Presented By Natalie Damschroeder. Using examples from published novels and participant samples, Natalie J. Damschroder shows how to use the anatomy of a hook (setup, climb, punch, and payoff) to build suspense with every scene and chapter break. Intensify tension, strengthen pacing, and keep your readers breathless with anticipation for what comes next. 

Participants will be invited to submit anonymous examples of their work in advance of the workshop to be analyzed by the instructor and participants. (There is no guarantee submitted examples will be used; participants submit anonymously and understand their work may be critiqued.)

Natalie J. Damschroder is the published author of seven novels and nearly two dozen novellas and short stories. She currently writes urban fantasy and romantic adventure. Her day job of freelance editing and proofreading allows her to stay home with her kids and her fiction, and she fills in the gaps with volunteering for her local chapter (Central PA Romance Writers) and RWA (currently serving as PRO Education co-chair). You can find her on the web at www.nataliedamschroder.com, www.gabwagon.com, and www.supernaturalsisters.blogspot.com, as well as on Facebook, MySpace, and Goodreads.
 
Her novel “Kira’s Best Friend” is available from http://amberquill.com/KirasBestFriend.html.

Kira MacGregor left the boredom of Brook Hollow for the excitement of Boston long ago. She always thought nothing would drag her back—until her best friend, Jake McKenna, learns he’s dying. 

Jake has loved Kira all his life, and has waited in vain for her to settle down and return to Brook Hollow, the town he loves. Afraid he’s dying of cancer, he confesses this love; but the mole was precancerous, and Kira doesn't love him back... 

Or so she thinks. 

Drawn home for what she intends to be a temporary extended stay, Kira faces her altered relationship with Jake and the knowledge that she does love him. Unfortunately, understanding comes too late...since he’s about to be married...