How to Weave Character History into Compelling Fiction with Katherine A. Sherbrooke

Ideal for fiction writers working on novels or short stories who want to strengthen character development while keeping readers engaged.

WEBINAR • Thursday, June 25, 2026 • 12-1:15pm Pacific Time (3-4:15pm ET)

Too much backstory can slow a story to a crawl, but too little can leave readers disconnected from your characters. So how do you reveal the past without losing momentum in the present?

In this practical webinar, manuscript coach and novelist Katherine A. Sherbrooke explores how to weave backstory into fiction in ways that deepen character, raise stakes, and keep readers turning pages. Drawing on contemporary examples, Katherine will show you how to identify which details truly matter, where to place them for maximum impact, and how to transition into the past without disrupting the flow of your story.

Whether you’re revising a draft or starting a new project, you’ll leave with concrete strategies for making backstory work harder for your narrative.


In this webinar, you’ll learn

  • How to use backstory strategically—and introduce it at the right moment

  • Why one well-chosen detail can reveal more than pages of exposition

  • Techniques for smoothly transitioning between past and present

  • How to deepen character while maintaining narrative momentum

  • Ways to avoid common backstory pitfalls that stall a story

Learn how to reveal the past without slowing your story

Enroll today

Meet Your Instructor

Katherine A. Sherbrook

Katherine A. Sherbrooke served as Chair of the Board of GrubStreet, the nation’s premier creative writing center, from 2013-2023 and taught many classes there. She also is a coveted manuscript consultant entrusted with improving writer’s work. She is the award-winning author of three novels: the New York Times notable Leaving Coy’s Hill, which was a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award; Fill the Sky, finalist for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year and winner of an Independent Press Award, and The Hidden Life of Aster Kelly. Her latest novel, This Much Is True publishes September 2026 with Sibylline Press.

Turn This Into a Writer’s Weekend

This webinar is part of the Writer’s Weekend Bundle—three June craft workshops for $145, plus a $15 coupon toward a future Sibyl Writing Craft course.

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Bonus 25% Discount on Select Sibylline Press books and Sibyl Writing Craft Books!

Students enrolled in any course will receive 25% off select Sibylline Press books and all Sibyl Writing Craft books. Discount code will be sent with course enrollment confirmation
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FAQ

  • Are the sessions live?

    Yes! Most of our workshops are streamed live on Zoom, allowing you to learn in real time and interact with the instructor. If you can't make it, don’t worry—we will send you a link to watch or download the recording within 24 to 48 hours after the session ends.

  • Will I get a recording?

    Yes! If you can’t attend live (or want to revisit the material), you’ll receive a recording after the session. You can watch it on your own schedule.

  • Can I ask questions during the workshop?

    Our webinars and workshops will have built in time for Q&A at the end. Some workshop instructors may respond to questions throughout the session, depending on the workshop format.

  • Will I receive materials or resources?

    Many workshops include slides, worksheets, or resource lists that you can download and keep.

  • Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

    No preparation is required unless otherwise noted. Some instructors may offer optional prompts or materials to help you get even more out of the session.