This document outlines 5 keys to becoming a better writer according to Liz Curtis Higgs. The 5 keys are: 1. Tap into your best resource which are your readers by using surveys, stories, and contests to engage them. 2. Create a story arc that speaks to the heart using true, original stories and following a structure of trouble starting, a change of plans, a point of no return, a major setback, and redemption. 3. Invest time in deep research by doing on-site research with tools like maps, recorders, and books and having a strategic plan to research in places like inns, libraries, bookstores, and historic sites. 4. Train your voice to

1. 5 Keys to Becoming a Better Writer
Fiction or Nonfiction
A WebinarwithLIZ CURTIS HIGGS

2. Key ONE:
Tap into Your Best Resource:
Your Readers

3. 1. Printed Newsletters Still Have Value

4. 1. Printed Newsletters Still Have Value
• Surveys for information

5. 1. Printed Newsletters Still Have Value
• Surveys for information
• Stories for illustration

6. 2. Email Newsletters Are a Better Value

7. 2. Email Newsletters Are a Better Value
• Contests with a purpose

8. 2. Email Newsletters Are a Better Value
• Contests with a purpose
• Content for application

9. 3. Reach Out to Friends, Neighbors,
Groups

10. 3. Reach Out to
Friends, Neighbors, Groups
• Bookmarks to pose your question

11. 3. Reach Out to Friends, Neighbors,
Groups
• Bookmarks to pose your question
• Business cards to invite connection

12. 4. Facebook Is Faster

13. 4. Facebook Is Faster
• Connect with the world

14. 4. Facebook Is Faster
• Connect with the world
• Collect content in an instant

15. 5. Blogs Go Deeper

16. 5. Blogs Go Deeper
• Try out new topics

17. 5. Blogs Go Deeper
• Try out new topics
• Mine the comments

18. Key TWO:
Create a Story Arc
that Speaks to the Heart

19. 1. Tell TRUE Stories

20. 2. Tell ORIGINAL Stories

21. 3. Use the Big W to
Structure Your Story

22. • Trouble Starts

23. • Trouble Starts
• Change of Plans

24. • Trouble Starts
• Change of Plans
• Point of No Return

25. • Trouble Starts
• Change of Plans
• Point of No Return
• Major Setback

26. • Trouble Starts
• Change of Plans
• Point of No Return
• Major Setback
• Redemption

28. Key THREE:
Invest Time in Research
that Goes Deep

29. 1. Why Research Matters

30. 2. Do On-Site Research

31. 2. Do On-Site Research
• Maps

32. 2. Do On-Site Research
• Maps
• Small digital recorder

33. 2. Do On-Site Research
• Maps
• Small digital recorder
• List books already own

34. 2. Do On-Site Research
• Maps
• Small digital recorder
• List books already own
• Computer, iPad, notebook

35. 2. Do On-Site Research
• Maps
• Small digital recorder
• List books already own
• Computer, iPad, notebook
• List questions

36. 3. Have a Strategic Plan

37. 3. Have a Strategic Plan
• Front desk of your inn, B&B

38. 3. Have a Strategic Plan
• Front desk of your inn, B&B
• Public library

39. 3. Have a Strategic Plan
• Front desk of your inn, B&B
• Public library
• Local book store

40. 3. Have a Strategic Plan
• Front desk of your inn, B&B
• Public library
• Local book store
• Museums / historic sites

41. 3. Have a Strategic Plan
• Front desk of your inn, B&B
• Public library
• Local book store
• Museums / historic sites
• Churches

42. 4. Talk to Anyone, Everyone,
Always

43. Key FOUR:
Train Your Voice to Sing in Tune

44. 1. In Fiction, Characters
Need Their Own Voice

45. 2. In Nonfiction, We Want
to Hear Your Voice

46. 3. Keep Writing Until
You Find That Voice

47. 4. Be True to Who You Are

48. 5. Keep Your Tone Consistent

49. Key FIVE:
Edit Your Work Like a Pro

50. 1. Endings Matter
Even More than
Beginnings

51. 2. Tension Keeps Pages Turning

52. 3. Avoid 10-cent Words
and Avoid 1-cent Words

53. 4. Get Out of Your Head
and Into Your Reader’s Heart

54. 5. Get Help from
People You Trust

55. 5 Keys to Becoming
a Better Writer
Questions for Liz?