Building Your Plot: Structures and Strategies

Name: Building Your Plot: Structures and Strategies
Start: 2026-08-18T19:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-08-20T19:00:00-04:00
Location: Online

Online | Novels

Stop guessing what happens next and start building the architecture of your story with this two-night workshop on plotting techniques.

August 18 @ 7:00 pm - August 20 @ 7:00 pm

S. K. Ali

Online

$59

Overview

A Two-Night Online Course

Whether you are at the beginning of your plotting process—ideation, outlining, character development—or you already have a compelling beginning or a perfect ending, it’s always the right time to learn more about plot!

Join award-winning author S.K. Ali to explore plotting strategies for a new story, or ways to revise an existing plot. Add new plotting techniques to your writing toolkit, including how to use images to power plot. Then leave with an understanding of the shape of stories, and a clear idea of your plotting next step.

This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but a lot of information for those looking to gain an understanding of plot techniques for novels.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
Thursday, August 20, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
Webinar-style with closed captioning available and limited interactions with chat.
Can’t make the live session? No problem. The sessions are recorded and available to you for at least 30 days after the course.

“I have avoided outlining for years. These inspirational teachers taught me exciting ways to organize my novels.”

“I really appreciated their candid discussions and willingness to share so much about their writing process and the industry.”

Why This Workshop?

A well-crafted plot is the engine to an engaging, memorable story. Yet, plotting can seem daunting if you’re new to it, or if you have a plot that feels “stuck.”

Whether you’re a seasoned “plotter” or a spontaneous “pantser,” join award-winning author S.K. Ali for this two-night mini workshop. It will offer strategies to build a new plot, improve or revise an existing one, and build your plotting muscle.

It’s a Great Fit If…

You need help getting started. Unsure where to begin? Learn how to craft a compelling plot that will hook your readers from the first page.
You need to revise your existing plot. Struggling with pacing or plot holes? Discover proven techniques to strengthen your story structure and keep your readers engaged.
You’ve tried other methods and are looking for something new. Tired of your current plotting techniques? This mini workshop will introduce you to fresh approaches that will help you organize your thoughts and create a powerful story.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

All Times are Eastern Time.

Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

Part One: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)

What kind of writer are you – and what plotting tools are right for you?
Finding the bones of your story
Try this at home – Assignment
Q&A

Part Two: Thursday, August 20, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)

Revising a plot that doesn’t work
Using images and visual cues to ‘see’ the shape of your story
What’s Next? Takeaway: Your Plotting Plan
Q&A

A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve

Learn More About This Online Plotting Workshop

DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN

What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?

None included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.

Will The Sessions Be Recorded? Will I Have Access?

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:

If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through September 30, 2026.

Please note that if you cannot attend live but you’d like to receive recording links by email, you must register for this course. Recordings are not sold separately; they are only available to those who register.
Please also note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

All Times are Eastern Time.

How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?

Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Readers deserve the best! Take the time to learn about your plot so that you can bring the very best to your readers.