About the WriterSpark

Ready, Set, Write! Course


Deadlines work for a lot of people. They're a way to motivate you by giving you specific tasks to complete by specific times.

Being a writer demands dedication and commitment. You have to want it.

The WriterSpark Ready, Set, Write! course teaches you the nuts and bolts of creating everything you need to tell a compelling story.

By the end of our four weeks (self-paced) together, your virtual toolbox will be filled with everything you need to write your first novel.


In this course, you will:


  • Develop your protagonist and antagonist


  • Understand the two most common story structure templates:
  • The Three Act Structure
  • The Hero's Journey


  • Create a skeleton outline of your story


  • Understand Scene Structure, including:
  • Scene and Sequel, which includes Goal, Motivation, Conflict, Disaster, and the responses of reaction, dilemma, and decision
  • Motivation-Reaction Units


  • Write a minimum of three scenes utilizing all you've learned


  • Includes bonus content!


*Formerly called 30 Days to Craft Your Novel

Ready, Set, Write!

Learn the nuts and bolts of fiction writing and create everything you need to tell a compelling story.


(Formerly 30 Days to Craft Your Novel)



Are you ready to seize the day and start your writing journey?

Choose a Pricing Option


About WriterSpark and Melissa Bourbon



Welcome to WriterSpark Fiction Writing Academy. I am the national bestselling author of more than twenty-five mystery books, including the Book Magic mysteries, the Lola Cruz Mysteries, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and the Bread Shop Mysteries, written as Winnie Archer.

Before, and even during, parts of my writing career, I taught middle and high school English/Language Arts. Teaching is in my blood!

Now, instead of teaching kids, I get to work with aspiring and established authors. I created WriterSpark as a way to pay it forward by sharing what I've learned over the past twenty years in the publishing business.

I have taught with Southern Methodist University's CAPE program, and currently teach courses online, I coach, and I do freelance editing.

Meanwhile, I still write fiction full-time. I live what I teach. Join me and find your WriterSpark.



Learn more about me at my website, www.melissabourbon.com;

on Facebook @MelissaBourbon/Winnie ArcherBooks;

and on Instagram @bookishly_cozy


Image: Melissa Bourbon

Course Curriculum


  Introduction
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  Week 1: Characters
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  Week 2: Story Structure
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  Week 3: Essential Elements of Writing
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  Week 4: Understanding Scene
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WriterSpark Courses and Coaching



Ready, Set, WRITE!

Develop the core elements of your novel including character development, story structure, skeleton outlining, essential writing elements, scene development, and more. (*Formerly called 30 Days to Craft Your Novel)

Melissa Bourbon

Melissa Bourbon

$499.99

PDF Companion Workbook for Ready, Set, WRITE!

All support material for Workbook for Ready, Set, WRITE! available in a downloadable PDF

Melissa Bourbon

Melissa Bourbon

$15

Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery

A WriterSpark Master Class covering everything you need to know about writing a killer cozy mystery

Melissa Bourbon

Melissa Bourbon

$499

WriterSpark Academy One-on-One Coaching

Melissa Bourbon

Melissa Bourbon

$900

WriterSpark Academy One-on-One Coaching (1 Hour Session)

Melissa Bourbon

Melissa Bourbon

$99