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Fiction Authors & writers learn story development & marketing.

3 Members 36 Courses 14 Posts

Reviews from Our members

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Wow! Exactly what I needed to get unstuck with my scene. Thank you so much Coach Rebecca & Coach Miriam! I love your suggestions. I can't wait to finish writing my fantasy book!

Reviews from Our members

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Rebecca has been a transformative force with insightful and personalized sessions, tools to navigate challenges with confidence. Her support let to self-discovery & growth & finishing my first book! 

Reviews from Our members

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I was able to publish my very first children's picture book with help from Coach Rebecca! She assisted with editing, cover design, and publication.  

Recent Posts 3
Rebecca Harmon
Story Development
Worldbuilding a Sandbox

Worldbuilding a Sandbox

Welcome to Worldbuilding Day! Your setting isn't just a backdrop; it's a sandbox your characters get to play (and struggle) in. Whether you're writing fantasy, sci-fi, or contemporary fiction, your world has rules.

Focus on the elements that directly impact your story.

  • For Fantasy: What are the rules of your magic system? What are its costs and limitations? Costmagic​>Benefittrivial​ is a good rule of thumb to create tension!

  • For Sci-Fi: What is the core technology? How has it changed society for better... and for worse?

  • For Contemporary/Historical: What specific cultural norms, social pressures, or historical events shape your character's choices?

👇 SHOW & TELL: Share ONE unique rule, piece of technology, or cultural aspect from your world. Explain how it affects your protagonist's journey.

#Worldbuilding #Setting #AmWritingFantasy #AmWritingSciFi #FictionWriter #MagicSystem #StoryDev


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Rebecca Harmon
Story Development
The Blueprint - Plotting Basics

The Blueprint - Plotting Basics

Plotter or Pantser, every story has a structure. The simplest and most powerful is the Three-Act Structure.

  • ACT I: The Setup. We meet the protagonist in their normal world. The Inciting Incident occurs, disrupting that world and launching them on a new path. It ends with them crossing a point of no return.

  • ACT II: The Confrontation. The messy middle! The protagonist faces rising stakes, tries and fails, learns new skills, and barrels toward a Midpoint (often a false victory or major defeat).

  • ACT III: The Resolution. The final showdown. The protagonist uses everything they've learned to face the final conflict in the Climax. The story then wraps up in the aftermath (Resolution).

👇 GROUP BRAINSTORM: What is the Inciting Incident of your story? What's the single event that kicks off the main plot and forces your hero to act?

#Plotting #Outlining #StoryStructure #ThreeActStructure #NaNoWriMoPrep #WritingAdvice #PlottervsPantser


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Rebecca Harmon
Story Development
Finding the Soul of Your Story

Finding the Soul of Your Story

We've built the body, now let's find the soul: The Theme.

Theme isn't a lecture; it's the central question or idea your story explores through its characters and plot. It's what your story is really about beneath the surface.

Examples:

  • Lord of the Rings explores themes of friendship, corruption, and the power of the "small folk."

  • Frankenstein asks questions about creation, responsibility, and what it means to be human.

You don't need to know your theme at the start; you often discover it as you write.

Look at the choices your character makes and the consequences they face.

👇 FINAL CHALLENGE: Thinking about your story's journey, what is one central question your novel asks its readers? (e.g., "Is true forgiveness possible?" or "Does the end justify the means?").

#LiteraryTheme #Storytelling #DeepWriting #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #Symbolism #ThematicWriting


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Courses

Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP

Alright, let's break down the self-publishing journey on Amazon KDP into manageable, expert-level steps. As an author and writing coach, I've seen countless writers navigate this process, and here's the collective wisdom:

0min
13 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Create a Children's Picture Book

Here's a quick step-by-step layout to guide you all the way through from start to finish in creating a children's picture book.

0min
16 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Budget Friendly Marketing Ideas

Find some new and creative methods for marketing your books and author brand on a budget. We all need impactful tactics without breaking the bank. Here are 7 actionable strategies:

0min
7 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Welcome to Empowered Author VIP!

Greetings from Coach Rebecca! I'd like to personally welcome you to Empowered Author VIP! This is where imagination meets innovation and practicality, all while learning, growing, and networking with other authors and writers! As you grow in your writing craft, your inspiration and skill will be guided to speed along towards publication and then marketing. This leads you towards profit and growing your readership. Here's a glance at what you might see each month in the group!

0min
14 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Who is My Target Audience?

Knowing your target audience is crucial for developing products that meet their needs and for generating ideas for future products. This understanding not only facilitates the sales process but also ensures that your product range is cohesive and customer-centric. It ultimately leads to a more organic and successful sales strategy. We'll dive into this process of truly knowing our targeted readers, what their needs are & how we can develop messaging specifically for them.

0min
3 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Brainstorming Book Ideas

Let's dive into one of the most delightful and fun activities an author gets to play around with - brainstorming for your next book idea! Gain inspiration and learn some clever ways to get those sparks flying for your next big writing adventure!

0min
3 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Writing Journey Inspiration

Finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. Gather creative ideas for starting and finishing your book-writing journey by collecting inspiration and storing it to propel you forward throughout this process. You might even chuckle at some of our zany ideas!

0min
8 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Opening Hook

Grab your readers' attention right from the start! Hook your readers in the opening of your story and entice them to dive deeper to learn what happens next.

0min
2 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Crafting the Perfect Adversary - Creating Compelling Villains

A great hero is often defined by the quality of their adversary. Let's move on to the next phase of story development. Try this module dedicated to crafting unforgettable villains.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Creating a Book Series

Alright, future book series authors, gather 'round. Let's talk about building incredible worlds that last, fiction stories that resonate, and well-developed characters that demand sequels. Writing a book series isn't just about stringing together multiple books; it's about crafting an experience that is enjoyed over the course of time throughout each book as it builds one upon the other. Let's tackle this exciting adventure together...

0min
6 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Imaginative Chapter Titles Technique

Prepare for a flash of crazy, zany chapter title brainstorming in this fun and inspirational collection of ideas on how to create imaginative chapter titles and where to gain inspiration for them.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Create Animalistic Characters

Learn how to instantly design interesting characters using animalistic characteristics. Find out how to use animals as inspiration to give your characters life and personality beyond the norm.

0min
7 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Character Arcs

Character arcs are the essential ingredient that transforms a simple plot into a resonant, unforgettable story. Here is a foundational course on mastering them.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Through Whose Eyes? Mastering Point of View

Point of View is one of the most powerful tools a writer has. It's the lens through which your reader will experience the entire story. Choosing the right one is crucial. Let's dive into a new course to explore this concept in depth.

0min
5 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Fortifying Your Narrative - Finding and Fixing Plot Holes

You've arrived at a critical stage of the writing process: strengthening the internal logic of your story. A believable world, no matter how fantastical, needs to follow its own rules. Spotting and fixing plot holes is what separates a good draft from a great, immersive novel. Here is the next course, designed to help you become an expert at fortifying your narrative.

0min
5 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Suspense Scenes & Comic Relief

Introducing a touch of comic relief and the concept of creating suspenseful moments that result in something cute or funny.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

The Magic of Short Stories: Crafting Powerful Narratives in a Compact Form

Have you ever enjoyed soaking in the mysterious and magical tales brought to life in a collection of short stories? Let's dive in and see what we can discover in this course dedicated to the joys of storytelling through easy-to-write and read bite-sized pieces. (An invitation to collaborate is offered in this course)

0min
6 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Best Platforms for Self-Publishing

Learn what today's top platforms are for self-publishing your next book!

0min
2 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Understanding Backstory Part 1

Every great story needs a clever and curious backstory to wet your readers' taste buds and get them hungry for more. Here are the "don'ts" and common pitfalls to avoid when writing your backstory. (Part 1)

0min
9 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Understanding Backstory Part 2

Learning "the do's" of backstory and how it can help YOUR current manuscript. Find out how to best make it work for you within your story and to fit your writing style.

0min
10 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Creating a Cozy Mystery

Ah, a cozy mystery! One of my favorite genres! It's such a delightful genre to explore and let those creative juices flow. Here's a mapped-out guide for crafting your own charming whodunit.

0min
11 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

SEO for Books

Let's dive into SEO strategies that will actually move books. It's not just about keywords; it's about building a sustainable, discoverable presence. Here's my take on learning how to choose keywords for your books and other strategies that matter in the long game:

0min
6 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Authorpreneur's Blueprint: Building a Multi-Stream Business from Your Stories

Learn a variety of useful ways you can create multiple forms of income and expand your business as an author, writer, and speaker. Dive in today and get started earning in more ways than you could imagine!

0min
15 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Crafting Your Hero: A Guide to Protagonist Development

A compelling hero is the heart of any great story. They are the reader's window into the world you've built and the emotional anchor for the entire narrative. You want to understand your protagonist on a deep level. This course is designed to help you move beyond surface-level descriptions and dive into the psychology of character creation. Through three modules, you will learn how to build a protagonist who is not only believable but also unforgettable.

0min
11 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

The Unsung Heroes - Crafting Memorable Supporting Characters

Building a rich world around your hero and villain is the next logical step. The supporting cast brings your story to life. Here is the next course in our fiction writing journey together, focused on creating dynamic and memorable supporting characters.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Constructing Your Stage - The Art of World-Building

It's time to build the stage upon which your characters will live, struggle, and triumph. A well-crafted world is a character in itself, shaping the story in profound ways. Here is a mini writing course dedicated to the art of world-building.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

The Story's Skeleton - Mastering Plotting Techniques

Now that we have a world for your characters to inhabit, let's build the road they will travel on. A strong plot provides the structure and momentum that will keep your readers turning the page. Here is the next writing course focusing on the essential techniques for plotting your novel.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

The Unforgettable Character Checklist

Having a memorable character is your story's most important asset. A character that readers connect with is a character they will follow, talk about, and remember long after they've finished the book. Here is a family-friendly checklist to guide you in crafting characters that leap off the page and into a reader's heart.

0min
13 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Painting with Words - Mastering Description

Ready for the next step? Description is what breathes life into your characters and scenes, transforming them from ideas into vivid experiences for the reader. Let's experience the next course in the writing process, focusing entirely on the art of description.

0min
3 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Beyond the Straight Line - Exploring Story Structures

It can be an excellent idea to explore how different story shapes can create unique reading experiences. The plot structures discussed in the "insert title" are foundational, but many other frameworks can make a story shine. Try exploring this new course on Story Structures that dives into some of these alternative narrative structures.

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

The Heartbeat of Your Story - Mastering Theme

Ready for another fantastic topic? Let me introduce you to the “theme” of a story. Theme is what elevates a story from a simple sequence of events into something that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level. It's the soul of your novel. Let's focus on this next important writing course to explore this vital concept.

0min
5 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

Introduction to Author Visits: Schools, Libraries & Book Shops

Author visits, book readings, and educational presentations are some of the most rewarding parts of being an author. They are a fantastic way to connect with your readers and inspire a new generation of writers. Here is a new course, developed through experience with author visits at school gymnasiums, book shops, and libraries, to guide you through the process of creating a memorable author visit that students can engage with and enjoy.

0min
5 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

GMC's (Goal, Motivation, Conflict)

Get a better understanding of how to use GMC's in your daily writing process.

0min
7 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

AI Image Vault for Authors

Public Label Rights Ai Image Vault: Gain access to gorgeous Ai Images in 2400x2400 pixels (1:1 ratio), 1200x1200 pixels, and 3200x1792 pixels (16:9 ratio) to use in your personal or Commercial products for books, social media, printables, branding, or other. New images added monthly!

0min
4 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon

RESOURCE VAULT: Content Creation Station for Authors

Welcome to your handy, dandy CSS Resource Vault (Content Creation Station for Authors!) This is where you can find a variety of helpful templates and other resources to propel your author's journey in marketing and other areas. You have access to TIER 1 once you reach level 4 on the leader boards, which is included with your membership to Empowered Author VIP.

0min
19 Lessons
Author
Rebecca Harmon
Recent Posts 3
Rebecca Harmon
Story Development
Raising the Stakes

Raising the Stakes

If your reader ever asks "So what?"... you have a stakes problem. The stakes are the answer to the question: "What happens if the protagonist fails?"

Stakes must be clear, personal, and they must ESCALATE throughout the story.

  • Beginning: Maybe the hero loses their job.

  • Middle: Their failure could cost their family's home.

  • End: Their failure could lead to the destruction of their city or the death of a loved one.

Stakes can be internal (loss of hope, identity) or external (loss of life, freedom).

👇 LET'S GET DRAMATIC: What is the absolute WORST thing that could happen if your protagonist fails at the CLIMAX of your novel? Go big!

#WritingTips #StoryStakes #RaisingTheStakes #PlotHelp #AmWriting #AuthorsofInstagram


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Rebecca Harmon
Story Development
Building Your Protagonist

Building Your Protagonist

A great idea needs a great character to bring it to life! Today, let's focus on our protagonists. The most compelling heroes are defined by three key things, often called GMC:

  1. GOAL: What do they want more than anything? (To find a lost relic, to protect their family, to win the championship). This must be a tangible, external goal.

  2. MOTIVATION: Why do they want it so badly? (Because of a past failure, to prove their worth, to save someone they love). This is the internal, emotional driver.

  3. CONFLICT: What's standing in their way? (A powerful villain, a flawed society, their own self-doubt).

👇 ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY: In the comments, tell us your protagonist's main GOAL. Then, reply to at least one other writer's comment and suggest a potential MOTIVATION for their character's goal. Let's help each other build deeper characters!

#CharacterDevelopment #Protagonist #AmWritingFiction #WriterTips #Storytelling #GMC


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Rebecca Harmon
Story Development
The Antagonistic Force

The Antagonistic Force

Your hero is only as compelling as the obstacles they face. Let's talk about the Antagonistic Force!

This isn't always a caped villain. It's the primary force creating the Conflict for your protagonist. It could be:

  • A Person: A rival with an opposing goal.

  • A System: A corrupt government, an oppressive society, or a corporate entity.

  • An Environment: A harsh planet, a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

  • The Self: The protagonist's own internal flaws, fears, or past trauma.

The best antagonists believe they are the hero of their own story. Their goals should be just as clear and motivated as your protagonist's.

👇 LET'S DISCUSS: Who or what is the main antagonistic force in your story? What do they want, and why does it put them in direct opposition to your hero?

#WritingConflict #Antagonist #Villains #StoryStructure #Plotting #AmWriting


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Reviews from Our members

U
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"I recommend REBECCA HARMON, highly favored. My every expectation has been met triumphantly. She labors in her work, with wisdom, in spirit & in truth."

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