Writing Presentations, Webinars, and Retreats

I teach several workshops and webinars each year. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @noracarpenterwrites to know what's coming up. 

Thinking About Whole Novel?

I ask my Whole Novel students to name their protagonist's external desire, internal desire, and misbelief. If you are unsure of those terms, the following short videos on character misbelief & desires lines can help. I also highly recommend reading Lisa Cron's Story Genius, particularly the first half.   

​"I learned so much from Nora. She helped me to see what was already in my work and to clarify what I needed to do to ensure that my vision is on the page. I am eternally grateful for the experience and would love the chance to learn from her again."
                                             -Amanda Hosch
​"Nora's examples were spot on and exceedingly helpful. We were constantly referencing it in workshop and discussions."
                           -MFA student
"This webinar was so good!!! I can develop my MC a lot more."
  -E.P., SCBWI webinar participant

"This webinar has been wonderful! Thank you!!"
​                                                                                -M.N.

    Interested in Nora presenting at your school or conference?

"Thank you SO MUCH for this. I'm really struggling with this part of my manuscript."
                              -L.E.

Presentations & Workshops I Offer:

“What's the Deal with Short Fiction & Why is it Definitely Worth My Time?”

"Talk to Me: the Ins and Outs of Dialogue That Drives Plot and Delivers Reader Satisfaction"

"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: How Authors Inadvertently Shape Rural Readers’ Identities."

"Connecting Students to Creative Writing Through Their Lived Emotional Experiences."

"Beyond the Boundaries of Place: Exploring Internal & Relational Settings to Unlock Character"  
"This lecture was outstanding. Nora gave a very organized and well-structured lecture that took us deep into the heart of writing emotion."
​                                    -VCFA MFA student
​​"Nora's ability to find the sticky spots in your story and lead you on a journey to unstick them was a master class in novel creation. I learned so much by listening to her!"
                                                          -​Becky F.
​"That was a great workshop!"
                                                           -K.H.
​"Nora's insight is really going to help me finally finish my picture book draft!"

​                                 -A.T.
"I loved this lecture. I find myself falling into traps when it comes to expressing my characters' emotions, and Nora's practical suggestions for how to go about it in a way that is more true to the character were wonderful."
​                                                                                                                                         -VCFA MFA student

What are Nora's credentials? 

Critiques

​2025 Update: I am unable to accept full novel manuscripts for critique at this time, unless the manuscript is submitted through a workshop where I am on faculty or we've met and I personally invite you to send.