“Read, read, read,” William Faulkner famously advised.

But reading alone is not enough. To grow as writers, we have to study the page and ask not just what we loved or hated, but why it worked and how it was built.

In this session, you’ll learn how to turn every book you read into a craft lesson. We’ll analyze openings, character construction, themes, and endings to uncover the mechanics beneath the magic.

Because the truth is, one of the most powerful (and affordable) ways to improve your writing is by studying published books. Instead of guessing what works, you’ll learn directly from stories that have already earned their place on the shelf. Think of it as a hands-on education in craft without the price tag of an MFA.

Together, we’ll “take apart” successful novels to see how they function: how authors hook readers, build momentum, and deliver satisfying endings that helped them secure publication in the first place.

You’ll learn how to:

• Move beyond “I liked it” to meaningful craft analysis
• Deconstruct powerful opening lines and scenes
• Identify themes and motifs
• Diagnose why an ending succeeded or fell short
• Break down published works to understand what makes them marketable
• Apply what you learn directly to your own writing

By the end, you’ll have a practical framework for reading with intention, analyzing like a writer, and turning every book you pick up into a masterclass in storytelling.