Course Description

Topic: THE ART OF STORY

Level: Beginner

Duration: 4 hours approx

Delivery: Text, PDF

RPWA Certificate: Yes

In this unique writing course, Rob Parnell, the world’s foremost writing guru, and Kindle bestselling author will show you how to take control of your fiction. no matter what your level of writing experience.


Ask yourself, “Can the process of writing a great novel or short story be broken down into simple step-by-step components - that can be taught?”

After taking “The Art of Story”, your answer will be a resounding ‘yes’!

Here’s Rob: “They say the craft of writing can be learned - but not the ability to write brilliant stories that resonate with millions. I disagree. My philosophy has always been that the more we write, the better we get. And that perceived genius is a mere by-product of consistent, directed action towards the goal of perfection. It is only critics (who probably can't write fiction anyway) who believe that brilliance is somehow bestowed upon a lucky few.”

The Art of Story will teach you:

* The techniques employed by all great fiction writers
* The simple secret of apparently flawless stories
* How to structure compelling novels and short stories
* How to totally win over editors and publishers
* How to ensure long term fiction writing success.

This ground-breaking new course encompasses four modules:

Module One: "Theme, Purpose, and Perspective" 
First, the mechanics of story form, a detailed look at those that are appropriate for your stories - with tips on how best to achieve excellent and compelling results. Also examined are the writing disciplines for short, medium and longer works. Plus, how different genres require differing approaches.

Module Two: “Essence and Idea Development" 
Practical issues. How to develop characters and their agendas into a plot. Understanding point of view and the narrator's perspective. How to plan and brainstorm ideas to find the heart and theme of your story. Structure versus content; writing style, tone and sensory density. What's the difference being literary fiction and commercial storytelling - and which is your natural specialty?

Module Three: "Construction and Meaning” 
Literary technique: the use of words as tools or descriptors. How transparency between the reader and the writer is achieved. Creating character empathy, the use of imagery, and conveying meaning through metaphor and the use of simile.

Module Four: "Message and Market Considerations" 
How to write and edit for your target market. Inspiration versus method: learn about the rhythm and resonance of the author's voice versus the cadence of character. Market relevance, the importance of objectivity in your message - and your quest for literary immortality.

Throughout the course, you will build on your understanding of story as a medium of creative expression. There’s vital new information on the essential elements of story: the effective stringing together of emotional story 'beats', scenes, events and transitions to maximum effect. How to pace and build intensity from the beginning, through the middle, to a satisfactory and climactic end.

Plus, tips on how to vary speech, advice on internal dialogue and how best to convey the inner journey of the characters without the use of exposition.

Also, writer's motives for telling great stories is examined, plus other more practical issues are dealt with: how to achieve the professional writer's mindset and the use of templates for the effective planning and execution of your stories.

Other topics include establishing convincing timelines, emotional scenarios, creating subplots, foreshadowing, and developing relationships, and, if required, building a sense of mystery and suspense.

Plus, as you'd expect from Rob Parnell, there’s a wealth of discussion on originality, integrity, self-belief, inspiration, and maintaining motivation and commitment to your writing.

“The Art of Story is probably Rob Parnell’s best work yet. Get the edge that gets you published."

Your Personal Instructor

Rob Parnell

Rob Parnell has been teaching online since 2002, specifically helping writers earn money from their passion. He is the proud founder of The Writing Academy, an online school dedicated to student success and authorial excellence.Rob has published over thirty number-one best-selling books on genre fiction authorship, freelance writing, motivation, productivity; getting rich, staying thin and healthy. When it comes to making a living from writing, composing music, and creating film projects, Rob is a man who knows what he's talking about! You'll enjoy his down-to-earth style and the feeling Rob somehow knows you like a friend! Rob has been writing since he was five years old. He writes every day without fail - it's a compulsion. His preferred genre is the thriller - sometimes with a supernatural edge - in which he writes short stories, novels, screenplays, and adult thrillers - including his Purge detective novels and the popular Sherlock Holmes: Zombie Slayer series. Also a musician and composer, an accomplished singer, media producer and budding movie maker, Rob is ecstatically happy to be married to Robyn Opie Parnell, his savior, and the popular best-selling children's author.They live miles from anywhere in their beautiful country farmhouse, its eleven acres tucked within inches of the stunning Flinders Ranges, with their beloved pets, Wally the dog and the cats: Jessie, and Iggy (because he's The Wild One.)

Course curriculum

  • 1

    The Course

    • Lesson One

    • Lesson Two

    • Lesson Three

    • Lesson Four

  • 2

    Bonus Items

    • FindingTime

    • Success In The Arts

Reviews

5 star rating

The Art of Story

Nick Huonder

I feel this was the most useful course I have found on writing a story. Rob has broken down the process of the basic structure of story,and its elements in ...

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I feel this was the most useful course I have found on writing a story. Rob has broken down the process of the basic structure of story,and its elements in a way that makes it easy to understand. This simple presentation was just enough information that I know by referring back to it as needed I can finally write something worthwhile. If you have been frustrated by this whole process of understanding how to write a story I think you will be quite satisfied with this course.I highly recommend it!

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5 star rating

Updated Review

Sean Kavanagh

The Last Chapter in the Bonus list was a Masterstroke.

The Last Chapter in the Bonus list was a Masterstroke.

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5 star rating

A road map to follow

Mary James

Rob Parnell has developed another online class which succinctly gives aspiring writers a road map to follow for story ideas, plotting, and execution. He brea...

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Rob Parnell has developed another online class which succinctly gives aspiring writers a road map to follow for story ideas, plotting, and execution. He breaks the concepts down into easy to absorb portions for writers to improve their skills. M. James

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5 star rating

I was stuck

Liz Kelso

I was having trouble mapping my story. After this course, I was able to map Part I and Part II of my novel in less than 30 min. Once I learned the formula, i...

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I was having trouble mapping my story. After this course, I was able to map Part I and Part II of my novel in less than 30 min. Once I learned the formula, it was easy. This is an invaluable course. Thanks Rob.

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