Class

Goal, Motivation, Conflict, and Stakes for Fiction Writers

With a strong grasp of GMC&S–goal, motivation, conflict, and stakes–you can sharpen your story and energize your process at any stage, from initial idea generation to revision. Join us for four weeks (one for each concept) to explore and experiment with this cornerstone tool for fiction writers.

Why dive deeper into GMC&S? This framework can help writers escape overwhelm, get unstuck, connect you (and readers) with characters, figure out a story's shape, define its plot, find new entry points into projects even if you're not a "planner," and solve pacing and tension problems at the level of the whole story or within individual scenes. It's also fun!

Fiction writers at all levels, and folks at any stage of the writing process, are welcome. Expect a mix of lecture and opportunities to write, dream, discuss, ask questions, and share ideas.

All classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.