People are natural storytellers—so why are plot and pace so hard to figure out? Join me for one session on character, conflict, and plot to discuss:

the qualities that make characters compelling;
generating and structuring action;
hinge and crisis points, and where to place them;
satisfying and meaningful endings; and
dramatic models, and how to find your story’s organic shape.

Along the way, we’ll talk about practical strategies and techniques for brainstorming, analyzing, and revising. We’ll also address how to employ these fundamental elements in stories of different lengths, from flash fiction all the way up to novel series.

This class is suited to new fiction writers searching for a foundation in narrative; experienced fiction writers looking for a new grip on plot; and anyone who finds themselves stuck and in need of a plan to invigorate their draft.

About the Instructor

Stephanie Feldman is the author of the novels Saturnalia, a Locus Award finalist for Best Horror, and The Angel of Losses, a B&N Discover Great New Writers Selection, Crawford Award winner, and Mythopoeic Award finalist. Her literary horror collection The Night Parade and Other Stories is forthcoming in 2026. She teaches fiction writing at Arcadia University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Student Testimonials

“Stephanie’s incredible class helped me home in on my novel’s structure—articulating the character arcs, finding new ways to challenge my heroes, and building everything to a more satisfying resolution. (I hope). Now I have a book deal with my novel coming out in January!” —Stephen Fishbach, author of Escape!

“Stephanie Feldman is not only a smart, perceptive, and spell-binding writer, she brings all of that to her approach as an editor. She's a generous yet astute reader who offers invaluable insight into language, character, tone, plot, and the overall structure of a novel. Her elegant, concrete suggestions will make you wonder Why didn't I think of that? and help you get where you want to go.” — Deborah Shapiro, author of Consolation and The Summer Demands

“Stephanie Feldman is a passionate and thoughtful instructor. Her feedback is engaged, personal, and encourages writers to keep an open mind and to push the boundaries of their work. It felt like she took the time to understood my goals and then taught me the best ways for me to go about achieving them.” — former student

Summer Seminar: Story Structure 101 with Stephanie Feldman