I have hundreds of books on writing, how to write, what not to write, why I should write, and everyone can write. I belong to various writing groups to learn the craft and keep up with the changes in the publishing world. I bounce ideas off of fellow writers for feedback and to keep myself engaged in the process. So for years I have been working on learning everything I can on the topic.Something happened this weekend that changed everything. I attended a seminar given by Michael Hauge, titled "Story Mastery Seminar with Michael Hauge" I do not mean for this post to read like an infomercial, but in one 8 hour presentation, I learned more than I have in all the years I have been writing, studying, networking, etc. He deftly demystified plot, the inner and outer journey of the hero, and story concept in such a way that I could not believe it had not made sense to me sooner.
If you ever get the chance to attend his seminar, go, it is well worth the money. Sure, I have attended other lectures that covered plot, GMC, and character ARC, but never in the straight forward, streamlined, logical manner as at this particular seminar.
I had purchased Mr. Hauge's Writing Screenplays That Sell prior to the seminar and it is by far the best writing reference book ever. The principles in this book easily apply to novelists. I know I will be recapturing a lot of shelf space in my house as I toss out the many books on craft that I no longer need. Onto my WIP.
