104 Don’t Get Stuck: How outlining and dramatic structure can help you finish your novel (ENGLISH)

Writing a novel is a daunting task. From writer’s block to wrong turns and painted-in corners, there are many roadblocks an author can encounter without a solid, well-planned approach. In this workshop, acclaimed author Howard Shrier shares the methods that enabled him to secure a two-book deal with Random House Canada and win the Crime Writers of Canada’s award for Best First Novel (Buffalo Jump, 2008). He’ll take you through the process of researching and building a story block by block — before you start a draft — allowing you to imagine the wildest possibilities for your story. He’ll share stories of his successes — and failures — before landing on a process that worked every time.Howard will also teach how to create a three-act dramatic structure, scene by scene and beat by beat. A former stage actor who trained at New York City’s famed Circle in the Square Professional Workshop, he’ll cover the basics of what makes for a great scene: characters in conflict with themselves, others and the world at large. You’ll learn why every journey your characters take must be fraught with obstacles that force them to dig deep into their strengths and resources and reveal their characters through the actions they take.Whether you’re writing a thriller, a rom-com, a memoir or fantasy novel, this workshop will demystify the process and help you plan your next steps in manageable chunks. With 16 years of teaching experience, Howard’s workshops for San Miguel (2025, 2026), University of Toronto (2009-2018), the Toronto Public Library (2022-26) San Francisco’s LitCamp (2026) and other institutions have been highly rated for the enthusiasm and knowledge he brings.

Instructor

Howard Shrier