All Pennwriters Webinars are conducted in a "live" presentation format utilizing the Zoom platform. You must be logged in as an active Pennwriters member to register. If a conflict arises based on the required meeting times, please contact the Online Courses Coordinator to find a possible solution. ALL sessions will be recorded. Recordings are available to participants for 1-2 weeks after each recorded session.
PLEASE NOTE: You should receive a confirmation email upon registering for the webinar from both Club Express and the Online Classes Coordinator. If you do not receive either email, please reach out to the Online Classes Coordinator immediately so you do not miss out on information for the webinar.
Description
Whether you're crafting a short story, developing a novel, plotting a screenplay, or structuring a stage play, this workshop provides the universal framework every narrative needs.
No agonizing over "the perfect structure," no overwhelming theory. Just playful assembly that leads to compelling stories across all mediums—from the page to the screen to the stage. Following the successful approach from my June 28th Build-A-Character workshop, Build-A-Plot uses rapid-fire creative exercises and gut-level storytelling instincts to transform plot development from intimidating task to enjoyable creative experience that works for writers in any format.
5 Key Workshop Goals:
- Master the Story Spine Framework - Construct complete story backbone using "Once upon a time... until finally..." structure that supports any genre.
- Build Escalating Conflict Through "The Trouble Ladder" - Create 5-7 increasingly compelling obstacles that force character growth and maintain reader engagement.
- Craft Irresistible Story Questions - Plant driving questions that make readers unable to put your story down using the "curiosity gap" technique.
- Design Meaningful Stakes - Move beyond surface consequences to create emotional resonance by connecting external plot to internal character needs.
- Create Surprising Yet Inevitable Plot Points - Master revelations that shock readers while feeling completely logical, using the "plant and pay off" system.
Workshop Structure
Hour 1: Story Foundation - Story spine construction, trouble ladder mapping, stakes assessment
Hour 2: Momentum Engine - Curiosity gaps, character-plot integration, midpoint mastery
Hour 3: Payoff Assembly - Plant & payoff setup, climax construction, resolution crafting
Target Audience
Fiction writers, screenwriters, playwrights, and storytellers of all experience levels. Perfect for anyone with characters who need compelling plots, writers struggling with story structure, or creators wanting narratives that captivate audiences across any medium.
Proven methodology transforms intimidating plot development into enjoyable creative experience. Writers leave with usable story framework, practical tools, and excitement to write stories readers can't put down.
About the Instructor: Diana Dru Botsford's fascination with storytelling has propelled her from one medium to another, as she crafts tales for novels, short stories, theater, television, web series, and film. Along with her dad, Botsford co-wrote the fan-favorite episode "Rascals" for Star Trek: The Next Generation. She’s authored multiple works for Stargate SG-1’s tie-in universe include the novels Four Dragons and The Drift as well as the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers’ Scribe Awards Nominee short story "Perceptions." Her recent contributions include "Everything and Nothing" for the 2024 IAMTW anthology, Double Trouble, "History is Written by the Losers" for the 2024 HERitage anthology, and “Sisters” for the newly released 2025 edition.
Botsford created, wrote, and produced the 6-part award-winning time travel web series, Epilogue (http://epiloguetheseries.com). As a TV/Film writer, producer, and visual FX producer/director, her credits range from cult-favorite animated series such as Inspector Gadget, Spiral Zone, and Heathcliff and the feature film Pound Puppies & The Legend of Big Paw to live-action projects such as Tales from the Darkside, the CBS series Harts of the West, and Nightgames. Her Visual FX work includes films such as Nightmare on Elm Street VI, Dusk 'Til Dawn, Clifford, and Terminator 2.
Botsford has also written and directed for the historic Landers Theatre, incorporating ASL performers as main characters and offering fresh interpretations of family-oriented stories like Alice in Wonderland and Stuart Little. On the education front, she created and directed the award-winning screenwriting program at Missouri State University for nearly 20 years and has now turned her eye to teaching and coaching in the private sector while she continues her work developing a television pilot currently under option to an independent studio. She’s knee-deep in writing a science fiction mystery novel, and crafting her next story for the upcoming 2026 HERitage anthology.
Email & Links:
contact email: dianabotsford@gmail.com
web page: dianabotsford.com
Instagram: @digitalred93
Facebook: http://facebook.com/diana.botsford