Crack the Sea

Turn Your Secrets into Fiction and Set Yourself Free

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Many of us carry family secrets and personal shame, believing that we’re the only ones or that the cost of telling our story is too high. We become locked in a frozen sea, trapped by the truths we don’t speak. Fictionalizing them provides an out. It allows us to release our secrets without anyone knowing. Not only is the process healing and the source of powerful writing, it improves the world: once we break free of the frozen sea, cracks start feathering out, making it easier for others to do the same.

This course walks you through an 8-step method for transforming your experiences into a novel. It's ideal for someone considering writing memoir but afraid of how people will react or someone who wants to learn a shortcut to creating resonant fiction.

*If you've already taken the Write Cleaner, Better, Faster course, you do not need to take this one. Their content is 80% the same.



Your Instructor


Jess Lourey
Jess Lourey

Jess Lourey teaches, travels, and writes about secrets.

She's the bestselling Edgar, Agatha, and Lefty-nominated, Anthony-winning author of nonfiction, children's books, YA adventure, magical realism, romcom mysteries, and thrillers. Jess is a retired professor of writing and sociology, a recipient of The Loft's Excellence in Teaching fellowship, a Psychology Today blogger, a leader of writing retreats, and a TEDx presenter. Check out her TEDx Talk to discover the surprising inspiration behind May Day, her first published novel. In addition to her online courses, she teaches face-to-face writing workshops for all and leads transformative writing retreats for women.

When not traveling, reading, writing, or hanging out with her family, you can find her dreaming of her next story. You can find out more about Jess on her website and by signing up for her newsletter.


Course Curriculum


  Module 1—Choose a Genre
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  Module 2—Write a Logline
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  Module 3—Summarize the Beginning, Middle, and End
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  Module 4—Freewrite the Summary Sentences
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  Module 5—Create a Character Bible
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  Module 6—Sketch the Settings
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  Module 7—Outline to Your Comfort Level
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  Module 8—Write the Story
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  Retreat Yourself 10-Course Bundle
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
What do I do if I experience technical difficulties?
Teachable has a page set up with troubleshooting tips. It provides contact information at the end of the page should you need further help: https://support.teachable.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000115971.

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