There are four basic types of writing, commonly referred to as “writing styles.” These styles are Expository , Persuasive/Argumentative , Narrative , and Descriptive . Each style serves a specific purpose, such as explaining how something works or...

The Methods, Applications, and Larger Benefits In this webinar with award-winning writer Jeanne Lyet Gassman, we will look at doing research for your writing and how it can benefit you in multiple ways. We will discuss how to conduct your research...

In fiction, plot is defined as the series of events (action) that make up a story. Most plots follow a structure known as Freytag’s triangle, which has five basic elements: Exposition/Introduction Inciting Incident Rising Action Climax Denouement...

Urban fiction, also known as street lit, hip-hop lit, gansta lit, or ghetto lit, tells the story of life in the inner-city, generally with a gritty, dark tone. The plot shines a light on the harsh realities of life in the city, including hard subjects...

Strong stories need a plot, a setting, and most importantly, engaging characters. Agents and editors will tell you that all stories are character-driven. However, if your characters are stereotypes, one-dimensional, or predictable, the reader will soon...

There is a burgeoning demand for short memoir and personal essays in literary magazines and anthologies. These publications range from nonpaying to significant compensation. In this webinar, award-winning author Jeanne Lyet Gassman examines the differences...

There are many paths to success for authors beyond submitting your writing to publishers. Contests open the door to both publication and financial awards. Grants and fellowships provide financial support for your work, and residencies offer time to concentrate...

The flush of inspiration can carry you through the first draft of a novel or story, but what do you do once that draft is complete? How do you revise your novel or story and bring it to a polished final draft? In this webinar, award-winning author...

It’s advisable, some would say mandatory, for an author to create a table of contents (TOC) for any work of nonfiction, or any book that is a collection of materials, like poetry, short stories, plays etc. For novels delivered in print, a table of contents...

Did you know there are dozens of little things you can do to make your writing stand out from the crowd? In this webinar with award-winning writer Jeanne Lyet Gassman, she looks at the tricks writing professionals use to make their prose more polished...