Story Summit

If you’ve been with Story Summit a while, you know what it means when the seasons change: a new session of mentor-led small groups!

This summer’s mentors will be Sabrina Parra, Carl Ellsworth, Joany Kane, and Tab Murphy!

➡️ https://www.storysummit.us/mentor-led-small-group ⬅️

Hello Summer!

The sun is shining, the days are longer, and it's the perfect time to let your creativity soar. Whether you're lounging on the beach or enjoying the shade of a cozy garden, let the warmth of summer inspire your stories.

Remember, every experience this season holds the potential for a great story.

Happy writing!

You’ve written a screenplay—maybe two or three. You know what a slugline is, and you don’t need anyone to open Final Draft for you. You’ve done the brave part, which is finishing. And yet, the notes keep coming. “I ultimately didn't connect to the story on this one.” “I admired it, but I didn't feel it.” “The writing is fun, but the characters didn't grab me.”

You’ve hit the ceiling of competence. Your script works. It just doesn't connect.

This five-night workshop, led by Bailey Patterson, is about the gap between a script that works and a script that connects. Where to withhold, where to escalate, where to make the reader uncomfortable, where to trust them.

Writing a Script That Connects | Story Summit A Five-Night Intermediate Workshop in Turning a Finished Draft into a Script that Readers Can’t Stop Reading

Here are Write A Great Story Foundation scholarship recipients (L-R) Naz Pankey and Lisa Finn, in Santa Cruz last August for the Her Spirit Writing Retreat. They are joined by foundation board secretary, Stacey Powells.

We are reaching out to who can help with this year's scholarships for the Austin Film Festival, and the Okoboji Writers Retreat. Founder David Paul Kirkpatrick is walking 100,000 steps in 1 day at the end of the month for my 75th birthday.

Any and every contribution is appreciated and tax deductible. You can check in out here. Thank you!

https://givebutter.com/Steps-for-Stories

On June 29, the Sunshine Boys—David Kirkpatrick and Arthur the Corgi—will walk 100,000 steps in one day to raise scholarship funds for Story Summit writers. They are already training every day for endurance, strength, and the long road ahead.

Every step will help emerging writers of all ages attend life-changing creative gatherings, including the Austin Film Festival, the Okoboji Writers Retreat, and the upcoming Her Spirit Writing Retreat, soon to be announced.

➡️ https://givebutter.com/the-100000-step-longevity-walk-vssklt

Self-publishing has never been more accessible—or more confusing. Writers today are surrounded by options. Traditional publishing. Hybrid publishing. Assisted publishing. Amazon KDP. IngramSpark. Audiobooks. Book coaches. Marketing services. Publishing packages. Some opportunities are excellent. Others are expensive mistakes waiting to happen.

How do you know what’s right for you?

In this two-night Story Summit conversation, Tuesdays, June 23 and June 30, from 8–10 p.m. Eastern, Debra Engle and David Kirkpatrick will help writers step back from the noise and take a thoughtful look at the self-publishing landscape.

The Path to Self-Publishing | Story Summit In this two-night Story Summit conversation, Debra Engle and David Kirkpatrick will help writers step back from the noise and take a thoughtful look at the self-publishing landscape.

Yesterday we had an incredible VIP Guest Speaker session with Craig Ge**er, the creator behind two of Disney's most beloved animated series: Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor.

Craig took us behind the scenes of his remarkable career journey, from live-action screenwriting to children's animation, sharing how persistence, a willingness to pivot, and a deep commitment to emotional storytelling shaped shows that have reached millions of families around the world.

We're so excited about tonight's June 15, VIP Guest Lecture with multi-Emmy Award-winning creator Craig Ge**er at 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific.

Craig will be sharing insights from his career, his creative process, and what it really takes to build a story world that resonates with millions. Don't miss this incredible session.

https://www.storysummit.us/vip-guest-lectures

Join us today for a Lunch and Learn session in which Patrick Connolly will host a lively and engaging discussion about Steven Spielberg's film Disclosure Day.

Drawing on his background as an actor, singer, and writer, Patrick will guide participants through an exploration of the film's themes, its storytelling craft, and what makes Spielberg's vision so compelling.

Whether you are a longtime Spielberg fan or simply curious about what this new release has in store, this session promises great conversation and a fun way to spend your lunch break.

Lunch and Learn: Disclosure Day | Story Summit Hosted by Patrick Connolly Monday, June 15, 2026 1 to 2 PM ET (10 to 11 AM Pacific)