Create Believable Characters that Emotionally Resonate with Your Readers

July 7th to August 9th, 2025
Fiction • Online • Saturdays, 12pm–2pm ET

You are invited to the first-ever session of Bringing Your Characters to Life with Erin Swann.

This course is an exploration of the art and craft of creating characters that live and breathe on the page, so you can write compelling characters that resonate deeply with your readers.

The most compelling stories have characters with an emotional understory tied into every aspect of the plot. This brings meaning and life to every part of your story, and it all happens through your characters and the reader's connection to them. When done right, this emotional understory is key to creating characters that come to life in the minds (and hearts) of your readers.

Each week of this course focuses on one key aspect of creating compelling characters, with a focus on developing an “emotional understory” that resonates deeply with your readers. Key topics you’ll explore include the emotional "third rail,"  your character's motivations/goals, and the three elements needed to make your readers immediately connect with your characters within the first ten pages.

During this online course, you’ll get:

  • In-depth lessons on the art and craft of creating compelling and memorable characters.
  • 5 weeks of live classes that bring key concepts to life, while also encouraging community and friendships with other participants, to help sustain your writing long after the course is complete.
  • 2 one-on-one sessions with Erin, so you can get personal feedback on your work, and a clear plan for moving forward with your story.

Your instructor, Erin Swann has been running similar live sessions for two years with a small group of writers. After seeing how every member of the group flourished with the lessons and advice presented in this course, she really wanted to share those writing sessions with others.

Erin designed this course with the goal of making participation easy, while also encouraging long-term friendships and connections to flourish between course participants. The goal isn't just to help you learn the craft of creating compelling characters, but to also help you sustain your writing long after the course is complete.

In addition to the weekly live meetings, you'll have two one-on-one meetings with Erin, so you can get feedback on your work, and a clear plan for moving forward with your story. Erin is usually too busy to be able to provide one-on-one consultations. However, she was able to make the time available for this session of the course.

Please note that space in this course is strictly limited due to the individual attention Erin is giving every participant in the course.

For those interested in participating, you are encouraged to enroll right away.

Enroll Now for $450 $375 (Early Bird Tuition)

One-on-One Live Feedback, Directly with Erin Swann

In addition to the weekly live meetings, you'll have two one-on-one meetings with Erin, so you can get feedback on your work, and a clear plan for moving forward with your story.

Erin is usually too busy to be able to provide one-on-one consultations. However, she was able to make the time available for this session of the course.

  • Get tailored guidance and support throughout the entire course, based on your one-on-one meetings with Erin.

  • Easily schedule these meetings at a time that works for you.

  • Get personal feedback and support on your writing, and a plan for moving forward with confidence.

Get Five Weeks of Craft Lessons and Inspiration So You Can Make Real Progress On Your Writing

The course is held entirely online, using our online community discussion platform, as well as Zoom for live interaction.

The course starts on July 7th, and concludes on August 9th, 2025. The live meetings will be on Saturdays, 12pm-2pm ET. They will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.

While the live meetings are on Saturdays, each week of the course includes asynchronous class discussions, and handourds. You'll also have the opportunity share your work with others, and the chance to connections and find potential long-term writing partners.

  • 5 weeks of live sessions designed to transform your ability to create compelling characters that readers love.

  • Get two one-on-one meetings with Erin Swann, so you can get individualized advice and feedback on your work.

  • Weekly discussion prompts that get you thinking about your writing and engaging with peers

  • Opportunities to post work in a community space for sharing, support, or feedback

  • Lessons aimed to be practical and easy to apply immediately to your writing.

About Erin Swann

Erin Swann is a speculative fiction author, novelist, and writing instructor. She's been widely published in publications such as Andromeda Spaceways, Flash Fiction Online, and Factor Four Magazine.

Her work has also been longlisted or a finalist for many awards, including the Parsec Short Story Award, the Page Turner Award, and the Writers of the Future Award.

Erin lives and writes in Maryland.

A photo of Erin, with logos of the publications she has been featured in. Including Cloaked Press, Flash Fiction Online, Andromeda Spaceways, Brigids Gate Press, and Factor Four Magazine.

What Writers Are Saying About Working with Erin

“Every session, I nod along, thinking ‘Yeah, of course! We all know this.’ Then, we get to the application and I realize ‘Wow, I need to apply this.’”

Jill W.

“I have been stuck for months on my WIP and my sole new material comes from these sessions.”

Rob M.

FAQ

  • Who is this course designed for?

    This course is designed for authors of fiction who want to learn the art and craft of developing memorable character for their stories.

    More specifically, this course is perfect for those working on a novel, or shorter fictional pieces, and want to enhance their ability to create characters readers that resonate deeply with readers.

    The exercises, prompts, and lessons in this course are designed to benefit experienced writers, as well as those new to writing.

  • What if I can't make it to a live meeting?

    All of the meetings will be recorded, so you can participate "asynchronously" after the fact.

    In addition, lessons and discussions will be available in our community learning platform on your own time, outside of the live meetings.

  • When does the early bird tuition expire?

    To take advantage of the early bird tuition, please register before June 30th. (Note, the course may sell out before this date.)

  • Why are you limiting enrollment in this course?

    Space in this course is strictly limited due to the personal attention and one-on-one meetings Erin is providing to every participant.

    The course is designed to have enough participants to develop a strong community, while still allowing Erin to meet with every participant twice, and also give each participant careful attention and support.

Enroll Now

Early Bird Tuition is available until June 30th, 2025.
Space is strictly limited.