Weeks 1-2: Plot Development and Structure

Begin by mastering plot frameworks that build tension and engage readers.

• Key Focus: Understanding the 3-Act and 5-Act structures, Michael Hauge’s 6-Stage Plot Structure, pacing, and crafting climaxes and resolutions​.
• Practice: Outline a story plot, marking key beats to control narrative pacing.

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Weeks 3-4: Mastering Descriptive Style

Learn to create immersive descriptions that transport readers.

• Key Focus: “Show, don’t tell,” using sensory details, and adding depth with metaphors and symbolism.​​.
• Practice: Write sensory-rich paragraphs and experiment with figurative language.

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Weeks 5-6: Dialogue Mastery (Inspired by Aaron Sorkin)

Craft meaningful, fast-paced dialogue that drives character and plot.

• Key Focus: Techniques for writing engaging, tension-filled dialogue, balancing action with dialogue, and using subtext​.
• Practice: Write scenes using “walk-and-talk” methods and subtext-heavy conversations.

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Weeks 7-8: Character Development

Build relatable, multi-dimensional characters that grow through the story.

• Key Focus: Developing character arcs, motivations, flaws, and the balance of internal and external conflict​.
• Practice: Create detailed character profiles and write dialogue that reveals character traits.

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Weeks 9-10: Integration and Application

Combine all storytelling techniques into a cohesive narrative.

• Final Project: Write a complete story or scene integrating plot structure, description, dialogue, and character development.
• Feedback and Revision: Participate in peer feedback sessions for revision and refinement.

The Mindful Storytelling Course is an immersive, 10-week program designed for writers who want to refine their craft and create powerful, memorable narratives. This course provides a holistic approach to storytelling, combining traditional techniques with mindful practices that encourage thoughtful, purposeful writing. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a new writer eager to enhance your skills, this course offers comprehensive training across the essential elements of storytelling: plot, description, dialogue, and character development.

Each week focuses on a specific aspect of storytelling, with practical exercises and feedback to deepen understanding and improve technique. By the end of the course, participants will not only have developed a complete story or detailed scene but will also have the tools to approach storytelling with a renewed sense of intention and skill.

What You Will Learn

• Plot Development and Structure: Discover the foundation of compelling storytelling through the 3-Act, 5-Act, and Michael Hauge’s 6-Stage Plot Structure. You’ll learn how to outline a plot with rising tension, pace your story effectively, and build toward a satisfying climax and resolution. These techniques ensure your stories captivate from beginning to end.
• Descriptive Style Mastery: Engage readers by creating immersive worlds with sensory-rich descriptions. This module teaches the art of “show, don’t tell” and the use of metaphor, simile, and symbolism. You’ll learn how to balance description with pacing, bringing scenes and emotions vividly to life.
• Dialogue Crafting (Inspired by Aaron Sorkin): Dialogue is an essential storytelling tool, revealing character and driving plot. In this module, inspired by Aaron Sorkin’s renowned dialogue style, you’ll develop techniques for crafting realistic, engaging conversations with subtext and tension. Learn to balance dialogue with action and create dynamic, purpose-driven exchanges.
• Character Development: Create well-rounded, memorable characters that resonate with readers. This module focuses on character arcs, motivations, and the balance between internal and external conflict. By understanding character agency, you’ll build characters that actively drive the story forward.
• Integration and Application: Bring together all the elements of storytelling to create a cohesive, engaging narrative. In the final weeks, you’ll develop a complete story or scene, incorporating each technique mastered throughout the course. Peer feedback and revision exercises will refine your work, helping you achieve a polished, impactful piece.

The Mindful Storytelling Course is designed for:

• Aspiring and Established Writers: Whether you’re a novice writer or a published author, this course provides structured guidance to refine your narrative skills. Writers seeking to improve their technical abilities in plot, character, description, and dialogue will find this course beneficial.
• Creative Professionals: Storytelling is essential across industries like marketing, filmmaking, and content creation. Professionals aiming to bring deeper storytelling elements into their work will gain practical tools for creating memorable, resonant stories.
• Mindfulness Practitioners: For those interested in combining mindfulness with creativity, this course emphasizes writing with intention and emotional awareness, making it ideal for individuals who already practice mindfulness or want to explore it through storytelling.
• Students of Literature and Creative Writing: This course offers an in-depth, practical approach to storytelling techniques that go beyond theory. Students in creative fields who want to strengthen their storytelling foundations will gain valuable, real-world insights.
• Anyone with a Story to Tell: If you have ideas or life experiences that you want to share in a compelling way, this course offers a step-by-step approach to turn those ideas into engaging, well-crafted narratives that will resonate with readers.

This course is for everyone passionate about storytelling, whether for personal development, professional goals, or the joy of creative expression.

The Mindful Storytelling Course stands out by combining traditional storytelling techniques with mindful practices, creating a holistic approach to narrative development that goes beyond conventional writing courses. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Integrated Mindfulness Practices: Unlike typical writing programs, this course incorporates mindfulness techniques that encourage thoughtful, intentional writing. Participants learn to engage with their creative process deeply, resulting in narratives that are not only technically strong but also emotionally resonant.
• Multi-Disciplinary Approach: The course blends insights from fields such as screenwriting, cognitive psychology, and literature. This diverse approach allows participants to learn story structure from the perspectives of both classic literature and modern film, dialogue techniques inspired by Aaron Sorkin, and character development based on psychological principles.
• Hands-On, Practice-Oriented Modules: Each module is filled with practical exercises tailored to develop specific aspects of storytelling—plot structure, descriptive writing, dialogue, and character arcs. These exercises, along with weekly feedback sessions, provide writers with immediate ways to apply and refine their skills.
• Focus on Emotional and Sensory Immersion: Through sensory writing and character-driven plot techniques, this course prioritizes creating immersive stories that captivate readers. Lessons on using sensory details and subtext ensure that each story element—from a single line of dialogue to an entire scene—enhances the reader’s connection to the narrative.
• Community and Feedback: In addition to individual practice, the course offers a supportive environment for feedback and peer review. Constructive, insightful critique sessions allow participants to see their work from different perspectives, making the process of writing collaborative and enriching.
• Professional-Level Tools and Resources: With access to TalentLMS and integration with Story Scaffolding, participants can track their progress, revisit lessons, and develop their craft in a structured, professional-grade setting.

This course is more than a set of lessons—it’s a transformative journey that empowers writers to tell stories with depth, purpose, and authenticity. By the end of the program, participants will have not only strengthened their writing skills but also cultivated a mindful approach to storytelling that can be applied across genres and forms.

The Mindful Storytelling Course is designed to be accessible to writers of all experience levels. Here’s what you’ll need to participate and get the most out of the program:

• Basic Writing Skills: A foundational understanding of grammar and basic narrative structure will help participants engage with the course content. No advanced writing background is required, but comfort with written expression is encouraged.
• Open Mindset: This course combines traditional storytelling techniques with mindful practices. An openness to exploring new approaches, including sensory writing and mindful awareness, will enhance your experience.
• Access to a Computer and Internet: Since this course is delivered online through TalentLMS, participants will need a reliable internet connection and a computer to access course materials, complete assignments, and join feedback sessions.
• Writing Software or Tools: While not required, having a word processor (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) or a dedicated writing tool (like Scrivener) will be beneficial for drafting and organizing your work.
• Time Commitment: Expect to dedicate approximately 3-5 hours per week to complete readings, assignments, and peer feedback. This will vary based on individual pacing, but consistency is key to making the most of each module.

With these basic requirements in place, participants will be fully equipped to dive into the world of mindful storytelling and refine their skills through a unique, structured learning experience.

Week 1

Plot Development and Structure

• Introduction to plot frameworks and storytelling arcs
• 3-Act and 5-Act structures: Building tension and creating resolutions
• Michael Hauge’s 6-Stage Plot Structure
• Outline your story and map key beats

Week 2

Building Tension and Pacing

• Techniques for escalating stakes in plot development
• Crafting climaxes and impactful resolutions
• Balancing fast-paced and slower, reflective scenes
• Practice outlining scenes with varying pacing

Week 3

Mastering Descriptive Style

• Sensory writing: Engaging all five senses to immerse readers
• “Show, don’t tell”: Techniques for vivid descriptions
• Using metaphors, similes, and symbolism effectively
• Exercise: Write a descriptive passage with layered sensory details

Week 4

Refining Descriptions and Editing

• Editing for clarity, pacing, and impact
• Avoiding info-dumps and spreading description naturally
• Enhancing atmosphere with specific, vivid language
• Practice: Edit and refine descriptive passages

Week 5

Dialogue Mastery – Inspired by Aaron Sorkin

• Writing fast-paced, engaging dialogue with purpose
• Balancing dialogue with action for dynamic scenes
• Creating subtext: Adding depth with what’s left unsaid
• Exercise: Craft a scene with opposing character goals

Week 6

Integrating Dialogue and Movement

• Techniques for “walk and talk” scenes
• How actions can complement and enhance dialogue
• Developing characters through verbal and non-verbal cues
• Exercise: Write a dialogue scene in a moving setting

Week 7

Character Development Fundamentals

• Creating character arcs, motivations, flaws, and goals
• Building relatable, multi-dimensional characters
• The importance of internal and external conflict
• Exercise: Create a character profile and outline their arc

Week 8

Character Agency and Growth

• Developing agency: Ensuring characters drive the story
• Evolving characters through challenges and decisions
• Balancing character-driven decisions with plot progression
• Exercise: Write a scene where a character faces a pivotal choice

Weeks 9-10

Final Integration and Application

• Bringing plot, description, dialogue, and character elements together
• Write a complete story or scene using techniques from all modules
• Peer feedback and revision sessions to refine work
• Final review and assessment of storytelling growth