How to avoid the saggy middle and write a page-turning story
Congratulations – your book is off to a great start. You’ve laid out the characters for your reader and you have a clear idea of how it’s all going to end up. But then, along comes the MIDDLE.
The middle part of any story – also commonly known as “The Second Act” – is often the hardest part of a novel to write. We’re often told to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, but navigating it is not easy. But fear not – bestselling author Pamela Freeman will provide you with a guiding light in this seminar.
Join Pamela to FOCUS ON creating a magnificent middle!
“I have a clearer understanding of how to write the middle of my story. The way Pamela explains the content of the course is amazing. She says it in a way that a person that hasn’t written before would understand.”
– Carolann Beardmore (October 2022)
Hundreds of students have already completed this seminar. We have received overwhelming positive feedback on the strategies shared by Pamela and the practical advice she provided. This seminar is now available for purchase. By purchasing this seminar you will also receive the handouts and have access for 12 months.
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Duration 1
This is an online self-paced seminar
Duration:
1.5 hours. Your 12 months’ access begins straight away
Presenter: Pamela Freeman $70 | |||||
Mastering the middle
It makes sense really – the start and end of any story have a clear marker point; a shore to swim out from or back towards. But out here in the open water that is the middle 50% of your novel, no one can hear you scream. It’s a place where many new writers end up drowning (ahem, figuratively). And for a reader, a middle act without the right structure or shape will take the wind out of their sails.
“It was the course’s subtitle that really grabbed me: ‘How to avoid the saggy middle and write a page-turning story'. A saggy middle was exactly what I had, so I knew this was the right course for me. The course helped me make my book more logical and dynamic. This is particularly important indetective stories, where new clues need to be
uncovered, authentically leading the detective from one suspect to the next.”
Troy Hunter’s debut novel Gus and the Missing Boy is now published by Wakefield Press
In this fascinating FOCUS ON seminar, Pamela Freeman will share how to avoid the dreaded “saggy middle”. You’ll explore the following:
- How to add structure and shape to the middle of your story.
- Understanding the midpoint and the midpoint reversal.
- Knowing where the ‘pinch points’ should be in your story and what their purpose is.
- Techniques to help you power on through the two-thirds point (where many new writers go wrong).
- Ways to set your story up for a fabulous climax and resolution.
- And MUCH more.
“This session was brilliant – a short, sharp summary of how to keep narrative tension moving in the middle of the novel. Loved the very concrete structure that Pamela shared to ensure the story doesn't sag in the middle. The notes are clear and well put together. So glad I signed up!”
Julie Fison, author of One Punch
In this fascinating FOCUS ON seminar, Pamela Freeman will share how to avoid the dreaded “saggy middle”. You’ll explore the following:
- How to add structure and shape to the middle of your story.
- Understanding the midpoint and the midpoint reversal.
- Knowing where the ‘pinch points’ should be in your story and what their purpose is.
- Techniques to help you power on through the two-thirds point (where many new writers go wrong).
- Ways to set your story up for a fabulous climax and resolution.
- And MUCH more.
This seminar consists of a 1 hour expert presentation plus an additional 30 minute Q&A – designed to entertain, educate and inspire you to improve your craft.
With the tips and techniques you learn in this seminar, you’ll be able to confidently bridge the gap between a strong opening and fantastic finish in a way that keeps your readers (and publishers) engaged throughout.
“I liked the way Pamela got to the point and was very polite, but didn't sugar coat answers. I definitely left with something to review in my already-published books and some things for the book I'm currently writing.”
Peter McKelvie
Meet your presenter
Pamela Freeman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 40 books and novellas, plus short stories and scripts. She writes under two names: Pamela Freeman for children’s and fantasy, and Pamela Hart for mystery novels and historical fiction.
Prolific across multiple genres, Pamela has a Doctorate in Creative Arts (Writing) and she has been the director of creative writing here at the Australian Writers' Centre for over 10 years.
| Key information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key information: | |||||
Duration 1
This is an online self-paced seminar
Duration:
1.5 hours. Your 12 months’ access begins straight away
Presenter: Pamela Freeman $70 | |||||
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