Map Your Novel Plot (Kristie Smeltzer)

This class will meet in person at WriterHouse for 2 sessions (note different time durations):

• Saturday, 2/28/26 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Saturday, 3/14/26 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

Description:

Sometimes structural choices are all that separate a successful novel that gets published from one that doesn’t. This seminar series aims to demystify story structure and enable participants to feel confident incorporating one or more narrative frameworks into their writing process. 

In the first seminar, we’ll discuss several story structures. These frameworks provide different ways to look at the key plot points that become our novel’s skeleton, and the structures vary in the level of detail and complexity. We’ll also look at the role of causality in fiction and how it drives effective plots. 

In between the seminars, participants will pick one framework we discussed and apply it to their novel in progress. They’ll map out the entirety of their narrative arc and prepare to present their work to the group. 

During our second seminar, each participant will share their story map. Classmates and the instructor will ask questions and make suggestions with the intention of helping the writer ensure their plot feels solid. 

This seminar series will be helpful for fiction writers just starting on a novel who want to write to a plan, those who’ve hit a “what next” point in a draft, and those who’ve completed a draft and are wondering “what now”? 

About the Instructor:

Kristie Smeltzer's fiction has been published by Scribes*MICRO*Fiction, MonkeyBicycle, Atticus Review, and others. She is currently working on several novels. She earned her MFA in creative writing at the University of Central Florida. Kristie has taught at WriterHouse since 2016, and her students have gone on to publish their work in literary magazines, with small presses, and through large publishing houses. She also helps others tell their stories as a developmental editor and writing coach. Learn more at www.kristiesmeltzer.com.