Chapters in Review, May 2025
#10 Sunday Snippets
If you missed anything on Behind the Chapters last month, here’s your opportunity to catch up. Following is a summary of all the posts that ran in April. We covered a lot, from the final post in a five-week workshop on how to turn a mere idea into a full-blown concept for your novel, to happy places in life and fiction, and tips on the business of writing fiction.
Be sure to read to the end. where I reveal what I’m working on for future newsletters/posts. I tie it all up with a poll seeking your input on what you’d like to see in the future on Behind the Chapters.
Spark to Story: How to Turn an Idea Into a Page-Turning Concept for Your Novel
Workshop, Week 5. Summary and Your Path Forward
The final week of this five-week workshop provides a comprehensive summary of the entire "Spark to Story" process as well as guidance for writers on how to move forward with their concept for a novel.
The Magic of Happy Places in Life and Fiction
Inspired by the CNN series "My Happy Place," this post examines how special locations can serve as meaningful places in our personal lives as well as powerful elements in storytelling.
Spark to Story: Turn an Idea Into a Page-Turning Concept for Your Novel
Workshop, Week 4. The Premise or Essence of Your Story
The fourth installment of the workshop series focuses on refining your story idea until you have a clear, compelling premise that captures the essence of what your novel is truly about.
Four Substack Gems on the Business of Fiction Writing
#9 Sunday Snippets
A curated collection of valuable Substack resources focused on the business side of fiction writing, offering insights into marketing, publishing strategies, and building a sustainable writing career.
Spark to Story: Turn an Idea Into a Page-Turning Concept for Your Novel
Workshop, Week 3. Adding Conflict
The third week of the workshop series teaches writers how to introduce compelling conflict into story concepts to create tension and intrigue that will keep readers engaged.
The Power of a Name
How to Choose Names Your Readers Will Never Forget
An in-depth exploration of character naming strategies, covering how the right names can enhance characterization, support your concept, and create lasting impressions on readers.
Spark to Story: Turn an Idea Into a Page-Turning Concept for Your Novel, Week 2
Workshop, Week 2. From Idea to Compelling Concept
This second installment of the workshop guides writers through the process of transforming their raw story ideas into compelling, marketable concepts with clear direction and appeal.
Chapters in Review, April 2025
#8 Sunday Snippets
A comprehensive roundup of April's posts, covering the launch of the "Spark to Story" workshop, celebrating a Behind the Chapters milestone, and exploring Gothic elements in contemporary fiction.
Coming Next in 2025
Here are some ideas I’m considering for future newsletters/posts and workshops on Behind the Chapters:
From First Draft to Bookstore: The timeline of a novel.
How I Get to Know My Characters, Inside and out.
Shaping Your Story Arc.
Fostering a Creative Mindset.
I’d like to hear from YOU. What would you like to see covered in the coming weeks and months on Behind the Chapters? Let me know what you think in the poll below. Thank you!
In case you missed the most recent workshop, on uncovering and developing a killer idea for your novel, read all about it here—SPARK TO STORY: How to Turn an Idea Into a Page-Turning Concept for Your Novel.
I am interested in all the topics in your poll and the topics you are considering for newsletters this year. In addition, I would like to learn more about revision and editing.