About the course
What is the main difference between a book and a movie? It’s not that movies have elements such as special effects, actors, and soundtracks at their disposal. The biggest difference between a book and a movie is that books allow us to experience characters’ interiority — no other art form gives us such an intimate view into another’s inner life. Which is why the ability to write a character’s interiority is a storyteller’s greatest asset. But the most talented storytellers don’t stop at revealing interiority. They go further and reveal psychological acuity. This advanced technique is key to giving stories depth and meaning. No matter the genre, being able to effectively reveal a character’s inner life and to weave in psychological acuity will draw your readers in from the very start and compel them to read on, giving your story lasting power. Writers of all categories and genres are invited to attend. Students of the course will receive a link to watch the sessions live but may also choose to watch the recording at their own pace. Recordings will be available to students for 90 days. The course materials includes accompanying PDFs.
What to expect
Days One, Two, and Three are all about craft! We'll cover various aspects of writing interiority and psychological acuity, including: - Foundation of interiority (and how is it different from, say, emotions?); - Foundation of psychological acuity (what is it, anyway?); - Functions of interiority and psychological acuity in a story; - Leveraging interiority into plot developments (tension, conflict, and reveals); - Relationship between interiority and various points-of-view; - The link between psychological acuity and a strong character arc; - How psychological acuity creates connection between the reader and the protagonist; - Striking the balance between interiority & psychological acuity and mystery; - Most common mistakes in writing interiority and psychological acuity (and how to get it right); - Common challenges in writing interiority and psychological acuity (and how to turn them into successes); and - Tips and tricks to effectively convey interiority and psychological acuity. Day Four is when we'll have our live, cozy Q&A Session. Don't worry if you can't attend live—you'll be able to submit a question ahead of time. Day Five is dedicated to our interactive component: Live Critiques. Everyone who is registered will have the option of submitting the opening scene of their work for a chance to have it critiqued live during Day Five. Submissions must be received by March 2, 2026. Please note that this submission does NOT constitute a query to a literary agent—it is a submission to an educational webinar. You are not querying CeCe as a literary agent by submitting to this webinar.
Meet CeCe
CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates and co-host of the popular podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. CeCe draws on years of publishing experience to help writers develop compelling hooks, sharpen their craft, and position their stories for success.
Course Curriculum
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1
Welcome!
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(Included in full purchase)
What to expect from the course
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How to access the student community
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How to submit your work for the optional interactive component
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(Included in full purchase)
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2
Day One
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(Included in full purchase)
Link to Day One
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(Included in full purchase)
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3
Day Two
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(Included in full purchase)
Link to Day Two
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(Included in full purchase)
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4
Day Three
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(Included in full purchase)
Link to Day Three
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(Included in full purchase)
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5
Day Four
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(Included in full purchase)
Link to Day Four
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(Included in full purchase)
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6
Day Five
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(Included in full purchase)
Link to Day Five
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(Included in full purchase)
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7
It's a wrap!
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(Included in full purchase)
I've finished the course... now what?
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(Included in full purchase)
Special surprise for all students
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(Included in full purchase)
Student Testimonials
Discover how our course has inspired and transformed the writing skills of our students.
As an editor, writer, learning junkie, and director of online education, I’ve observed hundreds of lectures. Nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to CeCe’s webinars. She’s crafted them to provide as much publishing insights as a semester-long course. Simply invaluable!
Senior Executive Pipeline Media Group, former Senior Editor Writer’s Digest
I have an MA in writing, yet I have never been enrolled in a class that provides as much in-depth, detailed, and specific insight into the craft as CeCe’s courses do. CeCe not only provides proven formulas and checklists but offers plenty of real-life examples from bestselling works and inspiring and honest insight into traditional publishing. I have taken several of her classes and each one has elevated me as a writer, editor, storyteller, and reader.
Ontario, Canada
I've signed up for more writing courses than I can safely share without feeling bad about my finances. Hands down, Cece's courses are the best ones out there. The content is so incredible that it's borderline overwhelming – you'll feel your brain swelling and about to explode in the best possible sense. Regardless of the genre you're writing in, I recommend you learn with Cece. I teach storytelling for a living, and the first thing I tell my mentees is: go follow Cece and take one of her courses. My favourite so far has been Hacking Writing on a Line Level – it's just mind-blowingly superb with heaps of practical tips. Writing Emotion and Writing Tension will 100% transform your novel and will even make you read books with a different (more critical) mindset.
Perth, Western Australia
As an agented kidlit writer, I’ve taken numerous online writing workshops and courses over the years, but CeCe's are absolutely at the top of the list. Three courses in, I remain amazed by her generosity and knowledge
Columbus, OH
CeCe's courses are phenomenal! I have taken every single one of them at least once, most of them twice, and I will keep taking them as long as she teaches them. Not only is she an exceptional and engaging teacher but every minute of her courses is jam-packed with invaluable information. I recommend them to every writer I know!
Boston, MA
Cece is an incredibly thorough and generous teacher. With theory, formulas, and plenty of interaction, her course had everything I wanted and more to take my writing to the next level. If you’re serious about your craft, sign up with eyes closed!
Marseille, France
Refund policy
Since the course has limited seating/availability (as well as other peculiarities, such as preparatory work required), we are unable to offer refunds. All sales are final. By enrolling, you acknowledge and agree to this policy.
Ready to take your writing to the next level?
Join our course today!
$299.00