Secrets of Writing a Page-Turner
Master the Unstoppable Force of Narrative Tension
"Every morsel of information was practical. I can't wait to graph some of my stories. My writing has been forever influenced!"
- Dorie K.
"Oh my GOODNESS! This is amazing!!!"
- Pamela C.
There really is a secret to writing a book that
young readers can't put down.
It's called Narrative Tension and now, a true master of this technique will
teach you exactly how to put it to work in every manuscript you write.
Here's a rejection letter no editor has ever written:
That's because of this simple truth:
Ask editors for their ideal manuscript submission, and you'll hear one thing again and again:
"I'm looking for a real page-turner. A book you simply can't put down."
Whether it's a picture book or a novel, the ability to write stories that engross readers and keep them glued to the page is absolutely indispensable.
But so few writers actually have that ability. That's because they don't know about the one technique that is designed specifically to create page-turning books:
Narrative Tension is the reason readers become engaged, relate to the protagonist, and wonder what will happen next.
Readers look for it, or they'll put the book down. Editors demand it in every manuscript they accept — even nonfiction!
With more than 275 published fiction & nonfiction books to her credit — across multiple children's book categories —Lola M. Schaefer knows more about creating Narrative Tension than any writer we've ever met.
And now, for the first time, she reveals exactly how she creates it, sustains it and perfects it in every story she writes.
And how you can do the exact same thing.
"Lola, you were mesmerizing. Your teaching was rich. If I can apply even a little of this, I will be thrilled. Thank you sooooo much for sharing."
- Kathryn P.
In this comprehensive class you'll learn:
- Precisely what Narrative Tension is, and why it's so essential.
- How to use three key building blocks of Narrative Tension:
Anticipation
Uncertainty
Investment
- How to build a plot specifically designed to incorporate Narrative Tension.
- How to use the technique of Conflict Graphing to create the "Page Turner" effect.
- How to master external conflict and internal conflict — and when to use each.
- The 12 key elements Lola uses to build Narrative Tension.
In one powerful session, Lola will gently guide you into the world of Narrative Tension, and give you a skill that will have a profound impact on your ability to craft exciting, page-turning books!
You'll also get a detailed, comprehensive PDF handout to accompany the session that you can refer to while on your journey.
"Lola, this was amazing and it's given me a lot of ideas of how to more forward with my work in progress. THANK YOU!!"
- Judy C.
Your Instructor
Lola M. Schaefer is the author of more than 275 books for children including picture books, easy readers, and school/library books.
A few of her many awards include: The Children’s Choice Book Award; Outstanding Science Trade Book; The Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book and The Zena Sutherland Picture Book Award.
When Lola is not at home researching her next book or writing, you might find her offering a keynote or breakout session at a conference for librarians, teachers, or writers.
She and her husband live in the mountains of north Georgia.