Despite the time frame stipulated in the title, my involvement was confined to one hectic day at the Pyle Center since I failed to secure a spot in either of the critique sessions on Friday afternoon or Sunday morning. Having driven down the night before, the threat of snow showers prompted my return to Minneapolis Saturday evening.

However, instructors Marshall Cook, Christine De Smet, and Laurel Yourke gave everyone who attended much to ponder regarding the structure of their novels during those seven hours. Christine De Smet offered lots of insight on the structure of novels, particularly about their spines and midpoints.  She also discussed the three major plot considerations all novels should have: external, internal, and romantic. From a simple police procedural my third novel has transformed into a potential search for redemption by its protagonist, detective Walter Bergstrom. 

Laurel Yourke discussed the distinctions among the protagonist, the narrator, and the novelist and how working with those differences create an author’s voice.  She also provided the Web address for new authors searching for agents: Kevin Brockmeier’s litmatch.net

By the end of this conference at the Pyle Center, everyone believed their novel would be ready for publication with just a little more tweaking. Look out, Donald Maass! Best sellers coming your way.