Bringing Fiction to Life by Donna Fleisher

the course

Ezekiel 37:1

The hand of the
LORD came upon
me and brought me
out in the Spirit of
the LORD, and set
me down in the
midst of the valley;
and it was full of
bones.

Bringing Fiction to Life
On Writing Powerful Christian Novels

A six-hour course designed to enlighten and educate new novelists about the
craft of writing not just any fiction, but powerful Christian fiction.

Exekiel 37:2

The He caused me to
pass by them all
around, and behold,
there were very
many in the open
valley; and indeed
they were very dry.

Ezekiel 37:3

And He said to me,
"Son of man, can
these bones live?" So
I answered, "O Lord,
GOD, You know."

Ezekiel 37:4-5

Again He said to
me, "Prophesy to
these bones, and say
to them, 'O dry
bones, hear the
word of the LORD!

'Thus says the Lord
GOD to these bones:
"Surely I will cause
breath to enter into
you, and you shall
live."'"

Ezekiel 37:10

So I prophesied as
He commanded me,
and breath came into
them, and they
lived, and stood on
their feet.

On CD . . .

. . . or cassette.

Join me on this journey . . . if you dare.
Learn ways to breathe life into your story so it almost literally leaps off the page.

We'll talk about the difference between a story requiring no rules in the telling and a novel refined
by the transformation required to bring it (and you) to the place where it has the potential to be
published. We'll explore all the elements of fiction in a way that stresses strengthening
characterization to achieve visual and vibrant success.

This information may be just what you have been looking for.
My hope is that it will point you in the right direction as you continue on this writing adventure.

Course description

Hour 1

Why was the course created?
What is its purpose?
Who I am, as its facilitator.
Why should we write Christian fiction?
What is the purpose of a true work of Christian fiction?
Storytelling versus writing a powerful and publishable novel. What's the difference?
The Triangle Idea with two-way streets.
But what should it really be?

Hour 2

Wrap up the Triangle discussion.
The elements of fiction, understanding the artistry of the craft.
Premise: starting the story, having substance to sustain it, and considering audience.
Conflict, danger, intrigue . . . exciting entertainment. Easy, right?
Theme and message. Why?
Tone of your novel. What does it say about you and your writing ability?
Setting, and the story's time frame. Logical and chronological.

Hour 3

Novel structure: scenes, chapters, moments in time, events, and transitions.
Writing the novel vividly, vibrantly, so it's lean and clean.
Words to phrases to sentences to paragraphs to scenes to chapters to . . .
Words to avoid.
Powerful writing to sustain your powerful story.

Hour 4

Flow. Readability at its best.
Formatting the manuscript so it really shines.
The Christian thread of your novel.
Author's voice, and how it differs from your character's voice.
Avoiding author intrusion.

Hour 5

Plotting out the events of your story.
Point of view.
Show versus tell. RUE.
What, how, and why.

Hour 6

Strengthening characterization strengthens every other part of your story. How?
Dialogue.
Narrative versus dialogue.
Direct thought versus interior monologue.
Structure of dialogue and meeting readers' expectations.
Dialogue tags.
Action beats.
The Christian Fiction Industry.
A taste of the raging debate.
The difference between ECPA, CBA, and ABA.
The benefits ECPA has over ABA.
Why be a Christian novelist?
Resources for more information.

The information presented in this course is, in my opinion, the place to start.

(Click here to read what others had to say about the course.)

If you've finished your manuscript and are ready to submit, be sure you are ready by
comparing what you've already learned about the craft with what is presented here.
Use this information to strengthen the work you've already done.

Do all you can to strengthen your work.

Once you have listened to this information, processed it, pondered it, discerned for
yourself that it will work for you, and then completed a solid rewrite of your manuscript
incorporating what you've learned into it, then you'll be ready to engage the services of a
professional freelance editor who will help you take the next steps to further prepare
your work so it is ready to submit to an editor or agent.

Lots to think about.

This is a great place to start.

The cost of the course is $35 plus $4.95 shipping.
This cost will never increase.

To order, please send me an e-mail at
donna at donnafleisher dot com
and I will send you my mailing address.

Also, please be sure to indicate your preference: cassette tapes or CDs.

Thanks!
I pray all His best for you on this journey.

P.S. Check out the Christian Proofreaders and
Editors Network at www.theChristianPEN.com
for a list of professional freelance editors who
may be able to help you with your manuscript.