Virtual Intensive Workshop
The Deciding Factor: Creating Character-Driven Scenes with Laura Shovan
Available spots
Service Description
Fully remote: $625 until March 15 / $675 Remote + Afternoon In-Person: $725 until March 15 / $775 THE DECIDING FACTOR: CREATING CHARACTER-DRIVEN SCENES [VIRTUAL INTENSIVE] What makes a compelling scene? Scenes are the vertebrae that, together, hold up a plot’s structure. But how do we know when our scenes have the right shape, size, and craft elements to keep our characters’ stories moving forward? In this intensive, we will study the anatomy of scenes, including setting, external events and internal response, and using cause and effect to move from one scene to the next. We will examine how to structure a character-driven scene, one that hinges on a moment of decision rather than an external crisis. You will submit up to three distinct scenes, comprising 6,000 to 7,500 words total (no more than 30 double spaced pages). Options for your three scenes could be: 1 scene each from the beginning, middle, and resolution of your novel; 3 scenes that represent a twist or turning point in your narrative; 3 scenes that you feel aren’t quite working. In addition, please send a one page synopsis of your novel. HOW THE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP WILL WORK: Laura will be joining remotely via Zoom. For participants, there will be two options when you register for this workshop: "Fully Remote" OR "+Afternoons." Fully Remote ($625 until 3/15; $675): - The workshop, over Zoom. 8:30am to 12:30pm (Mountain Time) - A 1:1 consultation with an editor or agent, also over Zoom - Links for any afternoon sessions that the presenter is joining via Zoom, including plenaries and breakouts. (between 2pm and 6pm, Mountain Time) - All sessions MUST be attended live, recordings will not be provided +Afternoon ($725 until 3/15; $775): - The workshop, LIVE over Zoom. 8:30am-12:30pm (MT). There will be a classroom provided on-site for all participants who want to gather (optional). - A 1:1 consultation with an editor or agent - All afternoon sessions on-site in Draper (2pm-6pm MT) JANUARY & FEBRUARY ONLY! If you sign up by January 31, you can take advantage of a 4-month payment plan, and if you sign up by February 28, you can have a 3-month payment plan. Subsequent payments will be made by February 15 (if you sign up in January), March 15, and April 15 (final payment). Late payments may result in losing your spot in the class and a partial refund (see refund policy). Please only use this option if you're confident you are able to pay on time and in full by April 15, 2025.
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
We understand not all circumstances can be anticipated. However, our faculty and staff put in a considerable amount of time critiquing registrants’ manuscripts and organizing Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers long before the conference begins. All refund requests must be made in writing. Please email carolloveswifyr@gmail.com to make the request. WIFYR Handling Fee Rates January = 20% February = 20% March = 25% April = 50% After May 1 = No refund Morning Class Deposit Refunds: If you make a deposit on a class and decide to withdraw, there will be a $200 non-refundable fee. Payment Plans: JANUARY & FEBRUARY ONLY! If you sign up by January 31, you can take advantage of a 4-month payment plan, and if you sign up by February 28, you can have a 3-month payment plan. Subsequent payments will be made by February 15 (if you sign up in January), March 15, and April 15 (final payment). Late payments may result in losing your spot in the class and a partial refund (see refund policy). Please only use this option if you're confident you are able to pay on time and in full by April 15, 2026.