L.A. Sartor's Blog, page 2
July 10, 2022
The Best YouTube Training Is Hosting A FREE WORKSHOP (for the next 3 days)

The absolute best training/mentorship anywhere is now open. Primal Video only offers "intake" into their courses twice a year.
Justin and Mike Brown own Primal Video, and if you're thinking-even a smidgen-about starting a YouTube channel, then this is the time to check them out. Their mentorship/classes have blown me away.The FREE WORKSHOP is available here, and there are three sessions. Watching this workshop is what really made me pull the trigger and buy.
At its core, Primal Video is a self paced video course which is amazing and they update the content as needed. I mean, there are a lot of video lessons and again, self paced.
You have access to a private FB group with Justin and Mike as well as moderators that are well informed as they are YouTubers themselves. And then you have your fellow 'mates as in classmates to help. And man they are very helpful.
There are monthly calls both set in both US time zones and Europe. I believe 6 time slots in total. I've never had a question unanswered in the group! And the phone calls (video calls) are all taped so there are replays.
Really, I just want you to watch this FREE WORKSHOP, and decide for yourself. I'm finding it incredibly helpful in building my YouTube Channel, which you can find here! Having a mentor along with the classes, lots of access and peeps both ahead of me with more experience and newbies makes me feel like it's a family.

Again, it's only open for enrollment twice a year. And the Free Workshop starts immediately, so sign up now. It's free.

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Latest Best Tool"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "e6336f96b5b054ca4914556b2d4b98cc"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B08NXXJD8L,B06ZXWVZ3X,B009QYH644,B07CYZYVMD";
July 6, 2022
Keep This Updated Class List Handy ~ Laurie Schnebly Campbell Workshops

July 2022-June 2023
live in Washington DC: THE FATAL FLAW, IN PERSON
(July 30, 10:30) If you’d rather get the class below in just one hour, here it is!
online: CREATING YOUR HERO’S FATAL FLAW
(August 8-19) groups.io/g/FatalFlaw
The ideal flaw isn't totally random, tossed in at the last minute to keep a character from being Too Perfect. Instead, it's built right into their personality--which means it's guaranteed to create turmoil that’ll keep the plot moving, along with a flip-side asset that'll enable your character to triumph in the end. See what kind will work best for your people, whether they're starring in a current story or taking the lead in another to come.
blog: HOW MUCH DOES GENRE MATTER?
(August 19) writers in the storm blog dot com
Is it a useful tool? Is it a crippling stricture? What can “genre” do for you?
Zoom: KEEPING THE WRITING FIRE LIT
(August 27, noon-1pm Eastern/9-10am Pacific; info TBA in the July 29 email)
Free for anyone who donates any amount of time or money to any (not-their-usual) charity they feel like God has in mind.
online: YOUR PLOT / CHARACTER / STORY BRAID
(Sept. 5-30) writeruniv.com/classes/braid
Weaving the different strands and levels of your story is trickier than making a simple braid, but the idea is the same: you need to give equal attention to every separate element that’s part of the finished creation. Whether you’re braiding
the conflict and resolution of a thriller, romance, fantasy, mystery, women’s fiction or any other journey of discovery, learn how to deliver the balance your readers expect.
live in San Diego: SHOWING EMOTIONS
(Sept. 10, 10:30 Pacific) SoCalRW.com/meetings/
Just like the May class, but in person--come ready to do some writing!
online: BUILDING YOUR BRAID
(Oct. 10-21) writeruniv.com/classes/building-braid
Once you’ve outlined the elements of your braid in September, this hands-on master class takes you through the steps of assembling it from beginning to end. Each day’s assignment will keep you going, accomplishing more actual writing than in any usual two-week period, with individual feedback during every segment of the process.
Zoom: 9 TYPES, 999 CONFLICTS
(Oct. 15, 9am Pacific): AgedToPerfectionRomanceWriters.com/workshops/
No matter which enneagram types your characters are, there’ll be trouble.
live in Southern California: CRW FULL-DAY WORKSHOP
(Oct. 22) https://form.jotform.com/221227303113034
Block-Busting, Double Ds, Personality Ladder, Revision & one-to-one chats.
live in San Diego: FALL RETREAT
(Oct. 23-26) Ask about the private-room waitlist for this gathering of 8 writers.
blog: SWEET, SCARY, OR SOME OF EACH?
(Oct. 31) writers in the storm blog dot com
It goes beyond Halloween decorations. What’s going to draw your readers in?
Zoom: CHOOSING THAT FATAL FLAW
(Nov. 5, 1pm Eastern): FFPRWA.com/choosing-that-fatal-flaw/
Which of the nine enneagram types will give your characters the best story?
online: BOFFO BEGINNINGS & FAB FINALES
(Nov. 7-18) groups.io/g/Boffo-Fab
How can you make sure your book will draw readers in from the very first paragraph, through the next several pages, continuing into further chapters until they realize they’ve been reading so fast and so deep they can’t put this story down? How can you leave them, after reaching The End, so wonderfully satisfied with the book they just finished that they’re already vowing to read whatever else you’ve written and are going to write next? That’s what this class is about.
live in Houston: TOPICS TO COME (not yet open for registration)
(Nov. 12 & 13) for Houston Romance Writers & Sisters In Crime
Rumor has it the mystery writers will hear about Creating A Villain...
Zoom: YOUR EDITOR-AGENT PITCH
(Nov. 19) https://contemporaryromance.org/workshops/
Tips for perfecting your pitch, no matter to whom/when/how you’re doing it.
Zoom: CREATING A CHARACTER BIBLE
(December 3, noon-1pm Eastern/9-10am Pacific; info TBA in the Oct 31 email)
Free for anyone who donates any amount of time or money to any (not-their-usual) charity they feel like God has in mind.
online: PSYCHOLOGY FOR CREATING CHARACTERS
(Jan. 9-20) SoCal Romance Writers (not yet open for registration)
Tools for determining naturally lovable (and intriguingly flawed) characters include Adlerian birth order, Jungian thought/feeling scales, the Dewey priorities, and other theories of temperament. Learn which ones will offer the best opportunities for conflict between your realistic hero & heroine...whose “inborn” personalities will both oppose and attract.
Zoom: CONFLICT FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR BOOK
(Feb. 4, 1pm Mountain): Couer du Bois (Boise, Idaho)
Co-workers? Siblings? Neighbors? Lovers? See how to give them all trouble.
online: DEEP & DEEPER POV
(Feb. 6-17) s in c guppies dot wild apricot dot org (Guppy members only)
We all know readers like getting deep into a character’s soul, and we know the way to make that happen is through Deep POV. But how exactly do you present someone’s viewpoint so fully that readers will feel like they’re truly inside this person on the page? There are a surprising number of techniques for making that process easier, whether you’re creating a brand-new character or intensifying one who’s already in progress.
online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION
(March 6-31) writeruniv.com/classes/plotting-via-motivation/
Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here.”
online: FROM PLOT TO FINISH
(April 10-21) writeruniv.com/classes/onemaster-class-from-plot-to-finish/
For anyone who’s taken Plotting Via Motivation online or in person at some point, this group gets you plotting a brand new or already-begun book (using your completed 14-point worksheet) from start to finish. No need to prepare a new story idea, character bios, goal charts or anything else...because you’ll see how to plot an entire book, and actually have it ready to type, by the end of this hands-on workshop.
online: BUILDING CONFLICT FROM THE HEAD DOWN
(May 8-19) groups.io/g/ConflictHD
Great conflict comes from not only the situation, but from within the characters themselves. This class offers tools for shaping basic personalities into heroic, appealing characters who'll naturally wind up in conflict. Explore the various types, archetypes and subtypes--ideal for creating clashes between genuinely likable people--and see which will offer the best opportunities for conflict that's built in right from the start.
online: WRITING YOUR SYNOPSIS
(June 5-16) groups.io/g/Synopsis
If you've ever had trouble writing a synopsis, here's a hint: pretend you're writing an ad. An advertising copywriter for 25 years, Laurie was amazed to discover that the same skills which helped her sell bikes, bouquets and birdbaths ALSO helped her sell books. Discover how to use those "Madison Avenue" techniques to interest editor-agent-reviewer-reader "buyers" in your product.
JUNE Q&A
Q: Even though I know feedback will improve my story, I’m afraid to send other readers the manuscript for fear they won’t like it as much as I do.
A: I totally get how scary it can be to find someone else doesn't love your story the way you do. I always used to feel like that before giving a live speech -- what if somebody yawned? What if somebody spent the whole time looking at their phone? What if somebody (gasp) walked out?
Then I realized that it only meant THAT person wasn't the one who needed what I was going to say. In every group, I assured myself, there was at least one person who really needed to hear this speech...and if somebody walked out, it just meant they WEREN’T that person. (Amazingly, a lot of people have come up after speeches and said "I really needed that," so it's nice to see the premonition was true.)
But the same thing applies to critique partners. Some of them might not be your readers. And some of them WILL be...which means THEY'RE the ones you're looking for!
Laurie, figuring that makes any less-than-100%-delighted response less disturbing...after all, you wouldn't expect your grandma to jump for joy over a video game that would thrill your teenage nephew :)

Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Latest Best Tool"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "e6336f96b5b054ca4914556b2d4b98cc"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B08NXXJD8L,B06ZXWVZ3X,B009QYH644,B07CYZYVMD";
June 14, 2022
Bundle Steal Deal by The Hungry Jpeg ~ Take A Look While You Can

You guys know I love The Hungry Jpeg not only because they have amazing artists and great deals, BUT because they have one of the best commercial licenses in the industry!
Meaning you can use these images and fonts safely without worry. *Always be sure to check out any license use so you understand what you can and can't do.
This bundle has so much going for it at a fantastic price....think memes, covers, artwork, thank you cards, biz cards...endless uses and there is a special deal on top of the low bundle price...thank you The Hungry Jpeg!!

Check it out here
And if you use this coupon code SGJUNE once you've clicked the link above and before you check out, you'll get an additional 20% off.
Making it $15.20
Don't delay, this is a June only special.
(remember, I'm an affiliate, so may receive a commission,
there is no additional charge to you, ever!)
May 17, 2022
The Latest Writing Tools I Use and Love, Check Them Out

Here is my latest update as well as new products I use for writing.
As writers you know there are a plethora of tools available for writer to help them work faster and/or smarter. I have these listed on my website as well and will continually add or subtract from the list. These are all tools I use or else I wouldn't recommend them.

Book Brush is book centric and is still my favorite tool for easy meme making, book cover creation and videos. Use SARTOR15 for a lifetime 15% off any paid plan. New: editable Instant Mockups
New/Improved: Animations to make your meme pop I love this (and they have something new in works that I've been beta testing. Just wait!!)
Improved: Book Trailers, both an Easy or Advanced Version. Use templates or start from scratch. New: Webinars for all levels of memberships and exclusive quarterly levels for Platinum members. Remember there is a free trial. Use the coupon once you've decided. Check it out here.
*I am not an affiliate, I just love this company.

SiteGround Web Hosting. I moved over from GoDaddy and I have a big website, so I was nervous. Not only did they move everything, they have amazing customer service and walked me through some of the more complicated things.
Customer service is always the biggest criteria for me to choose a company. They have a variety of sized plans, and most of all, they never tried to upsize me to this or that. Nice. And they have a 30-day trial. Check it out here.
*I am an affiliate of SiteGround and may earn a commission if you use my link. No charge to you. (I only affiliate with companies I like and use, so you know it's the real thing)

Social Bee is a meme posting company that I absolutely love using. I was using Social Jukebox, but couldn't post videos! Never ever had anyone return my email queries and I found little new how-to info anywhere on the net, it was all very dated.
Social Bee is incredibly responsive, flexible set and forget, schedule your posts, create for each platform if you wish, and I do, b/c I size my memes in Book Brush with basically a few steps. They have free trials which is what convinced me.
Evergreen Posting Category based scheduling Team management & Internal Post Commenting with our PRO Plans - Setting a Post to Expire if needed Importing content through RSS feeds, CSV Files or Links Integrations with Shortlink Providers (Rebrandly, Bitly, PixelMe, JotULR Etc), Zapier, Quuu, Pocket etc. Analytics & Reporting on Posts (Top performing & all posts published through SocialBee). You can also keep an eye on our Roadmap to see upcoming features & improvements. Use this code to try them out and don't be shy about asking them questions.
*I am an affiliate of Social Bee and may earn a commission if you use my link. No charge to you. (I only affiliate with companies I like and use, so you know it's the real thing)

Epidemic Sound I make a lot of videos for memes and I make Book Trailers. It's extremely important that you use royalty free music and art. Some sites say they are royalty free, but things can change, artists leave etc. I don't have to worry about that with Epidemic Sound. While I find the searches a bit cumbersome, I've learned how to do this better and have found some epic music to use.
Right now until June 30th, sign up for a 60 day free trial double the normal 30days).
I love to have my music fade or cut sections out that exactly match my video and I use another product for that. Audacity which is free. I'll talk more about this in another post. So stay tuned.*I am an affiliate of Epidemic Sound and may earn a commission if you use my link. No charge to you. (I only affiliate with companies I like and use, so you know it's the real thing.
Okay that's it for this post, but I have more to share in future posts. Plottr, Vellum, Atticus, Kindlepreneur, Primal Video, Phototheca X and more!
Again I want to make clear that I only affiliate with companies I trust and use. Let me know below what you think and if you use any of these companies already.

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Extra storage!"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "11864e8eededb47bce6979a5884053ff"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B08HSS37H7,B08JCX96NC,B07MY44QBT,B00VDVCQ84"; amzn_assoc_size = "600x400";
March 22, 2022
The Allure of "Once Upon A Time" By Historical Author Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot has released her latest novel, The Spark of Love, her final book in the Mesquite Springs Trilogy.
The Allure of “Once Upon a Time”
Although I read in a variety of genres, from early childhood on, my favorite stories were those that began “once upon a time.” Yes, I’m a self-proclaimed fan of historical novels, which is why I read and write them. And although historicals go in and out of favor, there is a strong core of readers who share my love for them.
Why? What’s the appeal? I don’t claim to speak for everyone, but I believe there are five reasons for the enduring popularity of books set in times gone by.

They allow us to escape to a different era. While it’s true that contemporary fiction provides a form of escapism, it’s not as strong as becoming immersed in a totally different time. When modern life weighs on us as it has so often over the past few years, being able to spend a few hours in another time can be the change we need to help us put aside our worries for a while.
They allow us to experience a different lifestyle. You can argue that most historicals present an idealized version of life in a different time, and they do, but it’s for a good reason. After all, who wants to dwell on the absence of indoor plumbing and central heating? What a well-researched historical does is give us a glimpse into the way people lived, the hardships they endured as well as the joys they found in living in a small town, on a ranch, or in a castle.
They give us the opportunity to learn something new. We read for information or entertainment or both. While fiction is primarily a source of entertainment, a bit of information is a bonus and makes the story more enjoyable, at least for me. My favorite historicals are the ones that teach me something, as long as it’s done subtly. I’ve loved learning that actresses during the War of 1812 used melted wax instead of mascara and that high-button shoes had ten buttons up the side.
They let us see how others have faced problems similar to our own. I’ve been surprised by how many readers have told me that watching my characters survive heart-wrenching events has given them more comfort than studying self-help books. I believe that’s because historicals provide a buffer, what I refer to as the safety of distance, that makes the experience less traumatic to the reader without decreasing the impact of the characters’ struggles and survival.
They reassure us that people are fundamentally the same, regardless of when they lived. We may wear different clothes, live in different kinds of houses, eat different foods, but underneath the outward trappings, we have the same wants and needs. This affirmation of a common humanity can provide comfort and is, I believe, one of the appeals of “once upon a time.”
What do you think? Do you agree with me? If not, why not?

The Spark of Love

When a spurned suitor threatens her, heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New York for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is building a hotel. But the happy reunion she envisions is not to be as her father insists she return to New York. Instead, Alexandra carves out a niche for herself in town, teaching schoolchildren to paint and enjoying the company of Gabe Seymour, a delightful man she met on the stagecoach.
But all is not as it seems. Two men, each with his own agenda, have followed her to Mesquite Springs. And Gabe is an investigator, searching for proof that her father is a swindler.
With so much to lose—and hide from one another—Alexandra and Gabe will have to come together if they are ever to discover whether the sparks they’ve felt from the beginning can kindle the fire of true love.
Buying Links
Amazon ~ BakerBookHouse ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Christian Book Distributors
Bio

Find Amanda
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Reading and Sipping Pleasure"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "49b585f7921012b08d22d948cd1ae752"; amzn_assoc_asins = "0800735366,0800735358,B09FS825FG,B07QXHWDK8";
February 16, 2022
Time Sensitive Offer From Backblaze Computer Backup

Backblaze is offering new customers a discount!

For the month of February, Backblaze is offering my peeps a 10% discount for new Backblaze Computer Backup customers.
All you have to do is click on this LINK and enter the code feb2022 when you check out.
This applies to monthly and yearly plans!
Also don't miss checking out their Extended Version History feature which I use as I want the peace of mind of knowing I'm backed up for a longer period of time.
This offer is valid from February 1, 2022 at 12 a.m. through February 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Please note that this discount is only available to new Backblaze Computer Backup customers.
If you want to know about my BIG 3 safety net, check out this post.
(Yes, I am an affiliate and may earn a small commission, but at no cost to you.)

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c4dd37060e22aa981ced79853b9f6ece"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B015CH1PJU,B017RD10X8,B07MY44QBT,B076MPMZDV";
February 1, 2022
Is It Time To Refresh Your Books? What Do I Mean?
Authors are always looking for that magic bullet to help boost their sales, and darn while I certainly wish there was one, I haven’t found it yet.
BUT, there are ways to make your book a better experience for the reader from the moment they click on your cover's thumbnail to the very end of your masterpiece.
CoversI decided to go wide again (and stay there this time)! And before I did this, I wanted to make sure that my covers were fresh, appealing and on point. Meaning you know what the genre is by simply looking at them.
Some covers had major changes because I was adding a new book to the series and wanted the "look" across all the titles.



The first image on the left is the 3rd iteration of Dare To Believe launched in 2012 (I'm not showing you the first two covers).
The second image is the latest version to match the black and white couple image of the latest book in the series, Brushed By Betrayal.
Dare To Believe has been freshened up, you know it's a romance because there are couples on both covers. It fits the genre Romance and the subgenre Romantic Suspense.
Here are 3 more covers from the first book in my Carswell Series, Stone Of Heaven.



The interior files across all books should be as identical in style as possible. While you may want different chapter header art for different genres/subgenres, the consistency will enforce your brand and make you look more professional right off the bat.
I formatted my interior files with Vellum and love the program though it is strictly for a Mac. Each books has a similar feel, has links in the back that go to each specific vendor (which is an awesome time saver) and my front and back matter is now uniform in placement.I included a QR code with my logo in the back matter, which I created here for free (thanks Dave Chesson).

There is a new program out there that I'm going to try soon called Atticus by the same Dave Chesson of Kindlepreneur fame as above. And it's PC friendly!! Man that guy is on top of stuff.
I'm excited to try it and you all know me well enough that my opinions aren't swayed by anything, even a freebie. So stay tuned, I'm very hopeful about Atticus.Perhaps it's time for another read through for errors? You can ask a few of your mailing list readers if they want to read your book(s) with specific tasks in mind and if they agree, send them a free copy, as well as what you're looking for and a deadline:)Back cover matters as well as your blurb on your various vendor sitesI've been using a system from Bryan Cohen which I then tailored to how I work. Look for a post and a YouTube video from me on that soon. (Yes, I know a teaser, but I want you keep an eye open as it's a cool concept.)
Primarily though, so not to leave you totally hanging, I use the idea of building the characters in the blurb, then add what they're facing with some plot teasers, but I don't make it plot heavy, just enough to pique your interest.
You use the genre tropes which give your prospective reader the feel that you're writing romance, (subgenre as well), suspense, cozy mystery, action adventure....Then finally you add in a "If you like..." and where appropriate a CTA (call-to-action).
All Done and WowBy the time you're done with the cover, interior, back blurb and sales blurb, you have freshened up your book and people who may have passed it by before will now hopefully stop and take a look.
That's the entire purpose of this exercise. It took me a while, to be honest, to get all 9 books done and I had to go back and fix a few links, but it was time and honestly, my sales have improved.
Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments.
As always, Write Like The Wind~L. A. Sartor


But the muse couldn’t be denied, and eventually I wrote, a lot. I learned a litany of new things and published my first novel. My second book became a bestseller, and I’m absolutely on the right course in my life.
Please come visit me at www.lasartor.com, see my books, find my social media links including my YouTube Channel for writers, and sign up for my mailing list. I have a gift I’ve specifically created for my new email subscribers.
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c537ee86bd7b1ffc550dd2a0d45593ee"; amzn_assoc_title = "Writing Tool Favs"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00WMFYK6Q,B0047CT6SE,B01F6B2JEW,8866134260"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";January 21, 2022
Time To Brush Up Or Learn New Writing Skills?
If you're brushing up on writing techniques or want to learn some new ones, Laurie's classes are a great place to start. I speak from experience!
online: MORE THAN SETTING: WORLD-BUILDING
(February 7-18, 2022)
rwakissofdeath.org/product/more-than-setting-world-building/
Of course your book needs a setting that contributes to the story, but your characters’ story world goes far beyond just the time and place they occupy. It’s also the people who surround them, the expectations they take for granted, the rules that infuriate them, the attitudes they share with their society -- whether or not they realize it -- and more. All those elements belong in your story world’s setting, and here’s how to build a world that works.
Zoom: MAKING INTROVERTED CHARACTERS INTERESTING
(February 19, noon-1pm Eastern/9-10am Pacific)
get link & handouts by emailing Laurie at address on booklaurie.com
Free for anyone who makes any size contribution to any (not-the-usual) charity they feel like God has in mind.
online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION
(March 7-April 1)
writeruniv.com/classes/plotting-via-motivation/
Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here!”
online: FROM PLOT TO FINISH
(April 11-22)
writeruniv.com/classes/onemaster-class-from-plot-to-finish/
For anyone who’s taken Plotting Via Motivation online or in person at some point, this group gets you plotting a brand new or already-begun book (using your completed 14-point worksheet) from start to finish. No need to prepare a new story idea, character bios, goal charts or anything else, because you’ll see how to plot an entire book -- and actually have it ready to type -- by the end of this hands-on workshop.
online: CHOOSING THAT FATAL FLAW
(April 16, 4pm Eastern)
https://contemporaryromance.org/workshop/choosing-that-fatal-flaw
The ideal flaw isn't totally random, tossed in at the last minute to keep a character from being Too Perfect. Instead, it's built right into their personality -- which means it's guaranteed to create turmoil that’ll keep the plot moving, along with a flip-side asset that'll enable your character to triumph in the end. See what kind will work best for your people, whether they're starring in a current story or taking the lead in another to come.
Zoom: DYNAMIC DIALOGUE & DELICIOUS DESCRIPTION
(April 23, 9am Pacific): AgedToPerfectionRomanceWriters.com/workshops/
Use whichever of the Ds you’re better at to improve your work on the other.
Live retreat in San Antonio: SPRING GATHERING
for details, email Laurie at address on booklaurie.com
(April 28-May 1) Morning workshops, afternoon consultations (four individual half-hours with each of eight writers), and time for writing...plus relaxing!

Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "26ebf0483b65ba7c1ca9b48cbc54522e"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07MTQ7W6Q,B00DZ01FRY,193290736X"; amzn_assoc_title = "Writing Tools:";
January 2, 2022
Are You Sure Your Computer Is Completely Backed Up? Time To Check.

Don't Forget This ~ The Big 3 Annual ReminderI mention this every year because I think it's so important if you do any work on your computer.
And this past year, I'm so thankful I took my own advice as one of my external drives crashed!!!! OMGoodness. After my panic attack I was able to use my 3rd suggestion and saved decades of photos and digital art.

Local, external hard drive (EHD) or flash drive, and off-site.
1) Local means backing up in backup software on your computer. However, if you have a hard drive (HD) crash or system failure, you may be out of luck.
2) EHD's give you the security of having another source of your backup, and make sure you store them safely. However, EHD's and flash drives can fail (see below), or you can mistakenly erase them. Gulp.
And while the above two practices are important, they are USELESS if you have a fire or other catastrophe or they fail on you. Am I trying to scare you? Yep, a bit.
Yes, you can store your EHD in a safety deposit box or a fireproof safe, rated with a high burn time. And that's not a bad idea, but what if you have to drive to the bank as off site storage ... will you do it all the time? Some folks will, but I'm not one of them, especially now. SO...
This is the one that saved me totally
3) The third prong in my backup attack is to use off-site backup. I use two, because I'm a bit redundant, if you haven't noticed. I use Dropbox for all my writing, so I can access and keep a backup as I work, offsite.
My other choice for offsite backup is BackBlaze. I've used them for years and trust them. If you need a single file or your entire system, it's there for you.

I don't think $9/month is too much to pay to have my photographs, work...basically life backed up continuously. YES, continuously. They will back up each HD on your computer and each EHD that you have attached, continuously.
Yes, all that for $9/month. If you have more than one computer to back up, it's another $9/month.
So please, take a look at the systems you have in place to back up your data and see if you have the BIG 3.
Happy New Year, L.A.

(Yes, I'm an affiliate and may earn a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.)
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee69c33a397605a7a6171faa88c0db2f"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07CRGSR16,B01LQQHL4E,B005LFT37U,B01CIEBU22";
November 2, 2021
Free Expressions Webinars Feature Amazing Writing Gurus ~ Don't Miss These
I know, that's quite the claim I've made in the headline, but as I've taken some of these sessions last year, it's a more than valid claim!

You can "Test Drive" a session if you're unsure by attending the Free Webinar I've listed below
6:30 PM ET - 9:00 PM ET
A FREE webinar/Q&A with writing lessons from Donald Maass, Lorin Oberweger, Jonathan Maberry, Jordan Rosenfeld, James Scott Bell, Carol Despeaux-Fawcett, Sheree Greer, Grace Burrowes, Henry Neff, DiAnn Mills, Geodie Baxter, Leah Henderson and Veronica Rossi! Come be our guest for quick craft tips and Q&A’s from these writing pros. Topics to be covered: creating iconic characters, theme and meaning, effective revision, poetry techniques for prose, deep viewpoint, and much more!
FREE EXPRESSIONS SESSIONS LINK
What if you can't make a session or want to revisit it?
There are replays available!!! They'll be sent to you after the session is complete, usually within 24 hours.
Here's what I do to keep them handy. Download to an external drive that is exclusively for all my classes that are on video. Thus I have my very own library of amazing workshops with stellar instructors.

Sign up for their newsletter as well while you're visiting the site.

Lorin Oberweger's Free Expressions newsletter offers tips, tools and inspiration. The newsletter in itself is amazing.
So do yourself and your craft a favor, check this out and see for yourself if I'm write...errr right :)
BTW, Ten-percent of webinar proceeds to benefit worldcentralkitchen.org. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "lasartor07-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "ee69c33a397605a7a6171faa88c0db2f"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07CRGSR16,B01LQQHL4E,B005LFT37U,B01CIEBU22";