Online Community

Join Valerie, Melanie, and authors from around the world, as we nerd out about all things storytelling, because when you're around better, you do better!

Monthly Q&A Calls

As you work through the lessons you'll naturally have questions. We want you to get the most out of this training, so each month we'll hop on a call and help you any way we can.

Learn at Your Own Pace

Fitting your writing in around an already hectic schedule? We understand. That's why we've made the entire program available to you right away. Whether you want to binge study or take it at a more leisurely pace, we've got you covered.

Why You Need This Course

The bar is extremely high for writers in today's publishing industry. There may have been a time when a writer's talent was nurtured along by editors like Maxwell Perkins and Robert Gottlieb, but those days are long gone. Now, writers have to show up ready to publish, and we've got to have a breakout book…fast! That means we need to educate ourselves. We need to understand our craft inside and out, because while there's an art to writing stories readers love, there's no mystery to how it's done. Those who truly understand stories know that breakout books contain FOUR things. And they're not hard to learn. The problem is that unearthing them, and learning about them, requires writers to spend thousands of dollars and many, many years studying. Until now. At Story Nerd, we've already invested the time and money so that you don't have to. The 4 Breakout Book Must-Haves is your "recipe" for mastering how to write a story people will read, and enjoy, all the way to the end.

Meet Your Instructor

Valerie Francis is a bestselling author, story editor and co-host of the Story Nerd podcast. Valerie helps women, who write in all genres, learn how stories work so they can finish their books faster and without frustration. Her mission is to show writers that story theory is a valuable tool that can — and will — help them write more, not less.

Curriculum

6 Chapters · 21 Lessons

  1. 1

    Fact, Not Opinion

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Stories Need These 4 Things

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Why You NEED a Breakout Book

  2. 2

    A Compelling Idea

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Know if Your Idea is Compelling

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Loglines and Hooks

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      3 Types of Hooks

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Themes and Controlling Ideas

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      The Central Dramatic Question

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Genre

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Story Form (aka Shapes of Stories)

  3. 3

    An Engaging Protagonist

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Emotional Engagement and Empathy

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      4 Types of Protagonists

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Character Dimension

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Cast Design

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Multiple Protagonists

  4. 4

    An Intriguing Plot

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Entertain the Reader

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Capture and Hold the Reader's Attention

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Increase Tension and Escalate Stakes

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The 4-Act Structure

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Subplots

  5. 5

    An Irresistible World

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Readers Want to Escape

  6. 6

    Best Advice

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      To Write a Breakout Book, You Must...

This is why we do what we do.

We explain story theory in a way that's easy to understand and use because for us, there's no greater buzz than seeing authors finally writing the books of their dreams. 

”
Working with Valerie has been the BEST decision and investment with respect to writing my first book. From the very beginning, she not only ignited a spark in my manuscript, but she reignited the spark within myself.
Kel D.

Author

”
I have learned about the craft of writing and the industry from attending Melanie’s classes. Her broad skills have been an asset to me.
Rebecca S.

Author

”
I just wish I had discovered Valerie years ago. I think a lot of the mistakes I made along the way and just getting that first draft down I mean, I think I had to do that just to get it out. But I think if I understood story well a little bit more as I was doing it, it would have saved me a lot of time. Valerie is the best.
Kathy M.

Author

”
There is no one better at talking story theory in applicable and relevant terms than Valerie Francis.
J.W. Judge

Author

”
Valerie saw the problems with my manuscript but unlike me, she managed to work around them. What a relief! Some of these things I've been thinking about for years now.
Vanessa A.

Author

”
I'm so impressed with Valerie's work ethic and her dedication to the craft. It started with what she's invested in going to study in New York and L.A. to become a better writer, and then her years of honing her skill to help other writers. Having read her novel Masquerade, I can say her writing is not only solid, but her execution of a compelling and unputdownable read is impeccable. It's obvious she really knows story.
Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Stark Reflections Podcast

”
Valerie is a phenomenal person to learn from. She thinks very deeply about story.
Julie Strauss

Best Book Ever Podcast

”
I have listened to many of the Story Nerd podcasts and I think Valerie and Melanie are superb. They are my go-to Story Guru Duo. Their stuff is exciting and entertaining but hits the sweet spot of useful information.
Caroline L.

Author

”
Melanie gave me confidence that my book would be free of errors and look professional when published. I would highly recommend Melanie to anyone.
T.M. Rosevere

Author

”
Rewatching the recording of "Hook Your Reader in 10 Pages or less" by Valerie Francis today, I had a breakthrough on making the antagonists of my WIP more interesting.
Roger A-G.

Author

”
I’ve known and have worked with Val for years, and I can honestly say, she knows more about how stories work than just about anyone I know. She's serious about the writing craft, and about explaining story theory in a way that writers can understand and use. Writers have a lot to learn from her.
J. Thorn

founder of TheAuthorLife.com

”
Melanie is one of my most trusted critique partners and I value her insights over anyone else’s.
Yvonne M.

Author

Are you ready to have a breakout book?

Discover how to write stories people will read, and enjoy, all the way to the end. What are you waiting for?

$97.00

Yes! I'm Ready! >>>