For Writers

Discover how to build an email marketing system that consistently sells your books—without relying on social media or constant hustle. In this practical, beginner-friendly workshop, author and web developer Leslye Penelope breaks down what an author funnel actually is, how it works, and how to start building one without tech overwhelm. You’ll learn how readers move from discovering your work to joining your email list, buying your books, and becoming long-term fans—all through simple, automated systems.

(90-minute workshop)

Every storyteller has a reason for wanting to write. It might be a question that won’t let go or a theme that you keep going back to again and again. In this workshop, you’ll learn to identify your unique “why” and channel it into fiction that feels deeply purposeful and resonant.

These techniques are especially valuable in a world with AI-generated content entering the market. Distinguishing ourselves as artists requires stories that feel truly human, that are authentically grounded in lived experience, emotion, culture, identity, and personal insight. This workshop will help you tap into your specific and distinctive voice in order to tell stories that connect with readers on a human level and are impossible to replicate.

(1-hour workshop)

Why do so many fantasy novels take place in the same, medieval, pseudo-European setting? How can writers create unique, fully-realized environments that readers will want to get lost in? Dive into techniques for architecting your own world and learn how elements such as geography, technology, economics, weather, government, culture and more are all integral to crafting a tale designed to delight.

(1-hour workshop)

Turning inspiration into a finished novel is often daunting. In this workshop, you’ll learn a proven step-by-step process for structuring your story idea into a draft-ready outline. Learn to develop memorable characters, craft internal and external character arcs, and sequence pivotal events and tensions to propel the plot. You’ll leave armed with customizable worksheets and templates to fully sketch your story world, map character transformations, and plan each scene—giving you the confidence and creative framework to finish your first draft.

(1-hour workshop)

The first draft of any novel is a unique challenge, but getting to that next draft (and the one after that) can tax a writer to their breaking point. In this workshop, you will learn to critically analyze the manuscript you’ve written, identify its weak spots, and develop an organized revision plan. You’ll also get insights on how to obtain and manage feedback on your work and the process towards transforming your draft into a polished novel.

(1-hour workshop)

A Story or Series Bible is the canonical documentation of your character, settings, and other elements in your fictional world. Think of it as a personal reference guide, and whether you’re writing a standalone novel or a long series, it’s an incredibly useful tool. Learn how to organize and create your story bible and get an overview of software options like Scrivener and Plottr, which make the task easier.

(1-hour workshop)

A passion for the written world is not the only thing necessary for a successful author career. Navigating today’s publishing landscape requires authors to also be entrepreneurs. Regardless of your publishing path, whether traditional, indie, or hybrid, understanding the basic fundamentals of running a business is essential. Learn tips for running your author business from entrepreneur L. Penelope.