Deep Story Design

Deep Story Design depends on a divine trine of three elements: character, plot, and theme.

Novelists, screenwriters, and memoirists who learn to harmonize these elements are able to create stories with depth and resonance.

This 8-week online course is for the longer form narrative writer who wants to: create structurally sound and engaging plots; craft characters whose inner and outer conflicts captivate readers; and develop impactful themes that linger after the story is over.

Using April’s Deep Story Design method of combining basic three-act structure, the seven stepping stones that uphold a narrative arc, and the four stages of authentic character development, writers will be guided to create a cohesive story that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Weekly lessons, homework assignments, and in-class exercises and conversations will focus on the essential story elements that need to be in place to ensure a compelling and meaningful narrative.

Note: Handouts will be provided digitally. Live weekly Zoom calls will be recorded and available for review for up to two weeks after the workshop finishes. Homework assignments, shared with and reviewed by participants, will receive light feedback from April during class time.

April Bosshard has been called a “story whisperer” and “story genie” for her keen awareness of story principles and deep understanding of the writer’s craft, which allows her to help writers deal with the complex issues of story-creating and sticking to the writing process. She’s led workshops in Canada, the US, France, and Mexico, including at the internationally recognized San Miguel Writers Conference. She’s written novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction essays for traditional and independent markets, which include publications in the US, UK, and Canada. Most recently, she contributed a chapter to the newly released The Great Book of Journaling, How Journal Writing Can Support a Life of Wellness, Creativity, Meaning, and Purpose, (Conari, June 2022). April develops and maintains online courses and writing programs while also working with individual clients as a writing coach and developmental editor.