Writing Craft

Guides and Teachers

• Stuart Horwitz’s website on Book Architecture offers a Library of tips, suggestions, and wisdom on Book Architecture. Also his book on Book Architecture: How to Plot and Outline Without Using a Formula. And an insightful three-video series The Book Architecture Experience.

• A blog by Melissa Haun: How to Make Your Writing More Sensitive – and Why It Matters helps to understand how writers can establish a safe and inclusive environment for communication.

• How to research on the Internet: Member Geri Spieler’s ADVANCED INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS (Orig. April 2024). Note: This content is for members only. Please email webmaster@sfpeninsulawriters.com for password.

Classes & Workshops

• Margaret Atwood's Master Class

• The Writer’s Workshop at Authors Publish

• OCWW or The Off Campus Writers’ Workshop

Retreats, Residencies, Writers’ Colonies & Conferences

• Rockvale Writers’ Colony at https://rockvalewriterscolony.org/

• Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference (August) at https://mcwc.org/

• Please send other recommendations or suggestions you might have for writers’ retreats & conferences for our community.

Plotting Methods

• The Snowflake Method, beginning with a theme and, over time, developing and adding complexity.

• The Hero’s Journey, based on the classic writings of scholar Joseph Campbell.

• Romancing the Beat, a popular romance plot structure based on the book by Gwen Hayes.

• 12 Chapter Mystery, the classic formula for writing scintillating mystery novel.

• Story Circle, a plot theory by Dan Harmon, creator of “Community” & “Rick and Morty.”