How To Write A Novel Based On Your Life And Get It Published

Learn every step of the process to write your hit semi-autobiographical novel - from concept through getting it published - with New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Corso!

PLUS! You'll receive a copy of the first chapter to Suzanne's NY Times best-selling novel BROOKLYN STORY and prologue to her novel SUITE LIFE!

***Flexible Learning: if you cannot attend any of the sessions live don't worry - you will be sent the links to the recordings of each session within 48 hours of the live session and you will have direct access to Suzanne on email to ask her any questions so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.***

Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details

Oftentimes, the best fictional stories are based on your own truth. Writing a novel based on your own life has been a pathway to success for authors for decades. Readers and publishers can’t seem to get enough of real people’s stories as expressed in a novel.

However, while the best autobiographical novels are effortless to read, they require an incredible amount of work to properly structure, get out onto the page and ultimately deliver to the world. Writing your own story as a novel can seem daunting. Where do you start? What should you include and what should you not? How do you develop a strong point-of-view and all your characters to reflect a version of reality that fits into a narrative story? And, once you’ve finished your novel, how do you get it published?

In this exclusive Stage 32 4-part class, you will learn how to approach your own semi-autobiographical novel - from the why of your story, to developing your characters, to the outlining and editing and revisions process and, finally, how to work with agents and publishers.

Teaching you how to execute your novel is NYT bestselling author Suzanne Corso, whose critically acclaimed novels about her own life’s journey, BROOKLYN STORY, THE SUITE LIFE, and HELLO HOLLYWOOD, have all been published with Simon & Schuster. Suzanne has also produced for the New York and London stages, has executive produced two documentaries, and has written the successful children’s book SAMMY AND SUE GO GREEN TOO. She was a contributing TV Film Correspondent to THE TODAY SHOW on NBC, as well as a columnist for Downtown Magazine and Hamptons Magazine, and is currently working on a three-picture deal for her best-selling novel trilogy. Suzanne is excited to share her vast wealth of knowledge on the craft and business of writing your own semi-autobiographical novel exclusively with the Stage 32 community.

Over 4 interactive sessions, Suzanne will teach you how to identify which parts of your story are best for the novel, how to craft a compelling story, and how to iterate on your work with notes from editors and publishers. You will walk away from this course with the skillset you need to write your novel and have a solid start to your work with assignments catered to your specific piece. If you’re ready to write your novel based on any of your life's experiences, this class is a must!

PLUS! You’ll receive an exclusive copy of the first chapter of Suzanne’s best-selling novel BROOKLYN STORY and more!

Praise for Suzanne's Stage 32 Teaching

"...I've been saying I wanted to write my book for years now and learning from Suzanne has solidified my game plan - I'm going to start today! I'm glad I learned from her before. There's so much I didn't know about the craft and business of writing novels." - Melissa M.

"I've had one book published and have to say, I learned a ton from Suzanne. She's a great teacher and a fantastic writer." - Phil G.

"Suzanne is amazing. Seriously. She knows her stuff and isn't afraid to share it, which is refreshing for people who are successful in entertainment. Love her!" - Kaitlin B.

SESSION 1 - Where To Begin?

• How to start your novel?
• Ask yourself “WHY” are you writing this novel?
• What is the story you are trying to tell?
• What is the central story and theme of your novel?
• Identifying your truth
  • Are you writing this from your truth?
  • How to narrow down your vision
• Q&A with Suzanne

Assignment: Suzanne will give you a brainstorming document for your project/idea. Think through and answer the questions.

SESSION 2 - How to Outline and Create Your Characters

• Outlining
• Why outlining is critical for novels
• How to outline effectively
• When to stick to the outline and when to let yourself veer off path
• Developing your characters
• How to develop characters based on real people
• How to decide which aspects of a person to include in your character
• Character arcs
• Q&A with Suzanne

Assignment: Suzanne will give you a brainstorming document for your project/idea. Think through and answer the questions.

SESSION 3 - Writing & Revising

• Writing your first chapter
  • How to get started
  • Why the first chapter is critical to publishers (and readers)
  • How long should your first chapter be?
• Editing & Revising
• Editing best practices
• How should you start editing a long piece of work?
• Q&A with Suzanne

Assignment: Suzanne will give you a brainstorming document for your project/idea. Think through and answer the questions.

SESSION 4 - How To Work With Agents & Publishers

• How to get and utilize feedback
• How to receive notes (take everything with a grain of salt)
• Incorporating feedback into your work
• Taking notes while staying true to your vision
• Agents & Publishers
• When should agents and publishers get involved?
• What is the role of agents and publishers?
• How to approach agents and publishers?
• What can they do for you?
• Q&A with Suzanne

Assignment: Suzanne will give you a brainstorming document for your project/idea. Think through and answer the questions.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the fundamentals of writing your autobiographical novel.
• This class will consist of two sessions, each roughly two hours in duration and spaced one week apart from one another. In addition to the presentation-style lessons, you will have the opportunity to ask questions during each session.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the process.
• **Suzanne will be available on email during the 2 sessions to answer any questions you have about the class.**

Payment plans are available - please contact edu@stage32.com for more information.

Friday December 1st 10am-12pm PT

Friday December 8th 10am-12pm PT

Friday December 15th 10am-12pm PT

Friday December 22nd 10am-12pm PT

Q: What is the format of a lab?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer

Q: What if I cannot attend the live lab class?
A: If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class. If you cannot attend a live class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A. Plus, your instructor will be available via email throughout the lab.

Q: Will I have access to the lab afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of the lab, you will have on-demand access to the video recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like!