The Desert Nights, Rising Stars
Writers Conference

“Style and structure are the essence of a book; great ideas are hogwash.” –Nabokov.

So, you have that great idea for your novel, a fascinating character, an intriguing environment, a compelling theme, and, yes, a stunningly original literary style—but what is this thing called “structure”? How do you move your character from A to Z through your story? In this session, we’ll examine two classic cinematic structural maps—The Heroic Journey and the 3-Act Feature Film Paradigm—from a novelist’s POV. We’ll explore how to use these templates to develop a solid structural framework and sustain momentum in a novel-length work of fiction without sacrificing character, theme, or voice.

Suggested advance viewing: Witness (1985) and The Wizard of Oz prior to this session.