Since mankind began to tell stories around a fire, the human mind has processed narrative in a very specific way. This craft talk will focus on four pivotal beats in storytelling: the opening image, the catalyst, the midpoint, and the closing image. Nailing these will help you whip a meandering story (or novel) into shape, avoid bogging down in the “muddy middle,” and improve your pacing. Best of all, it makes your story not only a pleasure to read, but easier to write. If your current WIP is feeling a little formless, bring it along!
Kim Wright is the author of five novels: Love in Mid Air, The Unexpected Waltz, The Canterbury Sisters, The Longest Day of the Year and Last Ride To Graceland, which won the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction. She began her career in journalism, specializing in travel, food and wine and is a three-time recipient of the Lowell Thomas Award for Travel Writing. Kim is a full-time lecturer at Charlotte Lit, and offers developmental edits through her service, Story Doctor.