2026 Continuing Education

This CE class is designed for advanced writers who want to move beyond strong storytelling techniques into deep, meaningful, unforgettable stories. The writer will learn how to layer character, plot, setting, dialogue, emotion, theme, symbolism, and reader experience for a cohesive story that entertains, inspires, and encourages the reader with a deep emotional experience. Hands-on exercises and handout provided.

To show writers how to create fiction that operates on multiple levels—character, plot, emotion, dialogue, theme, symbolism, and reader experience—so every scene, line, and choice contains more than one purpose for a seamless story.
I. What Layering Means: Story Promises
A. Character
B. Plot
C. Setting
D. Dialogue
E. Emotion
F. Theme
G. Symbolism
H. Reader Experience
II. What Does Layering Mean?
A. Character
B. Plot
C. Setting
D. Dialogue
E. Emotion
F. Theme
G. Symbolism
H. Reader Experience
III. Flat Scene vs. Layered Scene
IV. Structure, Meaning, and Editing
V. Exercises
VI. Questions

Ever since Aristotle, story theorists have been looking at story through a temporal lens—beginning, middle, and end, or first act, second act, and third act. But what if there was another way of conceptualizing story on a more elemental level? What if there was a way of understanding story that was easy to visualize and remember and that would apply to any genre you write? Well, there is, and in this seminar you’ll learn how it can transform your writing and storytelling forever.

Two editors from Thomas Nelson fiction walk through the acquisitions process from initial pitch to signed contract, answering some of the questions surrounding the somewhat mysterious process: What are some of the conversations we have? What does an ed board/acquisitions meeting look like? What helps a proposal stand out from others? And how do offers come together? Please note that this will not be a time to pitch ideas to the editors, but rather is an opportunity to gain a peek behind the curtain.

This interactive workshop explores the powerful synergy between authors and book influencers — and how both sides can show up better for each other. You’ll learn how to build and run street teams that genuinely benefit readers and writers, sharpen your social media strategy for authentic book promotion, and walk away with actionable collaboration tips that turn one-off shoutouts into lasting partnerships. Whether you’re an author looking to empower your biggest champions or a bookish influencer ready to grow your platform and attract more review opportunities, this session is packed with resources, real-world examples, and strategies to help you amplify great books — together.

**Storyfest Attendees are invited to join in this session!