“The Character First session, where we talked about Orientation burst open such an AHA! moment for me. It's already transforming my writing, and I am eternally grateful." - Paige T.
"This was a highly instructive summit and did not simply regurgitate the same topics we've been fed over and over. There were topics I didn't even know were topics and speakers I'd never heard of and I loved that so much.” - Frances P.
I wanted to be a writer. This helped me answer my question, and it just cemented my dreams, it’s no longer a dream but an actual goal.
The participation of the attendees and the range from beginners to published people. You have no idea how much this event changed my writing life.
This summit was five days of targeted value. Each speaker delivered specific techniques for different aspects of plotting novels.
I love that it was basically divided into beginning, middle and end in terms of structuring a novel.
Amazing depth of content made available to a wide audience for free
All the tips for making my writing better and all the "aha!" moments are the best part of the event.
This was a Plot Summit; you were clear on the theme and you absolutely met and exceeded my expectations.
Not only did I learn new techniques for plotting, I also received affirmation on things I was already doing in my writing. This summit could be hard to top.
The summit overall was terrific! The presenters were amazing!
This has been better than any Convention I've been to; better than my MFA program; better than most workshopping or retreats.
Awesome, incredible, organic, accepting. Without having to pull out the Thesaurus - it was great!
"The 7 essential tips lecture was inspiring and helpful, the talk about plot payoff was incredibly organized and taught me a great deal, the lecture series organized by Daniel offered very easily digested ideas that simplified the conceptual side of creating a story. ” - Julia F.
“Hearing such a wide range of speakers talk about their craft with such passion. Listening to them gave me the enthusiasm and determination to keep going with the story I have lodged in my head.” - Zoe J.
Lynne “The 3 sessions on the character first novel were so timely for me and really helped me with a new story.”
Kayla M. "It has already enhanced my WIP for NaNoWriMo"
Adele S. “You covered everything. From how to write a novel to how to publish it. Great context. Very well organized. ”
Leah S. “The conference provided a wealth of useful and inspiring information. It was fantastic!”
Charles S. “The memories were pleasantly surprising and inspiring because it was explained from different perspectives.”
Charlie K. “ All the resources were really useful and everyone was so warm and welcoming.”
Mary M. "I appreciated the hour or two breaks between the presentations because most of us are multi-tasking. I did miss one morning so have to catch up. The Plot Pass made that worry free.”
Patrick M. "It feels great! Lots of different ideas!"
Escape the Plot Forest mixes daily prompts, community support, and expert lectures. You'll finish the conference with specific, concrete goals for plotting your next draft.
View the scheduleHere were some of the best talks from the 2020 event.
Welcome to the Summit!
7 Essential Keys to Planning Your Novel: Story Preparation for Pansters (part one)
Welcome #2 (if the first welcome session is too early)
When It Already Happened: Plotting Your Memoir
How Structure Informs Plot
Using Story Structure to Emotionally Connect to Your Readers
Happy hour
7 Essential Keys: part two
At some writing summits, you can watch a lot of great talks, but finish the event unsure how to apply the advice to your book, your writing, your life. After all, you've got stuff to do. You've got a lot on your plate: send that email to your boss, feed your demanding cats, scroll through social media in terror.
While each talk was great, you might wonder what to work on.
That's why, during Escape the Plot Forest, Daniel teaches his "Character-First Novel" seminar. Over three days of the summit, you'll get access to this training course for free: each lesson will guide you, via prompts and new techniques, to solve the problems in your current plot — or help you start your next book. You'll get specific, concrete advice that will get you writing.
He'll also follow up each lesson with tips on how each speaker's talk develops or adds to the lessons in the workshop.
Our experts will share their years of knowledge, strategies and tactics. And they have one goal: to help you tell a better story.
Meet the speakersWe're proudly supported by these amazing brands.
We couldn't be more excited about our lineup. Which talks will you be checking out?