Publishing

Tune into live conversations with authors, editors, and literary agents sharing their journeys and expertise in the world of publishing.

Screenwriting

Watch live panels featuring screenwriters as they break down their techniques for crafting compelling scripts and navigating the entertainment industry.

Filmmaking

Discover live streaming events where directors, producers, and cinematographers discuss the creative and technical processes behind their films.

The Power of Short Story IP—From Concept to Execution

November 10, 2026
Short stories are emerging as essential IP for an intro to the studio system, and some of our most iconic films began with only a handful of pages. Using short fiction references from Stephen King and more, this course explores how writers can recognize the cinematic engine (and core dilemma) inside a short story and to brainstorm or refine an idea of their own. 

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

Script Pipeline

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

Film Pipeline

Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

The Plot Wheel: More than Just Structure

Held

July 15, 2026

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subject

Publishing

Topic

Craft

The Plot Wheel is more than a structure—it’s a storytelling engine designed to create connection, momentum, and reader satisfaction.

In this engaging presentation, Court Stevens breaks down the eight essential movements of story into a clear, repeatable framework that helps writers move from idea to fully realized narrative. Writers will gain the power to intentionally shape both the emotional journey and the commercial appeal of their work.

Attendees will leave with a practical, scene-by-scene understanding of how to build tension, deepen character, and deliver a satisfying resolution. Whether you’re drafting your first novel or refining a manuscript, The Plot Wheel offers a roadmap and checklist that aligns character transformation with reader emotion—ensuring your story doesn’t just work, but resonates.

Takeaways for Attendees:

  • A clear 8-step framework to structure any story from opening “Handshake” to final Resolution
  • Tools to increase reader engagement by aligning character goals with emotional stakes
  • Practical strategies to strengthen pacing, tension, and commercial appeal in your writing

What attendees have said ...

"This webinar represents true thought leadership in the strategy and practice of storytelling. Thank you so much!"

"I get emails about these sorts of events every day and today I just decided to do it, and boy am I glad I did. Well done!"

"I really enjoyed today's webinar. The biggest takeaway for me wasn't simply learning another story structure—it was learning to think about storytelling through three lenses at the same time: plot, character, and especially the audience's emotional journey. The framework gave me a new way to evaluate educational content by asking, "What should the audience be feeling at this point?" That perspective alone made the webinar worthwhile. I also appreciated that the material was practical rather than purely theoretical."

"This explains so much of how to get your intended audience/reader engaged in your story and committed to the end. Dirty Dancing was an excellent model, as was the mention of How to Train Your Dragon."

"Integrated synopsis that incorporated multiple systems—unique concept, well explained and easy to understand."

Host

Court Stevens
Court Stevens is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning fiction author of Faking Normal, The Lies About Truth, Dress Codes for Small Towns, Four Three Two One, The June Boys, We Were Kings, Last Girl Breathing, and Tell Me Something Good, a Target Book Club Pick. Her work blends suspense with emotionally resonant themes of identity and transformation. She previously served as Executive […]

Education for creators.

Join Symposium for notifications about upcoming events hosted by professionals in film, TV, publishing, and beyond.
Subscribe

Upcoming Events

The Power of Short Story IP—From Concept to Execution

November 10, 2026
Short stories are emerging as essential IP for an intro to the studio system, and some of our most iconic films began with only a handful of pages. Using short fiction references from Stephen King and more, this course explores how writers can recognize the cinematic engine (and core dilemma) inside a short story and to brainstorm or refine an idea of their own. 

Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting for Writers

November 18, 2026
Hosted by goal strategist, author, and The Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling, this session will introduce you to The DEB Method®, her system for goal-setting simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, and Brainstorm Your Path. Writers will define their goals, prioritize projects, and create a plan to turn their vision into reality.

Luck Favors the Prepared: Your Action Plan for a Killer Screenwriting Year

January 6, 2027
In this focused session, screenwriting career coach Lee Jessup explore where the industry finds itself at the start of this new year, discuss the opportunities that are out there, and identify what steps you should take in order to make the career strides your screenwriting deserves. 

Latest Streaming

How a Book Becomes a Movie: What Authors and Screenwriters Need to Know About Adaptations

October 28, 2026
The filmmaking business is complex and baffles many—even those working in it. The reality is, there is no single way to get a film made. But there’s no question that Hollywood loves adapting intellectual property. The more authors and screenwriters understand the different adaptation paths, the better their odds of success.

A Book Proposal Coach’s Secrets to Selling Your Book—Non-Fiction or Fiction

October 21, 2026
Even your fiction book can benefit from examining it like a business person. Because that's what editors and publishers do. Your proposal, which outlines your project for a publisher, has to be so good that editors fall in love with it and believe that readers will, too. In fact, writing a proposal will set you up for success even if you plan to self-publish. The problem? Most writers have no idea how to create a winning proposal. They simply don’t think like business people which is exactly what's needed. And this is a problem for authors. But Amy B. Scher is going to change that.

Stop Waiting for Permission. Write and Produce your Proof-of-Concept Short!

October 14, 2026
Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Merridith Allen, guides you step-by-step through making a proof-of-concept short film that will get you noticed ... and expand your options for either financing or representation.

Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.

© 2026 Pipeline Media Group
Contact