Go from Spark to Story in 3 Steps
Get from page one to “the end” with a story that feels inevitable, surprising, and grabs your reader by the ribs — and does not let go.
Is this you?You may be a starter, stuck, or a reviser.
You’ve got an awesome idea.
Maybe you even have a few chapters on the page.
But something is happening… you or your character is losing steam.
People ask you what your story is about, and you’re not sure what to say.
You thought you had an idea of where the story is heading, but now it feels like the ending is hidden in mist.
And you don’t know how to fix your story so it has spark again.
The solution:In just three steps, you can connect your story to re-ignite its original spark within your imagination.
In just three steps, you can connect your story to your ideal reader.
In just three steps, you can connect the beginning and end of your story so they capture that inevitable surprise.
Best of all? You can begin a process that takes you out of guess work and into intentional story crafting.
Meet Spark to Story:Spark to Story, a free course, is designed to help you bridge the gap between a vague idea and a structured, meaningful narrative. Whether you are a Starter, Stuck, or a Reviser, these three steps will help you identify the "heart" and "spine" of your book. Download your workbook below, watch the introductory video, and let’s begin transforming your creative spark into a story that resonates.
About Margaret McNellis, MFA
I don’t just map stories; I build them. As an author of four published novels and an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach and a writer of historical narratives, I know that the "bias of knowledge" is the greatest hurdle to a successful draft. My goal is to give you the coordinates you need to get back on track and stay there.
I bring the high-level craft and tough love with compassion for the writer. In other words, no elitism, just accessible craft expertise to help your story sing the song your readers are yearning to hear.
What to Expect:You’ll get unlimited course lifetime access, which means there’s no need to rush, and you can use this course for more than one story.
The course comes with a downloadable, fillable, PDF workbook to help you move through each lesson using whatever technology best complements your learning style.
Writing craft videos help you learn how to work through each step of the course.
Downloadable slides and transcripts makes it easier to learn, remember, and reference course material.
Quarterly live Q&As allow you to deepen your learning and see if deeper work together is the right next step for your journey.
My Coaching Clients Say…
"[Margaret] is a true educator and worth every cent of the investment!"
— Carmen C.
"Margaret was patient and supportive, but also asked poignant, thorough questions and pushed me to further develop aspects that needed work...I’m thrilled."
— Rebecca C.
"Thanks to Margaret I have found a new way forward. She was a joy to work with. I highly recommend her."
— Lorraine N.
"Margaret is knowledgeable, generous and gracious, and someone you want at your side while writing your novel and in your life in general."
— Litsa D.
JOIN Spark to Story:Spark to Story, a free course, is designed to help you bridge the gap between a vague idea and a structured, meaningful narrative. Whether you are a Starter, Stuck, or a Reviser, these three steps will help you identify the "heart" and "spine" of your book. Download your workbook below, watch the introductory video, and let’s begin transforming your creative spark into a story that resonates.
FAQs
What if I can’t attend the quarterly live Q&As?
1
You can submit questions in advance, and I’ll send out the recording link to anyone enrolled for free in Spark to Story.
How do I get started?
2
Getting started is simple. Just click any of the buttons on my website to join for free, and you’ll gain access to the course.
What if I’m writing short fiction?
3
Spark to Story works for any length fiction. You’ll be connecting to your why (your spark), your theme (the message you want your ideal reader to come away with), and bookending your story by planning opening and ending scenes. All of this is important for any length story.
How can I contact you if I have other questions?
4
You can reach out to me with questions that aren’t for the quarterly live Q&As by filling out the form here.