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.

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

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.

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.

Writing Captivating Scenes

Held

October 16, 2024

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Topic

Craft

Scenes are a unique challenge to every writer, who must manage many elements to create scenes that grab and hold the audience’s attention. A great story cannot succeed without strong, well-crafted scenes.

In this session, we will break down the scene to its basic elements, explore what each element needs to be successful, and discuss how these elements must work together to make the scene shine.

You’ll learn

  • the essential elements every scene should have
  • how to start and end your scenes in the right place
  • the question to ask if you’re not sure if a scene belongs
  • proper scene pacing
  • how to find and shape a scene’s arc
  • the power of imagery and objects
  • the common mistakes writers make in scene construction
  • how to diagnose and reinvigorate scenes that aren’t working

There will be hands-on exercises and tools to create and shape riveting scenes that will make your story more dramatic and satisfying and captivate your audience.

What Attendees Had to Say ...

"It was a memorable, clearly articulated deep dive into scene construction for fiction writers."

"I LOVED the checklist for drafting a scene!  I can totally see how this will help me."

"Julia gave great information that applies to screenwriters as well as to writers of prose. I found her recipe for revision to be particularly useful."

"Thought is was a great breakdown. Also liked the scene doctor. A lot of great info and great to hear from someone that enjoys the process."

Host

Julia F. Green
Julia F. Green (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and instructor. She holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and teaches creative writing at universities and arts organizations around the Triangle and online.

Education for creators.

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

Upcoming Events

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

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.

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

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.

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. 

Latest Streaming

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.

I Finished My Script—Now What?

October 7, 2026
Timothy Michael Cooper shares the insights earned during his decades-long career, teaching you how to interpret and incorporate feedback, find the true heart of the story, focus your rewrites,cut away characters and scenes that aren’t pulling their weight, and build strategic relationships to get your script into the right hands.

One-on-One: Explore Historical Fiction Writing with Adam Sikes

September 30, 2026
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman chats with novelist Adam Sikes to dissect the processes they each use when writing their historical novels. Join us for a casual conversation, including your questions, as they dive into the strategies that have helped them as well as the challenges of bringing history to life in a dynamic, and fictional way.

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