
Discover five essential writing lessons from scientist and writer Mark Williamson as he shares his journey from drafting to self-publishing, including editing, mentorship, and building a publishing business.
Stack up skills across life and writing by focusing on the seven critical factors of fiction—plot, structure, characters, dialogue, voice, and meaning—breaking projects into parts and practicing each element.
Explore the sixth lesson on doing the unexpected, drawing on the Princess Bride motif of the six-fingered man to craft twists, memorable scenes, world-building, and your unique voice.
In my writing journey, I've learned a lot of lessons so far. Many of the lessons I would have loved to learn right away. So, I've picked the top lessons that I wish I had learned before getting started, to help aspiring writers move along the path towards a finished book faster.
In this training, I will start by punching through obstacles to writing. Then, I will cover the following lessons.
Plotters versus Pantsers - discovering the two major types of writing styles and how to find the balance between them.
Create a Quota - why getting into the habit of producing a set amount of writing output on a schedule matters and how to start.
Learn Story Structure - thinking about the beginning, middle, and end of a good story, and important pieces of structure to make those parts shine.
Stack up Skills - developing skills both in the writing game and in the wider arena of life that will set you apart.
Have Fun - fighting against the dragon of discouragement with the sword of adventure and the shield of whimsy.
Along the way, I will include lessons from great writers such as James Scott Bell, J. R. R. Tolkien, Jordan Peterson, and Scott Adams. I will also provide examples of the lessons from books and movies, along with how I employed the lessons in my own writing. And braced yourself for the unexpected.