Master the Craft that Keeps Readers Turning Pages
Get weekly, first-principle craft insights for writers who care about reader experience—not formulas, hacks, or templates.
Learn how great stories trigger attention, build tension, and deliver unforgettable emotional rides.
Get a Head Start Right Now
If you’re eager to start learning the principles behind page-turning stories while you wait for the next Story Craft Note, dive into the resources below.
These resources are for you if…
- You care about reader experience, not rigid formulas.
- You want to understand what stories are actually doing to readers—and how to deliver that experience on purpose.
- You’re interested in first principles, not shortcuts, hacks, or fill-in-the-blank templates.
- You want to master the craft so you can write stories that reliably grip, move, and linger with readers.
If that sounds like you, the resources below will help you understand those first principles so you can keep readers turning pages on purpose, instead of on accident.
“Page-Turning Plots” (Series)
Learn how to craft plots that keep readers turning pages.
A step-by-step series on how stories grip attention, build tension, and deliver satisfying emotional payoffs.
“The Storyteller’s Path” (Series)
Learn where to begin—and what to learn next—without getting overwhelmed.
If you’ve ever wondered where to start learning story craft, this series lays out a clear path forward.
My Book
Learn how to generate a strong story idea—the foundation of everything that follows.
If you want to write a short story or novel, step one is a compelling story idea. Once you have it, the entire process becomes electric. This book shows you what makes a story idea work—and how to generate your next one.
My Courses
Learn story craft through direct feedback and guided practice.
I occasionally teach live courses to very small groups (usually around five writers). This allows for individual attention, critique, and discussion.
If you’d like to be notified when the next course opens, use the Contact link and let me know.
“The 2 Types of Plot Every Writer Should Know” (Presentation)
Learn the two fundamental plot types that drive the vast majority of bestselling fiction today—so you can use them in your stories.
A presentation delivered at the 2024 Life, The Universe, and Everything writers conference.
“The Key Conditions for Suspense” (Series)
Learn what suspense actually requires—and how to create it on purpose.
A 27-part series originally written for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA), exploring the conditions that generate genuine suspense in story.
“The Secret to Making Plotting Easier” (Recording)
Learn a simple shift that makes plotting far less painful.
A recorded talk focused on reducing friction in the plotting process by clarifying what you’re really trying to accomplish.
“How to Write a Story that Rocks” (Recording)
Learn how experienced writers generate and develop story ideas.
A two-hour, twelve-part seminar Larry Correia and I gave at BYU’s Life, the Universe, & Everything symposium. The biggest value here is seeing how ideas are developed in real time.
Includes the How to Write a Story That Rocks handout.
Watch the recording and read the handout.
“Lessons on Story from the Hunger Games” (Recording)
Learn why The Hunger Games works—and what you can steal from it.
A recorded presentation from LTUE (spoilers included), breaking down story craft lessons from the novel.
Includes PDF slides from a later RWA presentation.
Watch the recording and read the handout.
“How to Get and Develop Killer Story Ideas” (Recording)
Learn practical methods for generating and strengthening story ideas.
A recorded LTUE session with Larry Correia focused on idea generation and development. Best paired with the How to Write a Story That Rocks handout.
“Vivid & Clear” (Recording)
Learn how to transport the reader to your scenes.
This was a presentation to a packed room at LTUE on clarity, vividness, and effective prose technique.
“Story Turns” (Recording)
Learn what story turns are and how to create them—they’re a key to keeping readers turning pages.
A recorded LTUE presentation focused on story turns and momentum, with supplemental materials available.
Watch the recording and read the materials.
Do I Read & Critique Manuscripts?
I love talking about story ideas and craft—but I’m not able to read or critique full manuscripts outside of formal classes or workshops.
I would never fault anyone for asking a published author if they would read and critique a manuscript. I mean, duh, if I wanted to learn cabinet making, shooting, accounting, writing, whatever—I’d want a professional to give me tips and feedback. So I don’t think anyone should feel bad for asking.
But I am simply too busy with my day job, my writing job, and my family to even think about being able to do this. So I don’t read and critique manuscripts. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get expert feedback.
1. Share Your Story Idea.
I’m happy to give feedback at the idea level. Use the story setup format described here and keep it to no more than 300 words.
Just click the Contact link and send it along.
2. Come Say Hello at a Conference.
If I’m presenting at a conference and you come up to say hello, I’m glad to talk through your story idea in person.
3. Join One of My Classes.
When a class opens, register. I love working directly with writers in that setting and giving focused, in-depth feedback.
Those are the best ways to engage—and I look forward to them.
