Foundational Fiction

A comprehensive, self-paced writing program for early career authors

For novelists

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For TTRPG creators

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For short story writers

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For novelists 〰️ For TTRPG creators 〰️ For short story writers 〰️

Foundational Fiction is a guided program covering the foundations of crafting fiction.

Do you…

  • Have an incredible idea for a literary project that has been simmering in your head for years?

  • Struggle to find time and motivation to write when life keeps "getting in the way"?

  • Dream of completing a big literary project and becoming a professional author?

  • Want to relearn the basics of storytelling you last encountered in high school English Lit classes?

  • Feel like you would benefit from accountability and expert guidance?

If you said “yes!” to any of the above, this is the program for you.

This program starts in January 2026! Sign up below to be the first to be notified when registration is open.

This program guides you through the steps of starting and finishing a literary project. Work at your own pace through bite-sized, actionable lessons on each stage of the process. You’ll learn about…

  • Different plotting methods and approaches to outlining (because one size does not fit all!)

  • What it really means to be a “discovery” writer

  • Navigating the “messy middle” so you can get to the finish line

  • How to gain and maintain momentum

  • Understanding your chosen genre(s) and embracing/subverting tropes

2026 at a Glance 👀

Here’s a glimpse at our curriculum topics this year.

QUARTER ONE
January - March

  • Story/narrative structure

  • Plotting methods

  • Critical reading

  • Genre deep-dive: Romance

  • Biblipothecary read: Never Say You Can’t Survive

QUARTER TWO
April - June

  • Strategies for building a sustainable writing practice

  • Tropes and archetypes

  • Genre deep-dive: Fantasy

  • Bibliopothecary read: Bird by Bird

QUARTER THREE
July - September

  • Maintaining momentum

  • Crafting characters and motivations

  • Genre deep-dive: Science Fiction

  • Biblipothecary read: Writing Magic

QUARTER FOUR
October - December

  • Types of editing

  • Critical reading redux

  • Worldbuilding basics

  • Genre deep-dive: Horror

  • Bibliopothecary read: The Courage to Write

Pick Your Path

Registration opens in mid-December. Choose from one of three paths.

Free

Not ready to take the leap? Sign up for Bibliopothecary, our 100% free quarterly craft book club. Participate in a guided group read of four beloved writing books.

Core Membership

$129/year or $11/mo

  • Full, indefinite access to all course material

  • Monthly check-in emails from the Storytelling Collective team

  • Access to the private community with fellow members and the Storytelling Collective team

Small Group Mentorship

$199/year or $17/month (requires annual commitment)

Includes the full Foundational Fiction curriculum plus:

  • Monthly live calls with mentor and mentees

  • Quarterly guest talks with professional writers

  • Quarterly critique opportunities

  • Hands-on support and guidance for your project

Meet Your Mentor

Hey, writer! I’m Ashley Warren and I can’t wait to get to know you and help you fulfill your creative dreams!

I’ve spent the last 15 years of my career working with writers like you. I hold a Master’s degree in Literacy with an emphasis on writing support and have served as the founder/director of the Storytelling Collective since 2018. You may recognize me from my contributions to TTRPG projects including the Uncaged Anthology; Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden; Heckna; and more. I produce all of our books published through StoCo’s imprint, and my own publishing company, Fleuron Books, launches in 2026. The whole StoCo team is mega-nerdy about all things creativity and we are here to support you every step of the way!