| Plotting and Writing a Book that Sells

Sharpen your book’s concept and structure in this focused workshop on high-concept fiction and memoir-plus. Through craft lessons, in-class exercises, and Allison K Williams’s signature “live-editing,” you’ll learn to create compelling openings, build key scenes, and strengthen your marketable hook. Perfect for writers at any stage who want clear guidance and momentum for their manuscript.

Working on a manuscript and need to know where you’re going? Getting rejections without feedback? Or maybe you have a book in mind, but you’re not sure if it’s worth your time. There’s a difference between an “interesting story” and a marketable hook; between family anecdotes and memoir that changes lives; between a manuscript that meanders and a powerful, sellable book. 

In our week together, we’ll focus on high-concept fiction and memoir-plus. Learn the power of the high-concept premise, and the key scenes that engage readers and compel them to turn pages. Discover dramatic structures that map your book (and make it easier to write!), and craft techniques that bring your words alive on the page.

Our workshop will include: 

The magic of the opening hook—and how to heighten the experience and hold the reader from page one

The purpose and content of key scenes that power your story

How to fit your genre—and when to violate it

How your “comp authors” are role models for both writing and marketing

Identifying your audience and how to reach them

How cultural relevance sells memoir and enhances fiction

The basics of querying, and where to get real feedback from literary agents

And a special guest literary agent via Zoom, who will hear your pitch, give feedback on your concept, and discuss the publishing market today.

We’ll analyze powerful writing and immediately apply the techniques to our own work. Short in-class exercises will help you generate new material and fill in missing pieces. Publishing talk and reader awareness will give your work a purposeful destination. One-on-one chats will dive deeply into your specific interests. 

We don’t do group critique or read each others’ pages in advance, so this workshop is appropriate for writers at all stages of their process and development. In Allison’s unique “live-editing” process, volunteer work is shared on screen, with Allison editing aloud, so you’ll see and understand how to use the tools immediately in your own writing.

At the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Instructor Allison K Williams gives her three biggest insights for aspiring writers headed for publication and identifies the Seven Drafts all writers need.

Have questions about this writing workshop?

Schedule a short call with Allison to see if it’s the right fit for you and your writing, or with people who have questions.

Student Testimonials

“Allison K Williams is GOLDEN. She is so efficient, clear and concise, and such an enjoyable human being. Her generosity and knowledge are boundless!” Amber Jackson

“Allison teaches incredibly well, not only with a vast pool of writing-craft knowledge and impressive retention of other people’s stories, but in the way she uses humor, psychological insight and accountability to engage and inspire us. (Watching Allison edit a piece on the screen in real time was nothing short of magic!) I came away from that extraordinary week a changed person—tired in a good way, and happy and excited to be on a path that felt good to me, and still does.” Heidi Croot

“Your advice is both wise and easy to apply. Thank you for the understandable explanations and the concrete strategies.” Marianna Marlowe

“I believe the cost of your class was one of the best investments I have ever made in my entire writing life. I value the treasure trove of information and resources you shared as well as the clarity, organization, and personal pizzazz of your presentation.” Ruth Sloven

“I don’t have words to thank you for shifting me from inert and stuck to excited and empowered.” Sara Massagee

“Thanks for a wonderful retreat; I agree with those who have said, “this is the best workshop I’ve been to.” The combination of your incredible knowledge-based, well-organized presentation, exercises, live editing (perhaps your greatest genius), and just focused/delightful/funny self with such a wealth of knowledge about writing and publishing. Your personal story and journey is inspiring, you know how to facilitate discussion and you created such a safe and respectful environment of learning. Many teachers have one or two of these skills. To have them all embodied in yourself is just remarkable. I hope to attend many more of your classes/workshops. I can tell you invested an incredible amount of time and self in putting this together.” Karla Fischer