Novel Blueprint Signature Course

Learn to write emotionally engaging characters, page-turning scenes, and compelling plots that hook readers to the end. All without taking the joy out of writing, endless planning, and massive rewrites. You’ll get the Novel Blueprint, a method you customize that you can use again and again on your future projects

This course is for you if…

  • You started writing a book only to get stuck partway through
  • You sit down at the computer but don’t know what to write
  • Your manuscript needs massive rewrites but you don’t know where to begin
  • You would like a process you can use in creating your novels over and over again.

Here’s what we’ll cover

  • Compelling characters
  • Page-Turning plots
  • Theme
  • Using backstory correctly
  • Story world
  • Plot structure that works
  • Character goals, conflict, and motivations
  • Scene structure
  • Stimulus-Response (the small picture in scenes)
  • Dialogue
  • Action beats
  • Subtexting
  • Interior monologue
  • Deep POV

After the course you’ll have…

  • Tools to create emotionally engaging characters, page-turning scenes, and compelling plots to hook readers.
  • A plan you can use for your future novels.
  • A way to reduce frustration and that “stuck” feeling.
  • A feeling of accomplishment from making real progress on your novel.

Course Instructor

Tandem Services Save
Tandem Services Author

Jennifer Crosswhite is owner and CEO of Tandem Services, an author services company that empowers influencers to harness the transformative power of story to spread their message, create an impact, and leave a legacy.

 

Free

FREE
Enroll Now

Module 1: Introduction

Lesson 1: Introduction, how the course works, goals, best practices, terminology
Lesson 2: Creating your own personalized system for success—your writing toolbox
Lesson 3: How to make your writing time as effective as possible
Resources

Module 2: The Brain Science Behind Story 

Lesson 1: What is a blueprint and why does it work?
Lesson 2: Story development is a continuum. Where are you?
Lesson 3: Give the brain what it’s looking for in your story.

Module 3: The Nugget–5 questions to save you time and heartache with your writing

Lesson 1: How 5 questions power all forms of writing.
Lesson 2: Who’s story is it? And why does it matter?
Lesson 3: What’s happening? How to keep your reader engaged with your story.
Lesson 4: The lie and the wound. The motivation behind everything your characters do.
Lesson 5: Theme. Yes, it matters. Here’s why.

Module 4: Creating Emotionally Engaging Characters

Lesson 1: How do you introduce your characters to your readers? It matters.
Lesson 2: What makes your characters tick? What stressed them? How do they grow?
Lesson 3: Create backstory that actually matters and learn to use it appropriately.
Lesson 4: Antagonists and villains are the heroes of their own stories. Make them real.

Module 5: Compelling Plots

Lesson 1: Use brain science to give your readers what they are looking for.
Lesson 2: What does your hero want, and what does the reader expect?
Lesson 3: What does your hero really need, and what makes for a satisfying read?
Lesson 4: Why your characters do what they do.
Lesson 5: What do you avoid in life that is necessary for a novel to work? Conflict. How to do it right.

Module 6: Structure Your Story: Start it Right

Lesson 1: Key story points you must hit at the beginning of your novel
Lesson 2: Where do you open the story on the page? It’s probably not where you think.
Lesson 3: Hook your readers from the beginning.
Lesson 4: Start your hero (and your reader) on an adventure.

Module 7: Structure Your Story: Avoid the Saggy Middle and End Strong

Lesson 1: Key story beats and techniques to avoid a saggy middle.
Lesson 3: Tie up loose ends, create subplots and twists, and add depth to your novel.
Lesson 2: End your story strong so your readers can’t wait to read your next book.

Module 8: Page-Turning Scenes

Lesson 1: How to keep your readers turning pages.
Lesson 2: Set your hero up for disaster.
Lesson 3: What’s your hero’s next move?
Lesson 4: The key elements in scene structure that keep the reader’s brain engaged.
Lesson 5: Techniques to raise tension, keep your readers engaged, and help prevent “blank page” syndrome.

Module 9: Techniques that make readers feel like they are living the story

Lesson 1: Put readers in the scene as it unfolds with stimulus-response. 
Lesson 2: Make readers feel like they are in your characters’ heads

Module 10: Dialogue—it’s not just like “real” conversion

Lesson 1: Using dialogue as a powerful storytelling technique
Lesson 2: Say it without saying it. Actions speak louder than words.
Lesson 3: I know what you’re thinking.
Lesson 4: What does it really mean?
Lesson 5: Your words matter.
Lesson 6: Polish your prose.

Module 11: Building Your Author Career

Lesson 1: Multiply your writing efforts.
Lesson 2: Give the readers what they want and expect.
Lesson 3: Using short form writing to enhance your writing world.
Lesson 4: Bring readers into your world with a low-commitment read.

Module 12: You’ve done a great job! And you’ve only just begun.

Where to next?