The 10 Key Scenes That Frame Up Your Novel

An in-depth video course to help writers master solid story structure

Enroll in Full Course for $99 Full course + critique of your Ten Key Scene Chart for $147

Writing a terrific novel is a complex endeavor. And while there are hundreds of books, podcasts, and blog posts that teach aspiring authors how to structure scenes and plot out a solid story, none implement the most intuitive and effective method for success.

Novels are made up of dozens of scenes, and regardless of genre, time-tested structure dictates what key scenes are needed and where. Most writers are familiar with some of those scenes: the Inciting Incident, the Midpoint, and the Climax, to name a few.

But novelists need more than a few landmarks to find their way across the tricky terrain of novel plotting.

They need a surefire method to organizing all their scenes.

In this video course, you’ll be introduced to an innovative, intuitive method for arranging your scenes and crafting a beautifully structured story. Nearly every great story, whether a novel, a play, or a movie, follows this time-tested structure. And it isn’t all that hard!

The ten key scenes are your story foundation. If you don’t construct them well, your story will collapse.

In this course, you’ll learn these crucial elements of novel structure:

  • What the 5 major turning points are and where they’re placed in your novel
  • How to know exactly where to start your story and how to set up your premise
  • What the ten key scenes are that serve as the framework for your novel
  • What pinch points are and why you need them
  • How to craft those essential twists and where they’re placed in your story for greatest impact
  • Why your protagonist’s goal is the key to great storytelling
  • What the six stages of character transformation are and where those specific scenes go

Don’t guess what scenes you need in your novel. Don’t guess where your scenes go. Guessing usually leads to novel failure.

With the method, you’ll guess no more. You can write terrific novels, every time, if you follow this blueprint!

Your course includes video modules for each lesson, slides and movie clips, and charts, along with passages from novels, to help you fully understand the content. You’ll also get handouts you can download, including worksheets to use to help you brainstorm your turning points, key scenes, and the protagonist’s transformational journey.

This course lays the foundation for the intuitive layering method outlined in Layer Your Novel: The Innovative Method for Plotting Your Scenes. Once you’ve mastered your ten key scenes, you’ll be ready to brainstorm your second layer of scenes. An online video course will be added to this school later this year to help you layer your next ten scenes!

International best-selling author Jerry Jenkins says of this layering method:

“I loved this book. There is so much here, yes, even for us pantsers—because in every novel manuscript there comes that point where we wish we were plotters. And as much as C. S. Lakin eschews winging it, her layering method actually allows for enough creativity and innovation that we get the best of both worlds.

If the idea of outlining repulses you, admit there are times when you wish you’d done it, and give Layer Your Novel a peek. It’ll make you a better storyteller.”

What writers say about this course:

“C. S. Lakin is a genius! I love how she merges mind-blowing structure information into comprehendible audio/visual lessons. I’m one who needs to have complicated concepts explained simply. Thank you Susanne!” ~Phyllis Still

“I’ve taken several craft courses over the past five years in an effort to learn plotting, character development, character arcs, and creating setting. While I believed I was getting it, I found something to be missing—a clear understanding of the scene as it relates to plot and character. Layering Your Novel, was an eye-opener in that it established the ‘scenes’ necessary to move plot and character development forward such that it provides an emotional satisfaction for the reader. Putting those ten critical scenes into an online video course is outstanding for any writer. I wish this course had been available when I started my book several years ago. Whether you’re new to the writing process or an old pro, this course is a must have in your library.” ~ Larry Keeton

Get started now!

Enroll in Full Course for $99 Full course + critique of your Ten Key Scene Chart for $147

Your Instructor

C. S. Lakin

C. S. Lakin is the award-winning author of thirty books and blogger at Live Write Thrive, a top-ten site for writers. She works as a book copyeditor and writing coach, specializing in manuscript critiques. Her writing craft book series The Writer’s Toolbox teaches aspiring and experienced novelists how to write terrific stories. More than 5,000 writers have taken her online video courses over the last 10 years. She loves nothing more than to help writers craft stellar novels and experience success and joy in their writing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take this course?

Any writer interested in crafting a terrific, solidly structured novel! Whether you are just starting in your novel-writing journey or you’re a seasoned (even published) author, you’ll benefit from this practical, time-saving method of organizing your scenes!

Is the course content the same as in the book Layer Your Novel?

This course is based on the content and method found in my book, but it’s so much more! While it only covers the first ten key scenes, this course has more than 50% new and additional content.

When does the course start and finish?

The course is up and running and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course – you decide when you start and when you finish.

How long do I have access to the course?

How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like – across any and all devices you own.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

What Some Say about My Courses

Here’s what some of the 5,000+ students enrolled in my online video courses and master classes have to say:

“I have learned SO much in such a short space of time. It was a big commitment to make, but it was so, so worth it. I won’t ever regret it—at the very least, my writing will be so much better than before. The very best outcome is beyond exciting and I feel far more confident about making that dream a reality. C.S. Lakin is an expert in crafting a novel, is approachable and down-to-earth. She is supportive and takes an active interest in the development and progression of our writing, giving the support to make that dream a reality.”
— Liz Thompson
“As someone who has only really started writing about a year ago, I can say without doubt that this course has made my writing 1,000 times better. Not just simple things like not putting in so many speech tags or formatting. The structure of my novel, the POV, sensory detail. While I had some of these things already, learning what works and what doesn’t has improved my writing tenfold. I honestly did not know what to expect when I enrolled in this course, but it has changed my writing and my joy of writing for the better. I cannot thank Susanne enough, and I look forward to continuing to learn from her in the future.”
— Joshua Bruce
“Susanne has an amazing ability to analyze scenes and point out the subtleties of what works and why. As an instructor, she is encouraging and patient. You’ll love working with her!”
— Dana Killion
“You’ll quickly learn techniques on plotting and craft that normally takes writers years to develop. I was stalled on a manuscript and after only a few sessions could see exactly what I needed to do to continue with revisions. I highly recommend any of Susanne’s courses to both new and experienced writers.”
— Jean Grabow
“Susanne’s 8 Weeks to Writing a Commercially Successful Novel is one of the best developed and delivered writing classes I’ve taken. With the depth of an MFA masterclass, but with the real-world guidance that can only come from a seasoned writing and editing professional, Susanne by-passes the well-trod writing advice fluff and provides writers with strategies to craft stories readers will love.”
— Sharon Ritchey
VP Communications, Women’s
Fiction Writers Association
“Susanne is a generous and accessible instructor who can analyze a scene the way a skilled mechanic can diagnose and correct a fault in an engine. She has amassed a helpful store of instructional materials and sample readings that vividly show the elements of a powerful scene. The practice I’ve gained in analyzing other writers’ scenes will help me write more visceral scenes in my own novel. Thank you, Susanne!”
— Lou Schlesinger
“Susanne Lakin is extremely knowledgeable of industry trends, effective pacing and structure protocols for creating successful commercial novels in today’s environment, and devotes her time, energy and support to her students. I would recommend her course to both beginning and experienced novelists.”
— Kendrick Smith
“I learned a brilliant set of writing skills. Her courses have enabled me to improve on my writing skills overall. However, I was amazed at the depth of knowledge Susanne has and how easily she made the topics of dialogue, tension, micro tension and high stakes come alive in writing. The hows and whys you should use these and there were plenty of examples to go through which highlighted each area being taught. I cannot praise Susanne enough for imparting her often hard won knowledge and would highly recommend this short course as for writers looking to develop and improve their writing skills and knowledge. Five Stars Susanne! Thank you.”
— Lorna Dolan

Get started now!

Enroll in Full Course for $99 Full course + critique of your Ten Key Scene Chart for $147

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