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...

Books and speaking are not only great pipeline strategies, but are also excellent revenue streams. Cathy Fyock (The Business Book Strategist) has teamed up with Lois Creamer (Book More Business) in their new book, The Speaker Author , to help you leverage...

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...

One of the best ways to build your author business, sell books, and expand your thought-leadership is by speaking about your nonfiction book's topic. This session, led by veteran speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) Cathy Fyock, will help...

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to your work, and are an important book marketing asset. How do you get great endorsements for your book? In this session, book strategist Cathy Fyock shares her tips and ideas...

The term “plot” is used as one of the three cornerstones of creating a fictional story: 1) Characters, 2) World, and 3) Plot. Starting from the definition of what a plot is, fiction author Valerie Willis dives into how genres play a part in plot development...

What makes a book a “keeper”? Plot is key, writing is vital, but it’s the characters who really let a reader fall in love with your story. Multi-published author Allie Pleiter shares how to build characters that engage and enthrall your readers. Learn...

Many authors dream of having their books placed on the shelves of big box stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco, or front and center in airport stores across the country. But, is this dream even feasible, especially for self-published or indie...

Dialogue can be a tricky problem for many writers. The way we talk and the way we think doesn't always look right on the page. New writers often struggle creating dialogue that doesn't sound stilted, forced, or just plain weird. Good writing strikes...

Strategies for getting the most out of what your characters say and how they say it Sure, dialogue records conversation. But it can do so much more--if you know how to wield it. Dialogue can provide subtle backstory, vivid characterization, or shoot...