Friday Breakout Workshop: Goal, Motivation & Conflict: The Three Key Elements of Every Novel, Synopsis, Pitch, & Back Cover Copy

Friday, August 21, 2026 • 1:50-2:35pm
Must be registered for the conference to attend breakout workshops.

Goal. Motivation. Conflict. Every novel requires all three elements. However, being able to define your GMC goes beyond simply writing a compelling story. For writers aiming for traditional publishing, mastering GMC will help you create the perfect elevator pitch, query letter, and synopsis. For those interested in indie publishing, GMC is crucial for crafting engaging back cover copy. In this workshop, bestselling author Lois Winston will not only help you identify your main character’s internal and external goals, motivations, and conflicts, but also show you how GMC can benefit you even after finishing your novel.