April 2026 Brilliant Bundle

We understand how launching out into a goal, a dream, or a serious endeavor like writing a novel, is well, daunting. You have the fire, the idea, and the characters, but how do you keep going?

(And going...)

As we move through the year, we can help you hone your skills and achieve your writing goals. Our April 2026 Brilliant Bundle offers a trio of lessons to help with your writing journey.

Let's begin with...

Setups and Payoffs

What is a setup or payoff? Or a three-act device? You know it...you just don't realize it. This lecture will teach you how to create it and use it powerfully in your novels.

What was the (Story) Question?

The best way to start a novel is with an Inciting Incident, right? The event that changes the main character’s life--shoves them out of their normal world--and sends them on a journey. But there’s something that a good story needs before an Inciting Incident: the Story Question. The Story Question asks a question of the heart and mind – the great “what if?” It functions like fuel for your car – the Story Question keeps your story running. If you lose sight of your Story Question, you lose the focus of your story.

During this class, Beth Vogt teaches her techniques for finding the story questions for your novel.

Plotting a Category Romance: The First Chapter

During the third part of her Plotting a Category Romance series, Lisa Jordan shares about how to write a SHARP first chapter that will leave category editors wanting more.

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

~Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

Go! Write something brilliant!

XO!

Susie May

Your Instructor

Susan May Warren

Hi. I'm Susan May Warren. I started writing while I lived in Siberia (yes, you heard that right--cold, snowy, Siberia). Alone. No one to help me, overwhelmed and not a little discouraged. Twenty-five years later, I've published over 100 books in five different genres, have landed on numerous bestseller lists (including USA Today), won the RITA, CHRISTY and CAROL awards (and others) and started a school for novelists.

I've learned a few things along the way (beyond techniques on how to stay warm in the tundra!) Most importantly I learned that if I wanted to be published, I had to figure out how to write a book, how to edit it, how to step back from my stories, look at them with a critical eye, figure out what a good manuscript looks like, and then use my unique voice to make that happen.

Not only that, but I learned how to market my books, and strategize to build an amazing career.

Would you let me help you do the same? Join like-minded writers who are on the journey with you, and let's do this!

Course Curriculum

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start and finish?

The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.

How long do I have access to the course?

How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.