The Commercially Driven Choices session by Court Stevens reveals what separates stories that are simply well-written from those that truly connect and sell. This dynamic session unpacks the strategic decisions writers must make to increase reader engagement—focusing on transformation, satisfaction, opposition, scope, and consumability as the core drivers of commercial storytelling. By understanding how scope shapes audience reach and how emotional relatability fuels momentum, attendees will learn how to intentionally design stories that resonate on a larger scale.

Through clear frameworks and memorable examples, this session equips writers to move beyond instinct and into purposeful craft. Attendees will gain insight into aligning character wants and needs, building meaningful opposition, and creating stories that feel both deeply human and widely accessible. The result: writing that not only matters—but moves the commercial sales needle.

Takeaways for Attendees:

• How to balance scope and plot to increase the commercial reach of a story
• A practical understanding of wants vs. needs and how they drive transformation and reader satisfaction
• Tools to build compelling opposition (physical, emotional, systemic, or relational) that strengthens narrative impact
• Live Q&A

What attendees have said ...

"Extremely thorough presentation—Court is a great teacher."

"Phenomenal presentation. Concise, logical, clear and informative. Concepts not just relevant to market but also artistic impact.  Thank you!"

"She was organized, intentional, and talked clearly and was just the best I've heard on the subject."

"It exceeded my expectations. Thought provoking. Though it's difficult to analyze my own manuscript I need to consider what categories could attract a larger audience using the information presented. It would be nice if an agent could then finally connect with my work."