Hi Friend,

Ezra and I look forward to reconnecting with you today's, Thursday for Call #1, the first group call of the month.

Please RSVP by hitting reply and letting us know whether or not you will be there. Thanks! :)

Read on for all the details.

Focus: We'll focus on your story's class systems, suggested by Hugh (Yay! Thanks!), to add depth to your story's world, enhance its verisimilitude, and ultimately create an immersive, delicious reader experience.

Questions to ponder and discuss: (Thanks for these, Hugh!)

• How does class affect the protagonist/story?

• How is class determined: birth, initiation via money/tasks/quests, etc.?

• Is the class system good/bad?

• How does the protagonist/antagonist fight or enhance a class system?

• What prejudices/history brought about the system's creation?

Prepare: Have your manuscript handy!

**PLUS: We may do some exercises with you! Surprise! It'll be useful AND fun.

**PLUS: Answer your questions about anything! Well, anything related to our work as genre fiction novelists.

**PLUS: Let's talk about upcoming topics and other fun new things.

Your Edits - Upcoming Schedule

(Send in 250 words as a Word or txt documents, at least 1 day ahead of the call.)

-- On the schedule: Beth, Ezra, Hugh, Nicole, Diana H., Katie, Trent, Storey, Diana M.

Reminder: In each call, we'll focus on one person per call for line edits, so that each person gets about 20-30 minutes, as needed.

♥️

And together we'll also:

-- do our Metaphor Check-ins & Good News

-- share next steps and announcements

Bring your questions, shares, and celebrations to the call.

We'll also have a good time connecting!

Thanks!

♥️

HOW TO JOIN THE ZOOM CALL

Note: Check for Zoom updates, just in case.

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:

Link: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/781707967?pwd=SUVnS29KMThvMkpuLzZxRjFVK01jQT09

All calls are on Zoom: 

Meeting ID: 781 707 967

Password: 557463

One tap mobile
+16699006833,,781707967#,,1#,557463# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,781707967#,,1#,557463# US (Houston)

Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 781 707 967
Password: 557463
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kuzdurr0h

*The call will be recorded if you can't make it live.

Please RSVP for the call. Thanks!

♥️ Want Google Calendar Reminders for these calls?

I can add you to a Google Calendar reminder for this event, if you haven't already been added. Just send reply and tell me your best email for that and voilà -- I'll get you set up.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Weekly Writing Sprints

Weekly Writing Sprints for all students via Fellowship of the Pen community on Zoom:

-- 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10am PT / 1pm ET (~1.5 hours)

(Subject to change. Watch for emails.)

Upcoming Group Calls Schedule

All calls at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET.

-- Replays posted here -- 

Replays here, Starting from 2023.

2022: Start here.

2021: Start here.

CHECK OUT THESE CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

Too Hot for the North Pole Sale offered by Stacy Juba, daily sales Aug. 4-8, 2025

5 Sizzling Deals to Help You Write Smarter

-- Santa’s on summer break … but these deals are still coming down your chimney. 

For five days only, you’ll find 24-hour daily deals to help your writing feel breezier, your editing lighter, and your progress more fun.

https://www.shortcutsforwriters.com/too-hot-for-north-pole-sale/

⭐️🔥❤️

In-person world building workshop this Saturday, August 9th, 10am, Napa, Calif

Here are the deets:

Join us at the Napa Valley Writers meeting on Saturday, August 9th from 10AM-12PM for an essential workshop for science fiction and fantasy writers!

Award-winning author Beth Barany will present "World-Building Essentials: How to Craft Immersive Story Settings."

In this focused workshop, you'll learn techniques to create compelling story worlds without getting lost in endless details.

Whether you're developing alien civilizations, magic systems, or alternate histories, you'll discover how to build rich, convincing settings that enhance your narrative.

Workshop includes practical exercises and examples from successful works.

Location: Napa Valley Unitarian Universalists, 1625 Salvador Ave., Napa, CA.

Pay at the door. Details: https://www.napavalleywriters.org/events

⭐️🔥❤️

Want to get ready for your book sales?

Join this free audio-only event -- Sales Email Summit -- coming soon! Aug. 19-21, 2025

Sign up here:

https://bethbarany.com/lw2025ses

❤️

Coming September 2025

Next Step critique group with Julia R. - starts Sept. 8 (8 sessions over 4 months)

Apply here: https://bethbarany.com/next-step-writers-group/

-- Only 12 spots.

Creative Writing Professionals Apprenticeship Program - starts Sept. 16 (12 sessions over 13 weeks)

https://bethbarany.thrivecart.com/creative-writing-professionals/

-- Set up a meeting with Beth to see if this program is a best fit for you.

❤️

Coming October 2025

Romancing the Subplot with Gala Russ -- Starts Oct. 1 (4 weeks)

Register here for this hands-on workshop:

https://bethbarany.thrivecart.com/romancingthesubplotfall2025/

-- Only 12 spots.

❤️

Sign up for a 30-minute Story Success Clinic

Sign up for a 30-minute Story Success Clinic to be recorded on the podcast, How To Write The Future. For science fiction & fantasy authors.

About the Story Success Clinic, go here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/11267636-08-story-success-clinic

🔈

Your Group Benefits

HOME STUDY COURSES: As a member of the group coaching program, You have access to all our courses here.

Or use this link:

https://bethbaranyschooloffiction.teachable.com/courses/33427/bundled_courses

(You need to be logged in to access this.)

◊

Q: Where are the replays?

A: ALL GROUP REPLAYS: All the group calls are stored here:

https://bethbaranyschooloffiction.teachable.com/courses/enrolled/33427

(You need to be logged in to access this.)

MORE QUESTIONS?

Let me know if you have any questions, request for clarifications, or suggestions. Business hours are generally: M-F, 9-6pm PT. I aim to reply to emails within that time and within 24 hours of receipt.

We're here to help you craft a successful and sustainable career as a novelist, so that you can inspire the world with your stories.

Thanks!
Hugs and love from us! 

Beth & Ezra