SOUL SERIES
Let's dig deep into the heart & soul of your book.
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Recommended to "stack" Skeleton & Soul series for week-long experience.
Skeleton I (The First Draft) & Soul I (The Pacing Problem)
Skeleton II (The Middle Muddle) & Soul II (Thematic Weaving)
Skeleton III (The Climax) & Soul III (Risky Business)
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Author of American Mythology
Third Coast Fest Author & Panelist
Third Coast Academy Instructor
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Born and raised in Montana, Giano Cromley is the author of the novel American Mythology. He has also written two young adult novels, The Last Good Halloween and The Prince of Infinite Space, and a collection of short stories, What We Build Upon the Ruins. He graduated from Dartmouth College and has an MFA from the University of Montana. He is a recipient of an Artist Fellowship from the Illinois Arts Council and was a BookEnds Fellow with Stony Brook University. He is an amateur woodworker, a certified wildlife tracker, and an English professor at Kennedy-King College, where he is chair of the Communications Department. He lives on the Southside of Chicago with his wife and three dogs.
Giano Cromley
The Soul
The Pacing Problem
Effective manuscripts must perform "double duty" by balancing action with character development, world-building, emotion. Every scene and every line must be purposeful to manage pacing.
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September 16 - 18, 2026
Thematic Weaving
The "heart" of the story informs every part of your work. The themes, the stakes, the descriptions, the nuances - everything should "point back" to the heart. Unsure what that is? This course is for you.
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September 30 - October 2, 2026
Risky Business
We'll focus on defining and sharpening what's at risk for your characters to keep the pages turning and ensure a satisfying ending.
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October 14 - 16, 2026
What you will receive:
Each resident will receive a copy of their instructor's latest book (or if it's part of a series, then the first book in the latest series).
A leather-bound writing journal.
Other "Soul" themed gifts.
10% off on one Professional Series course. We recommend taking the courses in order.
A writing foundation to help you grow.
Residency Overview
Each residency will follow the same general outline:
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Wednesday
5pm Check-in
5:30-7pm welcome drinks & ice-breakers
7pm Dinner at the Grand Haven / Spring Lake Holiday Inn
8:30-9pm Opening Lesson
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Thursday
8-10am Breakfast
10:30am - Noon - First Session
Noon - 3pm Lunch & free write
3:30-5pm - Second Session
5:30-7pm - Free write
7pm Dinner at Mud Penny (or your preference)
8:30-9pm Open Mic Readings
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Friday
8-10am Breakfast
11am Check-out
11am - Noon Boardwalk Free-write
Noon-1:30 Lunch
1:30-3pm Final Lesson