
       It's one thing to write a stand-alone novel. It’s another to write a sequel, a trilogy, a box set or an open-ended series that’ll continue for as long as you want. While great storytelling is great storytelling no matter the format, there are techniques to keep in mind when writing a series that will not only keep your readers on board through every story, but keep you from burning out while they’re still waiting for more.

Zoom retreat: SUMMER GATHERING
(June 26-27) https://booklaurie.com/info-contact/
       Ask about the wait-list for this eight-writer group, with morning workshops and individual chats with Laurie about your work.

Online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION
(July 5-30)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes

        Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here!”

Laurie's Bio:
Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

---

Laurie Schnebly Campbell ~ 9 Writing Classes Jan-April Schedule

 online: PERFECT PITCH

(Jan. 4-15, 2021, only for members of Sisters In Crime Guppies)
SinCGuppies
            Are you pitching your work at a conference? In an email? By letter, by phone, by chance if you run into someone browsing for a good book? The techniques will be slightly different for each situation -- and while writers tend to feel more anxiety when pitching face-to-face, it’s useful to have a plan of action for every possible scenario. Whether you’re pitching an agent, editor, interviewer, publisher or regular reader, learn how to make it a good experience for you both!

Writing Classes by Laurie Schnebly Campbell

online: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
(Jan. 18-29, 2021)
https://rwasd.com/classes/ (scroll down on that page for class info)
            Whether it’s the first rejection, the 50th-book slump, or just not getting the story you want, frustration is part of every writer’s life. For some, it’s a nuisance; for others, it’s the end of a career.. For anyone determined to make 2021 a Better Writing Year, this class offers both practical and psychological techniques for dealing with rejection, writer’s block, frustration, motivation, and other issues that keep writers from loving their craft.

online: HIS & HERS MYERS-BRIGGS
(Feb. 1-12, 2021)
hearts through history dot com
            Just about everyone has taken the Myers-Briggs quiz identifying their own personality type. It works equally well for characters who, even with their own individual traits, still show aspects of those various personalities in your novel. Naturally, each type has intriguing and attractive elements that make readers want to see more, as well as some problematic issues that’ll keep their story conflict coming…and going…and coming…

Zoom retreat: WINTER GATHERING
(Feb. 20-21) Already filled with eight writers, but ask BookLaurie at Gmail about the wait-list.

blog: PLOTTER + PANTSER = PERFECTION
(Feb. 26) writers in the storm blog
            How to combine the advantages of each method…plus a free-class-prize!

online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION
(March 2-27)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes
            Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here!”

Zoom: MAKING REJECTION WORK FOR YOU
(March 13, time tba) AgedToPerfection RWA

Zoom: REVISION HELL TO EDITING HEAVEN
(March 16, 7:30pm Central Time) Austin RWA

online: FROM PLOT TO FINISH
(April 5-16)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes
            For anyone who’s taken Plotting Via Motivation online or in person at some point, this group gets you plotting a brand new or already-begun book (using your completed 14-point worksheet) from start to finish. No need to prepare a new story idea, character bios, goal charts or anything else, because you’ll see how to plot an entire book -- and actually have it ready to type -- by the end of this hands-on workshop.

Zoom retreat: SPRING GATHERING
(April 17-18) Already filled with eight writers, but ask BookLaurie at Gmail about the wait-list.

Laurie's  Bio:
Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

Laurie Campbell Schnebly's Writing Craft Classes for 4th Quarter

 

Now is the time to look at Laurie's classes which will pump up your writing. 

As always no classes in December, BUT there are a couple of classes posted for 2021 already. 

Zoom: YOUR PLOT-CHARACTER-STORY BRAID

(Oct. 3, 1pm Mountain Time) Coeur du Boise RWA, CBCrwa.com
A distillation of next September’s class, condensed into an hour...type fast!

Zoom: “PREMIER” VIRTUAL RETREAT WEEKEND
(Oct. 10-11, 9-6 Pacific Time) email BookLaurie@yahoo.com
Plot & character workshops, timed group brainstorming, and four one-on-one sessions with Laurie about whatever you’re writing, planning or targeting.

online: GROWING YOUR HEROINE
(Oct. 12-23 -- sold out, ask about waitlist)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes/growing-your-heroine
This limited-enrollment master class picks up where September’s ended, focusing on the heroine’s journey through everything she needs to overcome from beginning to end. Starting with a “stick figure” and moving to your work in progress, chart the route she’ll use for transcending her weak points -- as well as those of people she cares about -- while avoiding both the false triumph and false disaster of her own story.

Zoom: PUTTING THE JOY BACK IN WRITING
(Oct. 17, 11am Central Time) North Texas RWA, NTrwa.org

Zoom: BRAIDING YOUR BOOK
(Oct. 17, 10:30am Pacific Time) Sisters in Crime, SinC-CoastalCruisers

Zoom: “NEW & IMPROVED” VIRTUAL RETREAT WEEKEND
(Oct. 24-25, 9-6 Pacific Time) email BookLaurie@yahoo.com
See the Oct. 10-11 description and holler if you’re interested.

online: THE ALPHA MALE, FROM ABE TO ZEUS
(Nov. 2-12)
heartsthroughhistory.com/workshops/alpha-males
Readers love alpha males. (Maybe not for a real-life marriage, but for a book of romantic adventure there’s nothing better.) Yet writers sometimes find it tricky to create an alpha male without falling into stereotypes. What makes an alpha male? (It’s more than just power.) What challenges does he face? (The answers will surprise you.) How can your hero take on solely the alpha-male traits you want? Get ready to find out…and maybe to fall in love.

Zoom: YOUR PLOT-CHARACTER-STORY BRAID
(Nov. 21, 11am Eastern Time, only for members of New Jersey RWA)

Zoom: PSYCHOLOGY FOR CREATING CHARACTERS
(Dec. 6, 2pm Central Time, only for members of Houston Sisters in Crime)

Zoom: BLOCK-BUSTING: MOVING PAST WRITER’S BLOCK
(Dec. 12, 1pm Pacific Time) Rose City RWA

And, yep, December is always a no-classes holiday. Which seems contradictory.

online: PERFECT PITCH
(Jan. 4-15, 2021, only for members of Sisters In Crime Guppies)
SinCGuppies
Are you pitching your work at a conference? In an email? By letter, by phone, by chance if you run into someone browsing for a good book? The techniques will be slightly different for each situation -- and while writers tend to feel more anxiety when pitching face-to-face, it’s useful to have a plan of action for every possible scenario. Whether you’re pitching an agent, editor, interviewer, publisher or regular reader, learn how to make it a good experience for you both!

online: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
(Jan. 18-29, 2021)
https://rwasd.com/classes/ (scroll down on page for class info)
Whether it’s the first rejection, the 50th-book slump, or just not getting the story you want, frustration is part of every writer’s life. For some, it’s a nuisance; for others, it’s the end of a career. For anyone determined to make 2021 a Better Writing Year, this class offers both practical and psychological techniques for dealing with rejection, writer’s block, frustration, motivation, and other issues that keep writers from loving their craft.

Laurie's  Bio:
Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.