Class Descriptions
Traci Abramson - Creating a Successful Book Launch
Your book is written, but now what? This class will explore how to organize and run a street/launch team, create excitement, and schedule a book launch that will give your book a head start on its road to success.
Julia Allen - Revision Shrapnel: In the Trenches of a Line Edit
If you can’t kill your darlings, an editor will be happy to do it for you. Just kidding. Hopefully your darlings don’t involve shifting POVs or verb tenses, filter words (all those verys and justs have to go somewhere!), or extraneous character actions (they can only shrug and sigh so many times)--all things looked for in a line edit. We’ll dig down deep into these topics and more as we discuss line by line how to improve the flow and prose of your book while keeping your voice intact.
Sara Anderson - Take Your Story From Meh to Majestic
In this class I’ll show you to go beyond what your character can see. We’ll go through examples on how to build on an existing scene; through metaphors, the five senses or by connecting the setting to something only your character knows. Then, using what you’ve learned, you’ll choose a page from your WIP and pack the meat onto the bones of your story,
Cyera Becker - Writing Emotional Realism in Romance: Internal Insecurities That Drive Conflict and Healing
Romance becomes memorable when characters do more than fall in love — they confront the internal lies that sabotage their relationships. In this class, we will explore how to identify a character’s core insecurity and show how that insecurity manifests as behavior that creates relational tension and escalates into real emotional stakes. We’ll examine why characters are drawn to partners who mirror their wounds and how that dynamic fuels authentic conflict. Writers will leave with practical tools for transforming insecurity into meaningful escalation and crafting romance arcs where love is not a rescue, but a catalyst — portraying authentic healing that feels earned and giving their characters depth readers will connect with long after the story ends.
Stephanie Black - The Blooper Reel for Fiction Writers: Common Mistakes
As writers, we strive for originality in our stories but—go figure—we don’t devote a lot of brainpower to making fresh and original blunders. In this class, we’ll learn to make blunders so new and appalling that no agent or editor will ever have—JUST KIDDING. The fact that a lot of fiction technique blunders are common ones (as any agent, editor, or contest judge could tell you) is great news: it means we can train ourselves to recognize and deal with them. In this class, we’ll discuss a bunch of common blunders and how we can fix them to make our manuscripts stronger.
Emily Burnham - The Unspoken Emotional Life of Men
Have you ever been told your male character feels like a “female in disguise,” or that “men wouldn’t actually say that”? Many writers struggle to understand and portray the emotional world of characters of the opposite gender. This class explores how to write emotionally reserved or “unavailable” male characters in ways that feel authentic rather than flat, unrealistic, or stereotypical. Moving beyond surface-level behavior, we’ll examine the internal emotional world that often drives these characters—helping writers bring depth and meaning to silence, distance, and restraint. Drawing from therapeutic concepts, including alexithymia (difficulty identifying and expressing emotions) and attachment dynamics, participants will learn how cultural messaging around masculinity shapes emotional expression, identity, and behavior. We will also explore the often unspoken internal dialogues behind these characters, including fears of failure, feelings of inadequacy, and experiences of being disrespected, dismissed, or unheard. Participants will leave with greater understanding and confidence in writing emotionally grounded male characters whose internal experiences feel real—even when they are not fully expressed on the page. This class focuses on common patterns and tendencies while recognizing individual variation across all characters.
Emily Burnham - Filter, Don’t Absorb: Taking Critique Without Losing Your Voice
Receiving feedback is a vital part of the writing process. However, it can also feel overwhelming, discouraging, or even debilitating. In this class, writers will learn how to engage with critique in a way that strengthens their work without compromising their voice. Drawing from psychological principles, we’ll explore why feedback can feel so personal, how underlying beliefs about worth and validation influence our responses, and why some writers overvalue external opinions. Participants will learn practical strategies for filtering feedback, identifying what aligns with their creative vision, and confidently deciding what to revise and what to keep. This class will help writers move from reactive to grounded, allowing critique to become a tool for growth rather than a source of self-doubt.
Ashley Bustamante - Scam Savvy: Recognizing and Avoiding Scams of the Publishing World
The publishing world is full of big dreams, and unfortunately scammers eat dreams for breakfast. In this class we'll learn about some of the most common scams in the publishing industry, as well as how to evaluate the legitimacy of publishers, services, and opportunities.
Emily Clark - Romance That Competes Nationally: Building Emotional Stakes That Elevate Any Story
Katherine Cowley - The Jane Austen Approach to Critiquing and Revision
Learn the best practices for revising your own stories and critiquing the works of others from Jane Austen’s life, manuscripts, and letters. We’ll consider Austen’s approach to sentence-level and big-picture revisions (including the importance of characters driving the plot) by considering the original and revised ending of Persuasion and the uncompleted manuscript of Sanditon. We’ll see how Austen taught her niece to “save the cat” and make us feel attached to characters almost 200 years before Blake Snyder coined the phrase “save the cat.” We’ll also learn modern critiquing methods from how Austen critiqued her niece’s novels (including feedback approaches, critical distance, audience awareness, and respect for the storyteller). Finally, we’ll learn from Austen’s approach to dealing with the “fits of disgust” she felt about Pride and Prejudice and consider how to find satisfaction and confidence as we send our own stories into the world.
Lisa Crandall - Creating a Marketing Tech Stack: How to Assemble the Right Tools For the Job
Marketing technology is a multi-billion dollar industry, which means there are an overwhelming amount of tools to choose from when it comes to to email marketing, analytics, ad and social media management, and more. With services bundled together at a variety of price points, it can be difficult to understand what you’re paying for, let alone what you need. Together, we’ll break down the tools you need, where to find them, and how to get the best bang for your buck.
Michelle Christensen - Real Stories, Real Resilience
Your characters face impossible odds and are triumphant. So are you. So was your grandmother. Have you written those stories yet? Research shows that children who know their family stories — especially the hard ones — are more resilient, more confident, and better equipped to handle adversity. But those stories are fading. The people who carry them are aging. And the writers who could preserve them are waiting for the right moment to begin.
In this session, you'll discover:
• Your story matters: the research-backed case for family narratives and their lasting impact on resilience across generations
• Writing a memoir: how to find your focus, shape your experience into a compelling narrative, and write the hard parts honestly
• Writing family history stories: a practical approach for capturing the stories of those who came before you, even when the details are incomplete
• Getting your stories out into the world: a brief look at publishing options, from print to digital, so your stories reach the people who need them
Whether you're working on a memoir, preserving family history, or simply trying to find a place to begin, you'll leave with a clear framework and the courage to write.
Pam Eaton - Don’t Lose Your Voice
As authors we’re told “write to market” or “hit all these different tropes.” But then we’re also told, “don’t lose your voice.” What does any of that even mean? In this class we’ll explain what writing to market is and what tropes (and their expectations) are. We’ll dive into the importance of voice and how not to lose it. Afterall, voice is what makes your characters come alive.
Paige Edwards - Simply Irresistible: Creating Characters Readers Love (Even When They Don’t Like Them)
Memorable characters make books a resounding success. You don’t have to like them—but they must be irresistible. Discover what makes characters tick, from motivations and fears to quirks and contradictions. Learn to craft distinct voices, add authentic detail, and create believable, compelling characters readers can’t forget.
Dennis Gaunt - Bring Out Your Dead: Killing Character Deaths for Fun and Profit
Character death is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s toolkit—but used poorly, it can feel manipulative, predictable, or emotionally hollow. So how do you decide who lives, who dies, and why it matters? This class takes a slightly irreverent look at writing death in fiction. We’ll explore when killing a character strengthens a story (and when it weakens it), how to make deaths feel earned rather than cheap, and how loss reshapes the surviving characters and narrative stakes. Along the way, we’ll discuss common pitfalls—from shock-value deaths to “fridging”—and how to avoid them. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of how to use character death with intention, emotional impact, and narrative purpose—whether they’re writing tragedy, thriller, fantasy, or anything in between."
Heidi Gordon - The Agent Brain: What We’re Really Thinking When We Read Your Manuscript
Tara Holladay - The Heart & the Spine: Aligning Plot and Character Arcs for Maximum Impact
A great premise isn’t enough. If your plot and character arcs aren’t aligned, your story can feel flat, unfocused. In this class, you’ll learn how to connect external events (goals, conflict, and consequences) with internal transformation (wound, misbelief, and growth) so every turning point both raises the stakes and deepens the meaning. Walk away with a clear, powerful framework to build your story from hook to climax. We’ll eliminate sagging middles, sharpen your ultimate conflict, and ensure your ending delivers both structural strength and emotional payoff.
Kevin Johnson - Is Your Book in Libraries & Bookstores? Why Not?
Authors (and readers) love libraries — but as an indie author, it can be hard to get your book onto library shelves without the support of a traditional publisher. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make libraries more likely to actually buy your book. In this class, we'll cover the fundamentals that will increase your chances for success with libraries (and bookstores), including distribution, metadata, getting the right kind of reviews, and utilizing strategic outreach and reader requests. With the right foundation, indie authors can start making libraries a viable pathway to reaching more readers.
Rachel Josephson - Reclaiming the Soul of Fantasy: What C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien knew (and modern fantasy has forgotten)
C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien created fantasy worlds, characters, and themes that still resonate with readers seventy years after publication. In their stories, their own deeply held Christian beliefs influence their work in both profound and subtle ways. Yet these stories are not “preachy.” Instead, they use symbol, theme and story to teach without lecturing, to inspire without moralizing. If you wish to author stories that defy modern trends towards cynicism and nihilism, and create worlds that will inspire your reader, this is the class for you.
Amanda Kanno - Give Your Creativity a Jolt: Small writing exercises to help you complete your novel
This class will focus on daily exercises to help you win the mental war between you and your novel. Learn how to inhabit a poem, write an autobiographical canon, or how to collect epigraphs. We will dive into exercises focused on the texture of locations and the rediscovery of lost childhood places. These unique writing exercises will give your creativity a jolt and keep you working toward your larger goal: finishing your novel. Bring your notebook and pen so we can get to work!
Victorine Lieske - Conflict for the Nice Writer
As writers, we love our characters—but if we want readers to stay hooked, we can’t go easy on them. Conflict is the lifeblood of a compelling story, and learning how to create tension, stakes, and emotional turmoil is essential for crafting a true page-turner. In this class, we’ll explore how to push our characters to their limits, heighten drama, and keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you struggle with making your characters suffer or just want to deepen your storytelling, this session will give you the tools to add gripping conflict to your book.
Victorine Lieske - "Help! I’m Stuck! How to Move Past Sticky Points in Your Writing
Writer’s block can be a nasty thing. It can stop a writer in their tracks. In this class we’ll examine 10 common reasons why writers get stuck and how to move past them. Is something wrong with your work in progress? Have your characters lost their motivation? Or are you simply allowing yourself to be distracted? Come to this class and I’ll help you get out of the weeds and back to the keyboard.
Elizabeth Lowham - It's a Love Story, Baby, Just Say, "Yes!"
How do people fall in love? If my characters just kiss, I’m done, right? How do I write a kiss, anyway? Don’t panic! Writing romance is more straightforward than you think—and it’s all about balancing emotional connection with physical connection. Whether the love story you want to write is your book's main focus or a small side plot, I have the steps to help you craft it realisitically.
Lisa Mangum - Live Editing: First Pages Only INTENSIVE
Shadow Mountain Managing Editor Lisa Mangum will read and edit as many first pages as she can in front of a live audience. Come see how her brain works! (Pages will need to be submitted beforehand.)
Leah Moyes - Digging up the past one chapter at a time: an archaeological perspective on layers, details, and historical research.
When writing historical novels of any genre, we are given a wide range of creative freedom, more so than with a history book or biography. However, readers are becoming more attuned to the world around us and prefer facts in their stories. Facts that they can follow up with if a particular idea grabs hold and they want to know more. This class is designed to offer you a toolkit of grid plans, suggestions, and resources to arm yourself with while writing historical depth of any genre.
M.A. Nichols - Kiss & Tell: Writing Romance Plots & Subplots
Whether as a plot or subplot, romance permeates every genre, but how do you craft a good love story? What makes for compelling romantic leads? In this class we’ll discuss some of the keys to crafting solid romance stories that feel real and grasp the readers’ attention, focusing on M.A. Nichols’ unique approach to plotting romance stories.
Kiri Patterson - Shy But Mighty: Marketing for Introverted (and Slightly Terrified) Writers
You’re a writer — not an influencer, not a salesperson, and definitely not someone who wants to dance on TikTok just to be visible. You’d rather spend your energy building characters, not a personal brand. But whether you’re indie or traditionally published, marketing is part of the job — and if you’re introverted, anxious, or just unsure where to start, it can feel like a lot. This class is for the quiet creatives. The ones who care deeply, think too much, and want to share their work without losing themselves in the process. Together, we’ll talk about how to show up for your readers in ways that feel honest, doable, and even — dare we say — kind of fun. You don’t have to be loud to make an impact. You don’t need to go viral, you just need to be visible, and authentically you.
Michelle Pennington Dialogue: Let's Talk About It
Great dialogue isn't just conversation — it's one of the most powerful tools in a writer's arsenal. In this class, we'll explore the three pillars of compelling dialogue: your character's personality, background, and goals. Who your characters are at their core determines what they say, how they say it, and when. From building distinct character voices to understanding how secrets, motives, and agendas drive what gets said (and what doesn't), you'll leave ready to make your dialogue sparkle with authenticity and purpose.
Michelle Pennington - Five Secret Methods to Transform Your Writing
After 15 years of developing these secret writing techniques, I'm finally revealing them. Each method challenges conventional writing wisdom and may even contradict advice you've already received — but that's exactly why they are so impactful. Whether you're working on your first novel or your tenth, these five techniques will drive your growth as an author, shine a spotlight on the weak points of your story, and push you to make stronger choices while drafting and editing.
Janette Rallison - Seriously Funny
Can humor be taught? We sure hope so or this class might become an awkward exercise in silence. At any rate, Janette Rallison will share what she’s learned from writing humor in over thirty books. We’ll talk about different types of humor and how to use them in your novel. Everyone loves a character who can make them laugh.
Sharolyn Richards - Substack: Social Media for introverts
Tired of feeling like you "have" to be on every social media platform? Hate being on camera? Still want to gain traction and an audience to help you sell books? This class is for you! In this class, you will learn more about Substack and how to use it to grow your audience and not have to put your face (or any pictures) for just anyone to see.
Jeff Savage - The Human Side of Writing--Building and Maintaining Healthy Writer Communities
Writers spend countless hours alone at their desks, but very few writing careers are built alone. From critique partners and mentors to conferences, reader groups, and author friendships, healthy communities can provide encouragement, accountability, emotional resilience, and opportunities that shape both a writer’s craft and career.
In this class, we’ll explore the human side of writing and discuss how meaningful relationships can help writers navigate the highs and lows of the creative journey.
We’ll talk about finding the right critique partners, building authentic author networks, approaching conferences as opportunities for connection rather than competition, and creating reader communities that feel welcoming and sustainable. We’ll also discuss collaboration, cross-promotion rooted in genuine friendship, setting healthy boundaries, and avoiding burnout in creative spaces.
Whether you are just beginning to find your people or looking to strengthen the community around you, this class will help you build connections that support both your writing life and yourself as a person.
Carrie Snider - Likeable vs. Relatable: Create characters readers actually care about
Writers are often told to make their characters likeable—but that advice can lead to flat, forgettable stories. In this class, we’ll break down the difference between likeable and relatable characters, and why relatability is what truly keeps readers invested. Through examples and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to create flawed, authentic characters that readers connect with, root for, and remember long after the final page.
Amy Standage - Tools for every writer's arsenal
Vellum or Atticus? Novelio or Plottr? Canva or Photoshop? In this class, we will explore the many tools at a writer's fingertips that can help with everything from website creation and hosting, to plotting and word processing. Keeping every budget in mind, we will discuss programs and apps ranging from zero cost to the expansive (but expensive). We will also explore the many options with clear pros and cons, costs, and even tricks writers can use to make their jobs easier and more fun.
Tanya Strong - Social media for beginners. It's easier than you think
Social media can feel intimidating and we often put it off because we don't know where to start. I can show you how to get started and how to schedule your time so you aren't stuck on there all day. This class will give you a plan and teach you how to slowly grow your following by creating super fans.
Rebecca Talley - Smart Tools, Stronger Writing: Harnessing the Power of AI
AI is part of the evolving writing landscape. Instead of resisting or fearing it, writers can learn how to harness it wisely. In this class, participants will explore how AI can assist both fiction and non-fiction writers with idea generation, research, character development, outlining, and editing support while maintaining full artistic ownership. Attendees will discover how to make AI a strategic partner that enhances creativity and helps them streamline their writing process.
Cathryn Uber - I Sold Your Book, But You Could Sell It Better
As your publisher, I am actively trying to sell your book. But at the end of the day, readers want to meet the author. Crowdfunding has exploded in popularity, and with that has come the confusion of knowing what to do and where to begin. Conventions can be overwhelming from the small local gathering to mega events with more than 100,000 attendees. Come learn how to use conventions and crowdfunding to connect with readers and translate those interactions into repeat sales.
Cathryn Uber - Elephants and Elevators: Demystifying Marketing
This class will focus on marketing principles and how they apply to YOU--the authors, the self-publishers, the indies. Understanding that marketing is more than social media advertisements will free you to expand your reach and your returns.
Logan Uber - The Fairy Tale Tradition: Crafting Meaningful and Relevant Stories
An exploration of fairy tales and their wide appeal. By understanding the fairy tale tradition we can become better writers and give our stories a deeper meaning. Come explore the great fairy tale tradition as we work through how to make the fairy tale formula work for you.
Michelle Wilson - The Courage to Write Your Story
Some of the most meaningful writing requires vulnerability. In this class, we’ll talk about the emotional side of writing personal stories—how to write honestly while protecting yourself and others, and how authenticity creates powerful connections with readers.