What makes a good story or a screenplay great?The vast majority of writers begin the storytelling process with only a partial understanding where to begin. Some labor their entire lives without ever learning that successful stories are as dependent upon good engineering as they are artistry. But the truth is, unless you are master of the form, function and criteria of successful storytelling, sitting down and pounding out a first draft without planning is an ineffe...

One of the most common questions new writers ask professionals is how they wrote their book—what was their process for storytelling? Did they use an outline to plan the book, or write it from the seat of their pants? But really the question should be about the general principles and nature of *storycraft—*does every part of a story have what it needs to keep readers turning the pages?Bestselling author and creator of StoryFix.com Larry Brooks changes the sound of the writi...

Wolfgang Schmitt, ex-underwear model, self-proclaimed wisecrack, and cynical copywriter turned undercover agent, is biding his time, unsure how to spend the millions he scored after his recent undercover mission for the FBI. Complicating matters is the fact that he might be called in for a new mission; if it’s off the books and calls for a touch of seduction, Wolf is the man for the job.But, in Wolf’s words, shit-storms come in threes. On the same day Wolf is visiting his mother in...

The game is a weeklong retreat. It’s located in a remote region of northern California. It’s designed to build teamwork, establish trust, and increase awareness.The players are three ambitious executives—one woman and two men, each prepared to put his physical, mental, and moral limits to the test. They never dreamed how far they could go.The rules are simple. First you run. Then you hide. Don’t appear weak, don’t admit to the fear, and don’t react to the pain.The p...

A twisting thriller that taps into a deep well of erotic obsession, sexual betrayal, madness, and murder, Darkness Bound goes to fearless extremes to become an authentic and shocking suspense novel.In Darkness . . . Two strangers meet. A woman without inhibitions . . . a man without limits . . . for a private game between two consenting adults.In Darkness . . . They indulge in every secret fantasy, cross every boundary of sexual deviation. But one ...

A lighter thriller, in the vein of Nelson Demille, unfolding in the world of Silicon Valley billionaires and the women who seek and use them for their money.The man: Wolfgang Schmitt: former model, newly single, habitual wiseass. It’s a profile only his ailing mother could love—but it makes him perfect for one thing . . .The bait: Billionaire Nelson Scott wants Schmitt to seduce his wife—setting off a prenuptial clause that will keep her hands off his money...

FIND HIM. Bernadette Kane never believed that her sister committed suicide. And what she heard about her sister’s mysterious—and sadistic—lover, Wesley Edwards, made her suspect the worst. With his good looks, private jet, and successful career, he could turn a girl’s head. And get away with murder.SEDUCE HIM. Bernadette’s plan: use her body to seduce Wesley, use her wits to gain his confidence, and use the evidence she finds to bring him down. First, Bernadette will have to submit...

Reinvigorate Your Fiction!You've written the first draft of your novel or screenplay, and you've released it into the world: to your critique group, to your most trusted beta readers, or even to an agent or an editor. But something's wrong. You're not getting the glowing response you had expected, or you might have even received a rejection. Your story is getting a "Meh..." when you had hoped for an "Amazing!"But have no fear--the piece you've sweated and bled over isn't de...

When committed agnostic Gabriel Stone’s wife dies in an unlikely airline disaster, he pours himself into the writing of a story that has haunted him since his youth—a novel his devout wife had warned him never to finish. Inspired by a visit to the island of Patmos, he is fascinated with the visions beheld there by St. John The Divine while in political exile for his beliefs. Those visions included terrifying events delivered by what John described as “seven thunders,” which he was instruct...

Learn how to make your story soar!In the physical world, gravity, force, and other elements of physics govern your abilities and can be utilized to enhance your every movement. In the world of writing, story physics can be harnessed in much the same way to make your novel or screenplay the best it can be. In Story Physics, best-selling author Larry Brooks introduces you to six key literary forces that, when leveraged in just the r...

The bestselling author of Take Off Your Pants!, the popular outlining guide for writers, is back with another how-to manual for those seeking to start a career in historical fiction.There’s no doubt that historical fiction is popular with readers. In fact, the genre is expanding all the time, gaining market share and influencing other media at a rapid pace. But the HF market has some peculiar quirks that can challenge any writer.In Making It in Historical Ficti...

What will take your fiction from good to great? From decent to dazzling? From lackluster to blockbuster?Characters who "jump off the page."Of course plot matters. So does conflict, and scenes, and every other aspect of the fiction craft. But without unforgettable characters, your books will always be less than they could be.Don't let that happen.In WRITING UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS you'll learn:How to lay the foundation for a me...