Camp Structure:

Thirteen Weeks to Define and Refine Your Memoir’s Structure

Thursdays: January 6, 2022 – March 31, 2022 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Session Sold OUt

The January section of Camp Structure has sold out.

To join my priority waiting list for future sections, please send me an email.

You’ve written a few drafts of your memoir. The project finally looks like a story, but you’re not sure what story you’re trying to tell. Or maybe you know the story you want to write, but the best structure still eludes you. You’ve read a bunch of books, taken webinars, and moved a few things around, but every time you share the draft with beta readers, they smile blandly or say, “meh.” Perhaps you’ve received competing advice from agents and editors. One wants a little more of something, the other wants a whole lot less. You want to make the right decision, but WHO DO YOU TRUST? You fear the wrong advice will ruin the book you’ve worked so hard to write. But deep down, you know that doing nothing will guarantee this project collects virtual dust.

So how do you find the right structure for your book?

You don’t need more feedback on the pages you’ve written. You need targeted strategies that can help you develop a bird’s eye view of your book so you can finally see the story—and as a result the best structure—for sharing your life experience.

You also need tools that can help you shift things around without hacking your book to pieces.

Introducing…..

Camp Structure: thirteen weeks to design and refine your memoir’s structure

During this intensive program, you’ll work with a small group of writers who have the same structure goals. Together, you’ll learn how beat sheets, synopses, and chapter summaries can help you identify and refine the structure for your book.

During this program, you’ll learn:

The most common structures your memoir can take
How to find the narrative arc in your memoir
How to identify the relationship between narrative arc and structure
How to use various tools like beat sheets, synopses, and chapter summaries to design and refine your book’s structure

Best of all, you’ll experience the invaluable synergy that happens when writers do this work together.

This group is limited to 6 writers.

How does this program work?

The program is divided into two segments that leverage the power of mentorship, accountability and peer-spiration (that’s peer pressure + inspiration) to help make your success inevitable. During the live coaching segment, you’ll receive instruction on issues pertaining to structure, participate in structure workshops, and get your questions answered. During the program’s biweekly “peerspiration” sessions, where you’ll sit side-by-virtual-side with fellow writers, share your goals, and work on your own project (Trust me, you’ll get SO much done!)

During our time together, you’ll get:

Seven two-hour group coaching sessions, including hot seats, workshops of your project, progress reports, group guidance, and strategic advice from Yours Truly
Six two-hour peer-spiration sessions where you’ll sit side-by-virtual-side with fellow writers, share your goals, and work on your own project (Trust me, you’ll get SO much done!)
Written feedback on your beat sheet, synopsis, and chapters summaries
Unlimited email access to me.
Membership in a cohort of motivated, talented writers who will support your success.

What are the dates of the live coaching sessions?

Your SEVEN live coaching sessions will take place on the following Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST: 1/6/22, 1/20/22, 2/3/22, 2/17/22, 3/3/22, 3/17/22, and 3/31/22

What are the dates for the six peerspiration sessions?

Your SIX peerspiration sessions will take place on the following Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST: 1/13/22, 1/27/22, 2/10/22, 2/24/22*, 3/10/22, and 3/24/22

*Note: Due to a scheduling conflict, the peerspiration session on 2/24/22 will be on your own or organized in a different format. We will discuss this during our first session.

Who is a good fit for this program?

This is an intermediate level program best suited for writers who’ve worked through several drafts of their books.
Writers should have a general sense of what their book is about and understand the fundamentals of storytelling

Wondering if that’s you? Send me an email

This is an investment in your book and your writing career.

By the end of our time together…..

you’ll know what story you want to tell

you’ll understand what success means to you

you’ll have a vision for your book

you’ll know how to execute it.

When you receive future feedback, you’ll know what serves your story and what to ignore.

Best of all, you’ll have confidence in your ability to finish your memoir.

Ready to Proceed?

The cost for this program is $800 per writer for the entire program if paid in full

$850 if paid in installments. See the FAQs for more details

This is an investment in you and your success. And, the benefits from this program, like membership in a cohort, are priceless.

Because spaces in this program are limited, you’ll need to send me an email that includes the following information:

What your project is about
Where you are in the drafting process
What you hope to accomplish from this program

“I didn’t ever think I would finish this book, but now I think I have a chance.”

“Lisa is the best coach I’ve ever worked with. She is wise, compassionate, and insightful.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for the coaching sessions?

Thursdays, 1/6/22 – 3/31/22 from 1:00 PM EST – 3:00 PM EST

What happens during the two-hour coaching sessions?

During the first session, writers will introduce themselves to the group, identify their goals, amass their resources, and develop a plan for staying on track.

During the next five sessions, each writer will have two chances to be in the hot seat, which includes a 20-minute workshop of your project, based on what tool will best help you understand the structure for your book.

Writers who submit manuscripts for review will receive written feedback from me in addition to feedback shared during your hot seat session.

Not in the hot seat? You’ll have 10 minutes to report on your progress, ask for guidance, and receive support from your peers. The last 20 minutes of our session will be open for any remaining questions.

During our final session, we’ll explore what you’ll take away from this experience and how you’ll integrate the lessons learned into your writing project.

What are the writer’s expectations?

Writers need to make a clear commitment to their goal by

attending and participating in all seven coaching sessions,
working consistently on their projects.
honestly addressing any obstacles, and when appropriate, asking for help,
and showing up for your peers during our coaching sessions.

You will be expected to read any work submitted to the group so you can participate in the coaching session, but you are not required to provide written feedback to anyone.

Why do I need to read my peers’ work if I don’t have to provide written feedback?

When you read another writer’s work-in-progress, you’ll discover the strengths and weaknesses in your own manuscript. You’ll find yourself simultaneously inspired and motivated to work harder toward your goals.

And, just so you know this not my original idea, see Jeremiah Chamberlin’s Glimmer Train post “This Workshop Is Not for You.”

How do I show up for my peers?

Writing the occasional one-sentence note of encouragement to a peer who’s struggling.

Attending the five peer-spiration sessions and sharing any tips you’ve learned through your creative experiences, and modeling success by staying on track and working on your project.

If I’m trying to meet my goals, why in the world do I need to show up for someone else?

We learn best when we give a little of ourselves to others. Your peers are highly motivated, talented people who are as committed to their projects as you are. Giving a little of your time will remind you that we succeed together. This is how you develop a support network that lasts well beyond our coaching group.

What’s a peers-piration session?

Peer-spiration sessions are largely independent work sessions you will attend using a secure Zoom link.

During the first 15 minutes of the session, you’ll discuss your intentions and what you hope to accomplish. You can also ask for encouragement.

During the next hour and a half, you’ll turn off your Zoom video and audio and work independently on your project knowing your peers are doing the same.

During the final fifteen minutes, you’ll report on what you accomplished, share any struggles, and offer suggestions and inspiration to keep the whole group moving forward.

So, what’s the cost?

The cost of this thirteen-week program is $800 if you pay in full, or $850 if you pay in installments.

If you pay in installments, your first payment of $284 is due upon registration.

Your second payment of $283 is due on 2/1/22.

Your third payment of $283 is due on 3/1/22.

Contracts are required for all payment plans.

Invoices must be paid promptly. If they aren’t paid within one week of the issue date, I will offer the slot to another writer so I can ensure the group gets filled.

Failure to make second or third payments will result in your dismissal from the program without the possibility of a refund.

Why this price?

Ever blown off a webinar you paid $20 for because you had a headache? Let’s not talk about the free seminars you’ve signed up for and “forgotten.” We invest in our projects based on what we think they’re worth.

This is an investment in you and your project. This is about what you think you are worth.

The money you’re paying is not just for my guidance. It’s a form of paying into your accountability bank.

Are there any payment plans?

If you pay in advance and in full for the sessions the total cost is $800, or you may elect a payment plan. If you choose the payment plan, the total cost is $850.

For the payment plan,

your first payment of $284 will be due when you sign up.
Your second payment of $283 is due on 2/1/22
Your third payment of $283 will be due on 3/1/22

A contract will be required for payment plans, and a credit card will need to be kept on file.

Are there any refunds for this program?

When I work with writers, I’m a hell yes, all-in kind of coach. I want you to be a hell-yes all-in kind of client.

As a result, there are no refunds for this program.

However, given the fluid nature of our pandemic world, I am willing to discuss alternatives if someone experiences extenuating circumstances beyond their control.

“Lisa is amazing! Such a source of information and she has the ability to break it down into understandable bites.”

“Thanks for opening up a new avenue for me to keep wanting to write with more structure.”

Ready to nail your memoir’s structure?

Click on the link below to send me an email that includes the following information

What your project is about
Where you are in the drafting process
What you hope to accomplish from this program

Need to know a little more? Click on the link below and request a consultation to see if this program is right for you.