KILLER INSTINCTS -- 2008 June

Cheryl: Is there anything you'd like to add to the course description?

Laurie: We all want to know ways of building plausible, likable characters with realistic traits that are BOTH uniquely heroic AND likely to cause trouble. For more information in general, try the blogs I've done on using enneagrams for a hero's (or heroine's) fatal flaw. Google "Schnebly enneagram blog" that should generate something.

Cheryl: How will multi-published authors benefit from taking your course?

Laurie: They'll acquire another tool for building characters who walk off the page. Everyone builds a set of tools they like, but it's handy to look at new ones for keeping creativity fresh.

Counselors and personnel managers use enneagrams, because the nine personality types are a great way of identifying people who are likely to run into conflict with each other...and with themselves.

Cheryl: Have you given a course like this and learned of someone's success who's taken it?

Laurie: I love hearing from people who've made their first sale after taking the class. So far there have been three, and I'm hoping #4 will be in this session!

Cheryl: How does your course differ from other courses like this that might be available?

Laurie: While I don't know of any other enneagram classes out there, the biggest difference in all my workshops is the teaching style. It's extremely interactive -- I love turning a bunch of yahoogroups strangers into a cohesive group. By the end of the class, we pretty much all feel like we KNOW each other and are rooting for one another's writing.

Cheryl: What do you hope students will take away from your course?

Laurie: Enneagrams are probably my favorite technique for building characters with natural flaws, so I want students to come away with a wonderful new tool. But even more, I want them to be able to use it for real life as well as for writing...recognizing traits in people they know and love (including themselves) for a better understanding of what makes 'em tick.

Cheryl: Stepping away from the course now, tell us a little about yourself. What kind of suspense do you like to read?

Laurie: I could never list my favorite romance authors because so many of my friends write romance. But because I hang out more with romance writers than suspense writers, I feel FINE about listing what kind of suspense I enjoy reading.

Let's see. Ruth Rendell. Laura Lippman. David Baldacci. Lisa Scottoline. Caleb Carr. Sue Grafton.Robert B. Parker. Tony Hillerman. J.D. Robb. No way could I pick a favorite from among those writers, but each of 'em makes my heart leap up when I see they've come out with a new book.

Cheryl: Thank you!

Laurie: Oh, gosh, it's been a pleasure...nobody's ever done an interview like this before, and I love getting to pretend I'm somebody famous!

Cheryl Wyatt

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Questions? Contact Sally Morrison