Class Details: Throughlines, spines, and big questions help writers understand the course their characters take through a manuscript.

Throughlines lead characters through the manuscript.

Spines hold the story together like the binding of a book.

Big questions engage the reader in the opening pages and keep them engaged until the very end.

By applying these three concepts, writers can make rewrites more productive or successfully complete a first draft. Join Elena Hartwell Taylor and explore how to strengthen super-objectives, increase tension, improve pace, and push yourself and your characters through to the end.

Presenter Bio: In addition to working as a developmental editor and writing coach, Elena is a published author. Her most recent novel, All We Buried, appears under the name Elena Taylor. The Eddie Shoes Mystery Series appears under Elena Hartwell. She also writes the Wait, Wait, Don’t Query (Yet!) series, starting with The Foundation of Plot. Prior to writing novels, Elena worked extensively in the theater as a playwright, director, educator, and designer. She has taught writing and theatre courses at the college/university level for more than twenty years. She holds a PhD in dramatic theory and criticism, a Master of Education with an emphasis in teaching theatre, and a BA in Mass Media Communications. For more information about Elena, you can visit her website and read her blog The Mystery of Writing about authors, new books, and the writing process.

Event Info: In addition to the live and interactive event, this event will also be recorded and made available to participants.

Accessibility: Live, auto-transcription will be available. For ASL interpretation or other accommodation, please indicate your request at checkout or email andrea@allegoryediting.com