In this session, book coach Cathy Fyock explores the critical role that stories and characters play in engaging readers and enhancing your nonfiction narrative. Discover when and how to seamlessly integrate these elements into your work, and learn essential...

Have you started writing a nonfiction book that you are struggling to finish? Do you have an idea for a book but don’t know how to get started? Now you can start and finish your book sooner rather than later following the 7-step process that forms...

Have you just completed the first draft of your nonfiction book and are wondering what comes next? Before taking the leap to professional editing, consider leveraging the power of an editorial board for a crucial peer review process. This step is essential...

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...

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...

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...

Every great protagonist needs an equally great antagonist to struggle against. Without this conflict or opposition, a story will be dull, uninteresting, and unfocused. But, what is an antagonist? Must it always be a villain or have bad intentions? Can...

Structuring a nonfiction book is a lot like building a house. There are many different styles and ways to go about it, and there are only one or two structures that are actually suited for your particular book and the things you want to say. Presenter...

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...