Fall 2021 Session of Mastering the Scene
From the Basics to the Advanced Scene-Writing Tricks that Captivate Readers and Agents
Enroll in Course
You’ve cranked through several drafts of your latest memoir, essay, or novel.
You’re sure you’ve nailed the scene-writing basics, but beta readers have said
- “The writing’s a little meh.”
- “Something’s missing but they can’t quite tell you what it is.”
- “That scene doesn’t belong in your story.” (But you know it does.)
Worst of all, if you’re querying agents, all you’re hearing are crickets.
How do you know if your writing needs a scene-writing CPR or a trip back to the drawing board?
Enter Mastering the Scene: From the Basics to the Advanced Scene-Writing Tricks that Captivate Readers and Agents.
Whether you specialize in fiction or nonfiction, this online class will teach you the specific techniques published writers use to craft unforgettable scenes--and as a result, stories that readers can’t put down.
Specifically, you’ll discover how to:
- Identify the five common scene-writing mistakes.
- Diagnose your biggest block to success.
- Learn how to perform scene-writing CPR.
- Write scenes that make your story sizzle.
You’ll follow a proven system to create the best scenes you’ve ever written—while you refine and perfect the basics of your craft.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll begin with a quick assessment to see whether you’re making one of the five common scene-writing mistakes.
- Then you’ll discover a powerful new way to read your writing, diagnose your biggest block to success, and learn how to perform scene-writing CPR.
- By the time you’re done, you’ll know why every scene belongs, the story each scene is telling, and how to make that story sizzle.
"Lisa breaks down the elements of scene writing in tangible, easy-to-understand ways in this self-led, interactive course. Unlike other self-led courses, there is a live element and guaranteed instructor feedback on one 1000-word scene, which makes this course stand out. I love how Lisa demonstrates multiple ways to understand scenes. I already have strong scene-writing skills but this course truly took them to the next level." --Natalie MacLean, wine writer
"I loved this course! Lisa’s brilliant breakdown of scene elements made it easy for me to see the changes I need to make in my own writing. It was easy to fit the modules into my hectic schedule, but I never felt like I was learning in a vacuum. Knowing there was an upcoming live coaching/critique session kept me engaged and accountable. Whether a beginner or seasoned writer, I believe you’ll benefit from taking this course." --Paula Boyland, founder of the Write[r] Stuff and blog editor for Streetlight Literary Magazine
“Lisa was so knowledgeable, well organized, and efficient. The section on scene shapes was particularly useful. Diagramming my scenes helped me see how to fix the shapes was helpful as well.”
This is not just an online class--it’s an interactive learning lab where you’ll write, experiment, receive feedback, and meet with other writers who are learning to master their scenes too.
This six-module program includes
- Short videos with detailed, step-by-step instruction on the elements of scene writing
- Transcripts for each video
- A workbook filled with exercises that will help you apply what you’ve learned
- Analyses of scenes from popular texts
- Additional examples for you to use as practice
- Supplemental reading materials
In addition to this, you’ll receive
- Expert six live coaching sessions* from a veteran writing coach designed to keep your learning on track.
- Written feedback on a short scene
- The chance to have your scene workshopped during a live coaching session
*Sessions will take place on 9/23/21, 10/7/21, 10/21/21, 11/4/21, 11/18, 21, and 12/2/21.
This might seem like an add-on, but it’s actually essential.
Have you ever registered for a self-study course only to watch the invitation linger in your inbox? …..
I want you to not just buy Mastering the Scene, I want you to become a scene writing boss.
By the time you finish Mastering the Scene, you’ll be able to:
- Understand the scene basics so well you could teach them.
- Capitalize on the unforgettable part of your scene and make it sizzle
- Master skills like subtext, pacing, and the balance of narration, dialogue, and action based on the function of each scene in your manuscript
Get started now!
"I love how Lisa not only offers multiple ways to break down the elements of how to write a dynamic scene but also talks about what each scene should do depending on where it appears in your manuscript. During her live coaching sessions, Lisa offered not only helpful writing advice but empathy and insight as well. She named a few things about my memoir scene that I hadn't realized, which I'll now add in as reflection. I am so grateful for this insight! I highly recommend working with Lisa in any way that you can." --Yolande House, trauma-informed writer
"Mastering the Scene is engaging and informative. Whether you've been writing for a long time or you're just beginning, there's something in this course for everyone. It's loaded with strategies, tips, and humor. Lisa keeps the pace moving and provides enough practice exercises to help you retain the information. I highly recommend this course." --Janet Johnson, writer from Arizona
“I've been thinking about how to speed up and slow down scenes and will put her scene shapes to use. The workbook is a gift!”
Want to Know More?
In module one, you’ll begin with a pre-assessment to see if you’re making the five most common mistakes scene writers make. After your assessment, you’ll learn what it takes to read like a writer and then choose the books that will serve as part of your scene-writing study plan.
Throughout the rest of the course, you’ll use your discoveries and practice, practice, practice your way to MFA-style mastery.
In module two, you’ll learn the essential elements found in every scene and how published authors use those elements to craft the scenes you love.
In module three, you’ll explore the various shapes scenes can take and then find out which ones work and which ones don’t. By the end, you’ll know when and how to administer scene-writing CPR to your work in progress.
In module four, you’ll play with five custom-designed activities that will help you discover the frequently overlooked--yet essential--story behind your scene’s situation. By the end of this session, you’ll know whether certain scenes belong or if you need to scrap them.
In module five, you’ll learn the advanced scene writing skills that will help you nail your emotional beat, manage your scene’s narration, action, and dialogue, control your pacing, and use dialogue subtext, pivotal actions, and key details to stick your scene’s landing each and every time.
In module six, you’ll find new ways to integrate the skills you’ve learned and plan for what’s next because as writers we must be lifelong learners.
"This course was well-rounded and comprehensive. The multi-modal format and assignments made the information easy to understand and integrate. I gained skills that significantly improved my writing, as well as resources to continue to learn. Lisa created a supportive learning community that encouraged critical thinking and growth. I highly recommend this course, and look forward to participating in future courses with Lisa."
“This was one of the best writing classes I've ever attended. The blend of theory and practical tips, the exercises, the diagrams, the accompanying materials. All were marvelous."
“It was all really practical advice for me, and I love the visual of scene shapes. My goal was to learn ways to recognize if a scene is working, and you gave me lots of tools for that.”
Your Instructor
Lisa Ellison is an editor, writing coach, and speaker with an Ed.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a background in mindfulness. She has spent the last two decades helping clients and students turn difficult experiences into art and currently teaches courses in memoir, creative nonfiction, and mindful writing practices. Her life story and essays have appeared on NPR’s With Good Reason and in Hippocampus Literary Magazine, Kenyon Review Online, Huffington Post, and The Guardian, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to rock your scenes and impress not just beta readers but agents???
You can sign up for this course AND help those in need.
I'm donating 10% of proceeds from this class to the International Rescue Committee
to support the resettlement of Afghan refugees coming to the US.