Bookcraft Academy
Plotting, scenes and revision, with two more writing courses included. Self-paced, by Derek Murphy.
Watch Promo Enroll in CourseBookcraft Academy · self-paced writing course
Know what happens in every chapter, before you write it.
I never completed any fiction until I figured out plotting. Bookcraft is that plotting method on video: the 25-chapter plot outline, my 8-point guide to commercial fiction, and lessons on scenes, conflict, tension and revision. Use it to plan a new novel, or to find out why the one you're writing keeps stalling.
- 29 lessons, from choosing what to write to revising the draft
- Two more courses included: Novel Writing Basics and Navigate Your Nonfiction
- The Plot Dot and Book Craft as PDFs, in the welcome lesson
- 29 lessonsalmost 6 hours of video
- +2 coursesNovel Writing Basics and Navigate Your Nonfiction
- Lifetimeaccess, at your own pace
- 30 daysmoney-back guarantee
What writers say about the outline
Thank u so much. This is seriously the best plot structure I have ever encountered. I was able to make a first draft of my plot outline with this in less than a hour. It finally looks like I´m getting somewhere. All thanks to you!
Huge fan of your 25-chapter plot template. I've read all the classics - Save the Cat, Story, etc. - many times over & the way you map out and describe the narrative flow really evokes logical scenes.
Being a writer with ADHD... Your stuff is the clearest presentation about how to structure plot that I've ever come across. I always get stuck when outlining. I over-complicate things and confuse myself. This helps so much. Thank you for breaking these concepts down in such a straightforward and thorough way.
Why books stall
If your draft keeps stalling, it probably isn't the sentences.
It usually goes like this. You start with a great idea and a handful of scenes you can see clearly. You rewrite the opening a few times. Then somewhere in the middle, things keep happening but nothing builds, and you can't tell whether the problem is the plot, the characters or you. So you read another craft book, or start a shiny new project, and the draft goes back in the drawer.
That was me. After getting stuck on my first novel, I worked out a plotting system that made everything a lot easier. I still use the one-page outline as a quick base when I'm starting to draft a manuscript, or a quick fix when I'm wrestling with a broken story and need to figure out what's missing.
Since then I've written over a dozen novels. I've also worked with over a thousand writers on their books, as an editor, book coach and cover designer. Almost always, writers make predictable mistakes with their books that no amount of editing, design or promotion can fix. Bookcraft is for finding the real problem in your book and fixing that first, so the rest of your revision isn't wasted.
A look at the method
The whole novel on one page
This is the one-page plot outline from the image at the top of this page, typed out so you can read it. Every chapter has a job. The red lines are the big turning points: they're the 8 points in The Plot Dot, so get familiar with them first. They're the spokes that hold everything together.
A novel one-page plot outline (by chapter)
Act I
Hero & Ordinary World
- 1Really Bad Day
- 2Something Peculiar
- 3Grasping at Straws
- Inciting Incident
- 4Call to Adventure
- 5Head in Sand
- 6Pull out Rug
- First Plot Point
Act II
Exploring New World
- 7Enemies & Allies
- 8Games & Trials
- 9Earning Respect
- First Battle
- 10Forces of Evil
- 11Problem Revealed
- 12Truth & Ultimatum
- Midpoint
Act II
Bad Guys Close In
- 13Mirror Stage
- 14Plan of Attack
- 15Crucial Role
- Second Battle
- 16Direct Conflict
- 17Surprise Failure
- 18Shocking Revelation
- Second Plot Point
Act III
Defeat and Victory
- 19Giving Up
- 20Pep Talk
- 21Seizing the Sword
- Final Battle
- 22Ultimate Defeat
- 23Unexpected Victory
- 24Bittersweet Return
- Rebirth
I tend to write two scenes to a chapter, and I try to make my scenes about 1,000 words. Across this outline, that's nearly 50,000 words: a decent length for a first rough draft. Don't overwrite it. Get things in the right place first.
Try it on your book. Write one line from your story next to each red turning point. The ones you can't fill in yet are where to start. In the course, start with the 8-point guide to commercial fiction (63 minutes) and the 25-chapter plot outline (50 minutes).
Where is your book stuck?
Start with the problem in front of you
You don't have to watch everything in order. Find the problem that sounds like your book and go straight to those lessons.
The middle sags
Things happen, but nothing builds toward anything. Map the major turns of your story, see what sets each one up, and find the connections that are missing.
Lessons: 25 chapter plot outline for fiction (50 min) · An 8 point guide to commercial fiction (63 min)
The conflict feels flat
"Add more tension" is useless advice until someone shows you where the tension went. Look at what your character wants, what's in the way, and what it costs them.
Lessons: Character Development · The 3 kinds of conflict you MUST have in your novel · 2 rules for creating nail-biting tension and conflict
You keep rewriting chapter one
Decide where the story actually starts, how much backstory it needs, and how to write scenes that hook a reader and keep their attention.
Lessons: How to start your novel (prologue vs. chapter one) · Writing scenes (hook and keep attention)
It doesn't fit the beat sheets
If Save the Cat never quite worked for your book, that's normal. Structure is there to show you what each part of your story is doing. Your book can still be its own shape.
Lesson: What if my book doesn't fit the outline?
The draft is done, but it isn't working
Decide what to fix first, before you spend another month adjusting commas in a chapter that needs a bigger change.
Lessons: My revision and self-editing process · Novel Writing Basics revision module: motivation, depth and fixing plot holes
Nonfiction with too much to say
Start with who the book is for, then organize the material, plan the chapters and write an introduction that makes people keep reading.
Lessons: What Who Why? (Audience First) · How to organize · Chapter planning guide · plus Navigate Your Nonfiction
What you get
One course, two more included, and the books behind them
Start with Bookcraft. The two included courses are there when you want a slower, week-by-week plan for a novel, or more help shaping a nonfiction book. All three are self-paced, with lifetime access.
Bookcraft Academy
- What kind of book to writeCommercial vs. literary, bestselling genres and subjects, finding your book's value, and the perfect pitch.
- Writing commercial fictionBrainstorming, character, the 8-point guide, the 25-chapter outline, common mistakes, openings, scenes, conflict, tension and revision.
- Writing commercial nonfictionAudience first, title and subtitle, brainstorming, organizing, outlining, chapter planning, the foreword and introduction, and common mistakes.
- Making writing fun and easyThe best hardware and software for writing books, six productivity and motivation strategies, and the 25 best books on writing.
Novel Writing Basics
A 12-week plot, write, revise plan. Fiction basics, the hero's journey, plotting, raising the stakes and point of view. Then the draft: point of no return, midpoint, dark night of the soul, final battle. Then revision: polishing the story, motivation and plot holes, description, show don't tell, proofreading, and almost two hours of feedback case studies on writing samples.
In theory you could plot and write alongside it and finish a book in about three months. But the truth is, it might take a lot of time and practice before you really "get" these ideas. Some of it covers the same ground as Bookcraft, organized differently.
Navigate Your Nonfiction
For nonfiction, memoir and how-to books. Discover your purpose, find your value, claim your story, clarify your process, choose your vision, research your market, collect your content and map your journey, so the book has a shape before you write it.
The books
The Plot Dot (PDF) and Book Craft (PDF and epub). Some people said The Plot Dot was too short, so I beefed it up a little. If you want something meatier, Book Craft is my attempt at a universal guide to story, though some people find it too dense and fancy. Plus Book Marketing is Dead (PDF), and a sign-up link for Publish on a Budget, for when the book is finished.
How it works
How to use it without turning it into homework
Watch the welcome video and grab the books
It takes a few minutes and tells you where to go for fiction or nonfiction.
Map what you already have
For fiction, open the 25-chapter plot outline lesson and map the scenes you've already written, or the ones still in your head. For nonfiction, start with What Who Why? (Audience First).
Fix one thing
Pick the place your book is stuck, watch that lesson, and try it on your own pages. You don't need to finish every video before trying an exercise.
More from writers who've used it
What writers say after they try the method
Some reviews use the course's earlier name, Bestseller Blueprint.
I have started a book several times over the past few years but the main problem has been just how do I do this and achieve a professional outcome? I have looked at several options but none have seemed right for me and many were over complicated to grasp. Your course and way of explaining is absolutely brilliant and within a couple of days I have learnt more than I have in years. I have been a frustrated author for a few decades and the main problem was how to get started and you have 100% solved this for me. Anyway, mega thanks again, really appreciated.
Oh. My. God. Derek Murphy, I've tried plotting my WIP into all these kinds of templates FOR YEARS, always feeling so frustrated that something was wrong! Every template could give me some new learning skills, but my story never fitted Save the cat, Michael Hauge or any circles and diagrams you just TOTALLY PAINTED MY STORY out for me, point by point!! I could not be more grateful! I will use this template forever, I can't wait to start my writing game up from a new point of view, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.!
I can not thank you enough Derek. Before the course I was just winging it and hit a dead end with what amounted to a short story rather than a novel. Your structure has helped motivate me again and flesh out my plot in a proper way to build suspense. What a treasure and inspiration you are to amateur writers everywhere!
Just finished the Bestseller Blueprint course, and now I have a nonfiction book idea and a clearer path toward my fiction goals. I've been writing and learning for a decade and still found every section useful. There are 4 days worth of content, and I 2x the videos, so it's definitely worth the $. So if you've been looking for a writing course that's fit for newbies but works for experts as well, this is it, and it's a 6th of the price of people with similar credentials.
Is this for you?
Who Bookcraft is for, and who it isn't
It's for you if
- You have an idea and a few great scenes, but no clear path from the beginning to the end.
- You're stuck in the middle of a draft, or on your fourth rewrite of chapter one.
- You finished a draft and know something's off, but can't name it.
It's not for you if
- You want someone to edit your manuscript. Bookcraft teaches you how to make these decisions yourself. Personal manuscript feedback is a separate paid service; the course doesn't include a private edit of your book.
- You want live classes or a writing group. This is a self-paced video course you can start, pause and come back to.
- You want a promise of bestseller sales. I can't make that promise, and I'd be suspicious of anyone who does. What I can show you is how stories work, so you can fix yours.
Your teacher
Hi, I'm Derek Murphy.
I have a PhD in Literature, and I wrote The Plot Dot and Book Craft, the two plotting books this course is built on. I also got featured on CNN for renting castles for writing retreats, which is a story for another time.
I've spent over a decade studying why some stories work and others stall. These are the lessons I wish I'd had before my first draft.
The offer
Get the structure first. Then write the book.
Writing a novel isn't easy, and it takes time. But it's so much easier to skip the years of flustering around, and have the structure and system to get the work done.
Bookcraft Academy
- 29 lessons, almost 6 hours of video
- The 25-chapter plot outline and the 8-point guide to commercial fiction
- Novel Writing Basics, included (sold on its own for $197)
- Navigate Your Nonfiction, included (sold on its own for $197)
- The Plot Dot and Book Craft (PDF), plus Book Marketing is Dead (PDF)
- Self-paced, with lifetime access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
List price
$197
Enroll in Bookcraft AcademyFollowed a link with a discount code? Your discount shows in the enrollment box below.
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30-day money-back guarantee
Watch the lessons and try the outline on your book. If the course isn't what you needed, email support within 30 days of your purchase and you'll get a full refund.
Questions
Before you enroll
Do I need a finished draft?
No. You can use the outline to plan a new book or to map a draft you already have. If you're mid-draft or revising, start with the lesson for the problem you're stuck on.
I'm a pantser. Won't an outline kill the fun?
Even though I'm a plotter, my best, most effortless writing comes in the flow of the scene. Even if I know what needs to happen, I haven't sorted out the details. Things flow and evolve in surprising ways, and scenes unfold the way they need to. You need to allow yourself space and freedom to be creative, even with a plan.
What if my story doesn't fit the outline?
There's a lesson for that: "What if my book doesn't fit the outline?" The outline is a way to see what each part of your story is doing. It's fine if your book ends up its own shape.
Is personal feedback on my manuscript included?
No. Bookcraft teaches you how to make these decisions yourself. Personal manuscript feedback is a separate paid service; the course does not include a private edit of your book.
Are there live classes or calls?
No. Bookcraft is a self-paced video course. Start, pause and come back to it whenever you like.
How long do I have access?
For as long as you like. After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course and the two included courses, across any and all devices you own.
Is this the same course as Bestseller Blueprint?
Yes. Bestseller Blueprint was this course's earlier name, so you'll see it in some older student reviews.
What if I'm unhappy with the course?
You're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the course isn't what you needed, email support within 30 days of your purchase and you'll get a full refund.
Fix the structure before you write another 30,000 words on top of it.
Every chapter you draft on a shaky plot is a chapter you may have to rewrite later. Get the map first: Bookcraft Academy, plus Novel Writing Basics and Navigate Your Nonfiction, self-paced, with lifetime access.
Enroll in Bookcraft Academy Your price, including any discount code you arrived with, shows in the enrollment box below.
Learn the deep magic and craft of artful storytelling.
So you want to write a book, but are having trouble getting it over the finish line - don't worry, that's normal! And it's not your fault... the truth is, the overwhelmingly contradictory writing advice out there isn't very useful, and even the best systems have huge gaps that cannot be resolved. Until now...
You see, I've spent over a decade studying the craft of book writing. After getting stuck on my first novel, I came up with a system that made everything a lot easier, and have since written dozens of novels that don't suck, as evidenced from the thousands of positive reviews. But even more exciting, when I shared my writing system and templates, I started getting rave reviews and comments from people who had tried everything and were finally able to make significant progress.
Since then, I've written a massive guide and created dozens of hours of in-depth video lectures, going deeper and deeper into the craft of writing good books and figuring out cool hacks or cheats that let you embrace your creativity without getting stuck on common mistakes or amateur writing habits that all authors make.
Don't worry, this course isn't about "selling out" or pumping out crappy books to hit trends.
It's about writing books that transfix, inspire, motivate, and break hearts.
It's about writing books readers can't put down. Books they buy for all their friends saying "you MUST read this."
It's about writing books that MATTER.
For fiction, we'll study universal principles of story-telling, emotional catharsis, creating intrigue and mystery, characters readers loathe and adore, hooking and compelling, epic battle scenes and plot twists, and romantic tension. I'll share my own plotting formula for creating bestsellers for all types of commercial fiction.
For nonfiction, we'll focus on branding and credibility, capturing hearts and minds, hooking with story, principles of persuasion and influence, and making sure readers get not only practical value, but emotional gratification and a satisfying sense of completing a rewarding journey. You'll also get a foolproof way to outline, write your introduction and sales copy, and make sure readers are ready to take action by signing up to your bonus content or optin offer, and/or becoming clients.
My plan is to make this course as short and practical as possible, so you don't have to watch long boring videos to get the benefits. There will be bulletpoints, and cheatsheets, summaries and activity pages. These also won't be complete chapter-by-chapter, write-by-number boilerplates or MadLibs style Fill-in-the-Blank games (on second thought, that last one sounds awesome, so there might be some of those).
My point is, these guidelines are a supportive framework to enhance your creativity, not stifle your art. Genre conventions and story architecture are not cages to restrain your vision, they are wings to help your writing soar. You'll be able to write better quality books, that earn more money, faster than you ever thought possible, which will make you happier, wealthier, and more attractive (I can't promise that last one but it's probably true).
Finish Your Draft,
or Polish to Perfection
We'll take away months of painful hesitation or self-doubt, by letting you effortlessly plan, produce and polish your book. Not only will you feel better (and finish faster!), but you'll have also made something people really love, and you'll be proud of what you've accomplished.
What if all your work was your best work?
If you're one of those authors who has a million ideas and a pile of unfinished manuscripts, this will help! Not only will the outlines keep you grounded, my productivity and motivation tips will help you get it done and published - so you can finally start something new.
If you've finished a manuscript but are stuck in revisions, these powerful strategies will help you self-edit without spending thousands on a developmental editor. And if you've already published a few books but aren't getting reviews and sales, this bundle will help you identify and fix your weaknesses quickly.
What's included:
- the Plot Dot basic novel outlining template + book and in-depth video walkthrough
- my premium 24-chapter outline template + massive BookCraft guide to powerful fiction
- downloadable writing templates for Scrivener, MS Word, GoogleDocs & Plottr
- crucial tips on how to handle backstory, infodumps, twists and reveals
- keep readers engaged with foolproof tactics for building suspense and intrigue
- self-editing and revision tips to fix your rough draft
- a massive list of common writing mistakes and how to fix them
- procrastination & productivity tips to help you avoid writer's block for good
- NEW: nonfiction outline templates for selfhelp, howto, memoir or biography
"Oh. My. God. Derek Murphy, I've tried plotting my WIP into all these kinds of templates FOR YEARS, always feeling so frustrated that something was wrong! Every template could give me some new learning skills, but my story never fitted Save the cat, Michael Hauge or any circles and diagrams you just TOTALLY PAINTED MY STORY out for me, point by point!! I could not be more grateful! I will use this template forever, I can't wait to start my writing game up from a new point of view, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.!"
- Jose, YouTuber
"Just finished the Bestseller Blueprint course, and now I have a nonfiction book idea and a clearer path toward my fiction goals. I've been writing and learning for a decade and still found every section useful. There are 4 days worth of content, and I 2x the videos, so it's definitely worth the $. So if you've been looking for a writing course that's fit for newbies but works for experts as well, this is it, and it's a 6th of the price of people with similar credentials."
- Raven Blakewood
"I have started a book several times over the past few years but the main problem has been just how do I do this and achieve a professional outcome? I have looked at several options but none have seemed right for me and many were over complicated to grasp. Your course and way of explaining is absolutely brilliant and within a couple of days I have learnt more than I have in years. I have been a frustrated author for a few decades and the main problem was how to get started and you have 100% solved this for me. Anyway, mega thanks again, really appreciated."
- Annie Jumeau, Author
"Great Course, Derek. Your channel is my go-to for in depth study and inspiration. Nothing has helped me more, or brought more clarity, than this series. Extremely grateful."
"I have been struggling to figure out how to mesh Save the Cat 3 Act structure with the 27 Chapter Method and my god you did it! I can't even tell you the level of help I've received by watching your videos, reading your articles, and going through your resources. Truly first class and so beneficial. Thanks again!"
FLASH BONUSES!
1: Fiction Writing Basics $197 - I've gone even deeper and organized a new course on writing novels with some advanced writing techniques you've never seen before, on creating intrigue and suspense. This course will help you create a page-turning novel that readers can't put down.
2: Nonfiction Mastery $197 - This course is meant just for nonfiction authors, memoir or narrative nonfiction writers, thought leaders, visionaries or online business owners who want a book that builds an audience and creates trust and rapport.
3: Publish on a Budget - A crash course on self-publishing, avoiding scams, saving thousands of dollars and publishing a bookstore quality book without spending a ton.
4: Book Marketing is Dead - a newly revised edition of my guide to book marketing and author promotion.
"Thank u so much. This is seriously the best plot structure I have ever encountered. I was able to make a first draft of my plot outline with this in less than a hour. It finally looks like I´m getting somewhere. All thanks to you!"
- Ivette Castle, Novelist
"Huge fan of your 25-chapter plot template. I've read all the classics - Save the Cat, Story, etc. - many times over & the way you map out and describe the narrative flow really evokes logical scenes."
- Jake Anderson, True Crime
"I have been on the fence with starting a novel but did not know where to start. I would research and plan to avoid feelings of guilt from procrastination but never really started a project. With this out online I feel like any barriers have been removed. I have started writing again for the first time in years. Thank you for getting me back in the saddle."
- Jeremy Eicke, Novelist
"Being a writer with ADHD... Your stuff is the clearest presentation about how to structure plot that I've ever come across. I always get stuck when outlining. I over-complicate things and confuse myself. This helps so much. Thank you for breaking these concepts down in such a straightforward and thorough way."
- Emily Calder, writer
Need more help? (Get Feedback!)
Do you have a manuscript that you think is finished, but aren’t sure if it’s ready to publish? Are you worried about whether anybody else will think it’s any good? Are you putting together a book proposal or query to attract an agent or publisher, or preparing to self-publish for the first time? How about just starting a book, but want to make sure it’s marketable before you invest more time in it?
There's no substitute for real, constructive feedback from an expert editor. I rarely edit full books anymore (when I do I charge a minimum of $5000) but the truth is, you may not be ready for a full developmental edit or manuscript critique. What you probably need is some quick feedback on the first few pages.
Make sure you have a strong start and a killer opening before you waste extra time and money. Upgrade for an in-depth structural critique of your first 5000 words. I will help you figure out who your audience is and how to captivate them from the get-go.
I can help take your project's pulse and figure out:
1. is it breathing
2. will anybody else want to read this
3. your target audience and genre/topic
4. amateur mistakes
5. will readers care enough to keep reading
This is an in-depth developmental edit focusing on the commercial value of your manuscript. Whether you plan to hook an traditional publisher or self-publish, figuring out the value of your manuscript is crucial for getting agents or readers to buy.
Check out the "First Chapter Critique" for more details!
"Your suggestions have been wonderful! There was a lot of input you provided that I had not even considered, and will definitely help overall! Looking forward to going through the remainder of your suggestions tomorrow! Thank you again for your time!"
- Jacky, Personal Memoir
"I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to do a developmental edit on this. It was above and beyond and is greatly appreciated. It was exactly the guidance I needed to hear, and I would have waited three weeks for that, let alone a few days. Your insights will go a long way towards making this the best novel it can be."
- Mikael Carlson, Thriller Author
“Finally, someone with the skills for analyzing a novice writer. Before meeting Derek Murphy, the “agents” I met in the publishing industry did nothing but side-step my requests for evaluation. It is now evident to me that the rubric which measures whether your book is sell-able or dead in the water, is literary experience. Your analysis combined honest evaluation with the goal being to produce a better book. I love the straightforward way you addressed my writing. I believe, this type of fed-back is essential to ANYONE who is writing. Your insight has proved invaluable”.
- Dr. George A. Munger, PhD
"This is EXACTLY the kind of feedback I was hoping for. Most appreciated. I have been continuing to tweak the story, but your feedback has really given me things I can sink my teeth into!"
- P. J. Viscio, Horror Author
"First of all, I would like to say that your editing on the intro, epilogue and first chapter is impressive! Finally, I was thinking that I am lucky to have found you. You are the best coach I could have!"
- Panagiotis Bampalis, Heath & Fitness
- Ann LM Kitching
See what your book needs next.
You can read a shelf of writing advice and still get stuck halfway through your own book. The difficult part is connecting the advice to the scene in front of you: what the character wants, what makes that difficult, and why a reader would turn the page.
That is the work we do in Bookcraft. I bring together the plotting approach from The Plot Dot, the craft ideas in Book Craft, and video lessons on scenes, conflict, character and nonfiction planning. You can use the outline to plan a new book or map a draft you already have.
Start with one problem in your manuscript. Watch the relevant lesson, try the exercise on your own pages, then see what changes. You do not have to force your story into every box or finish the whole course before putting it to work.
Try the approach first
My free plot outline gives you a practical starting point. If the way I explain story helps you see your book more clearly, the course gives you a structured place to keep going.
You can also explore The Plot Dot and Book Craft: The Art of Writing. Book downloads are included in the course welcome lesson.
Bookcraft teaches you how to make these decisions yourself. Personal manuscript feedback is a separate service; the course does not include a private edit of your book.
Your Instructor
Derek Murphy has a PhD in Literature and has been featured in CNN for hosting writing retreats in medieval castles. After working with thousands of authors as a writing coach and developmental author, he began developing plotting cheatsheets and advanced writing tips for authors that now have nearly 3 million views on YouTube.
Course Curriculum
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StartBrainstorming cool ideas (worldbuilding) (11:40)
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StartCharacter Development (16:44)
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StartAn 8 point guide to commercial fiction (63:04)
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Start25 chapter plot outline for fiction (49:59)
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StartCommon Mistakes
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StartWhat if my book doesn't fit the outline?
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StartHow to start your novel (prologue vs. chapter one) (19:38)
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StartWriting scenes (hook and keep attention) (20:11)
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StartThe 3 kinds of conflict you MUST have in your novel if you want readers to care what happens
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Start2 rules for creating nail-biting tension and conflict in your novel
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StartMy revision and self-editing process
Courses Included with Purchase
Original Price: $394
Got Questions?
Bookcraft Academy is a self-paced writing course. Your enrollment includes the two courses listed above: Novel Writing Basics and Navigate Your Nonfiction. Personal manuscript feedback is a separate paid service, not part of the course price.
Already enrolled? Open My Products at the top of this page, choose Bookcraft Academy and start with Welcome & Course Overview.