Stand-up comedy versus sit-down tragedy. It goes without saying that no one’s confidence should be betrayed—but you can learn effective storytelling tactics. Better skills—for free and with free coffee—than you can learn in many MFA programs. And what about a story in which someone does steal a story from Alcoholics Anonymous and turns it into a hugely successful movie...? Imagine the rage, envy, revenge that act would engender while still keeping the reader’s sympathy.

Consider This: Moments...