by: Shannon Redmon @shannon_redmon

If you were to look into the deep, dark recesses of my computer files you might find one or two completed manuscripts that never saw the light of day. I loved those books when I first wrote them, even cherished them as my first completed book babies and thought they would sell a million copies. Ahh, yes, I was so young and naïve seven years ago.

Fortunately, I went to a conference and what I learned was invaluable to me as a new writer. Also, humbling. God showed me that there was much more to writing books than I first thought.

In those first years, taking classes became so important. I thought I was a decent writer but what I imagined about my books in the beginning and the story that ended up on paper was very different. Studying our craft teaches us valuable lessons like how to layout a story with structure and purpose, how to deepen characters so they don’t come across flat (which is an ongoing goal of mine), how to write dialogue, create tension and conflict, as well as weaving a romantic and spiritual theme through the entire manuscript.

So, if you are a new writer and not sure your story measures up or you are overwhelmed by the myriad of writing class choices, here are a few things to look for when figuring out which courses will help.

Story Structure

These classes will discuss topics like a 3-act vs. 4 act structure as well as hooks, inciting incidents, midpoint, black moments, plot, climax and resolution. This will help new writers to understand how to structure a story to keep the pacing on track from beginning to end and not chase the never ending rabbit holes. Although, sometimes those bunnies can be helpful to spice up a scene.

Character Development

Every story needs a capable hero or heroine for readers to support on his or her journey. These courses will often cover topics like backstory, goals, motivations and conflict. Other topics might include finding your character’s voice and adding realistic flaws—internal and external—to provide more depth.

Dialogue

How our characters talk and what they discuss can be boring or turn a story into the most interesting read ever. One editor told me that if an author can write dialogue well then they will be sought after by publishers. Dialogue courses should include standard do’s and don’ts as well as how to add subtext.

Tension/Conflict

Every story, even ones that aren’t suspense, need to have tension and conflict between the hero and heroine to keep the story interesting. Without conflict, tension and trials in the hero and heroine’s life, the story will be boring and fall flat. Look for conferences that include classes on how to create tension between your hero and heroine as well as your villain.

Romance

With most of the readers in the world loving a bit of romance in their stories, new writers should learn how to write conflicted love without being too mushy, corny or cliché’. Look for conferences that include courses in attraction, body language, and writing chemistry. All of these need to work together to delay the attraction between the characters until the satisfying end.

Before the conference, prepare by reading some craft books to brush up on language authors use like genre, theme, and deep point of view. There are so many free, online resources to help us get started. Start Googling!

During the conference, take lots of notes but also be willing to listen and accept the advice of authors who are further along in their career. They’ve been where you are and although everyone’s journey is different, they can help clear up any questions that arise.

After the conference, connect with everyone you met on social media, try not to do everything you learned all at once and make sure to review your notes, audio class files and PowerPoints to solidify the information you’ve learned.

Most of all, no matter what is in the deep, dark recesses of your files, the main goal is to keep writing and never stop. With classes, great writer friends and a persistence to work on your craft daily, you’re bound to find success on your new author journey!

Shannon is a Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author and her greatest hope is for her stories to immerse readers into a world of suspense and escape while encouraging faith, hope, and love in Christ.  She has three books published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line–Cave of Secrets, Secrets Left Behind and Mistaken Mountain Abduction. She is also one of the Managing Editors of Acquisitions for Spark Flash Fiction Magazine, where she received her first official published byline. Shannon is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube
Agency.