Storytelling craft, simple and direct.
To refine your craft, get your free copy* of my book, How Story Works, via the button below.
To unlock your magic... check out my life-changing Year of Writing Magically workshop.
Incredibly insightful, eye-opening, and empowering for anyone who reads fiction. (And, it's a lot of fun!) —reader review for How Story Works
★★★★★
*digital versions only
Learn to love writing magically
Craft is the stuff you can put your back against; the principles of storytelling like conflict, structure and character. If that's your problem, I recommend getting your free digital copy of How Story Works.
Magic is more ethereal. It's put simply... you. It's all the unquantifiable wonder that you as an individual bring to your writing. It's the flavor in the dish. But in order to unlock it to its fullest potential, you need to know how to lean into your strengths and stop focusing on your weaknesses.
A task that is easier said than done.
That's why I've built two yearly workshops, both beginning with deep mindset work to prepare you to write to the best of your ability, and here's the real magic: Both workshops are based in small, tight communities of writers who are going through the same process, at your side.
The Year of Writing Magically is a workshop where I am also a participant, writing my newest novel alongside you writing yours. Every other Saturday, the group meets live on Zoom for two hours for instruction, chat, and group exercises. (March-December)
10
1
new novel* written by you
months
*or other long-form fiction project (screenplay, graphic novel, comic series, TV episode(s)... you get the picture. All forms welcome.
About Lani
Lani Diane Rich is a New York Times bestselling author renowned for her engaging novels and expertise in storytelling. With twelve novels published by major houses such as Hachette, St. Martin’s Press, and Penguin, her works include Time Off for Good Behavior, The Fortune Quilt, and A Little Ray of Sunshine. Her debut novel, written during National Novel Writing Month, earned her the prestigious RITA Award for Best First Book in 2005.
Beyond fiction, Lani authored How Story Works, a concise guide demystifying narrative structure and character development, aiding writers across genres. Her commitment to nurturing writers is evident in her workshops, notably “Year of Writing Magically,” where she combines structured instruction with creative exploration, fostering a supportive community for writers to develop their craft.
Lani’s approach emphasizes the balance between the technical aspects of storytelling and the individual writer’s voice, encouraging authenticity and confidence in her students. Her teachings have empowered countless writers to harness both the mechanics and the magic of storytelling.
Free resources to learn about story
I have been podcasting for a long damn time about this stuff. You will get sick of my voice before you run out of material to listen to. Srsly.
Story studies in podcast form
Visit Chipperish Media to learn more about all of my podcasts, each of which deep dive into books, movies, and TV shows to learn more about story.
The How Story Works Podcast
Listen to me work out How Story Works in real time, using movies and TV shows as examples, and offering writing insights and advice for writers at all stages.
Get a paperback copy of How Story Works!
While the ebook and audiobook of How Story Works are available for free, you can get a paperback copy through Amazon, or a signed copy directly from me!
Unsigned copy: $14.99
Signed copy: $20
Shipping to the U.S. included. Outside of the U.S., shipping is $5.
