Thursday Master Class: The #1 Structural Mistake We See in Manuscripts (And How to Fix It)

Address the issue that halts more manuscripts than anything else. In this intensive, hands-on workshop, JJ Cagney and Carol Potenza identify the most common structural problem in unpublished work: a protagonist without a clear, driving goal.

Through guided exercises and real examples, you’ll learn how to identify weaknesses in your story’s foundation and rebuild it with stronger goals, motivations, and stakes. Discover how to transform a reactive character into an active force, align your plot with your genre, and make sure every scene advances your story.

Participants will revise their own story spine, identify problem areas in their manuscripts, and develop a clear plan to strengthen plot, pacing, and character arc.

You’ll depart with a solid structural foundation, practical revisions, and a clear roadmap to bring your manuscript closer to publication.

If your ticket type (registered attended or unregistered attendee) is sold out but the other type is still available, please let us know and we can get a ticket of your type switched over for you.