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Meet Your Storytelling Mentor

H. R. D'Costa (author photo)

Hey there, fellow scribe! I’m H. R. D’Costa.

An expert in story structure and story stakes, I’m here to provide you with mindset and plotting resources that will help you hold fast to your writing dream—even when life tells you to let go.

For more about Scribe Meets World, click here.

Online Course: Smarter Story Structure

Image of a roller coaster with text overlay: Smarter Story Structure – Your shortcut to writing better stories—faster

In as little as a weekend, you could become a pro at story structure…which will enable you to:

* minimize getting stuck & bailing on your draft in the middle
* craft stories good enough to keep readers hooked

“This course, Smarter Story Structure, is fantastic & spot-on. For me, it’s been a series of mini-light bulbs popping off along the way, and I can’t thank H. R. D’Costa enough for her insight and clarity.” ~ James Caffery, Quarterfinalist in the WeScreenPlay Pilot Competition (2018)

“I love, love, love this course. It will be such a time (and mistake) saver.” ~ Ariadne S

Click here to learn more about Smarter Story Structure

Christmas Movie Writer Starter Kit

Image of Christmas tree with text overlay: Write Your Christmas Movie Now

Want to write a Christmas movie like the ones on Hallmark? Then you must purchase this Christmas Kit.

It’ll give you a 12-step roadmap & resources to help you write a Christmas movie of your very own (even if you have zero screenwriting experience).

“This course is the best source of information regarding the Christmas movie genre that I’ve yet to find. H. R. D’Costa will teach you everything you need to know about making your own Christmas movie dreams come true.” ~ Sharon Wray, author of the bestselling Deadly Force romantic-suspense series

Click here to learn more about the Christmas Kit

Sizzling Story Outlines

Cover image for Sizzling Story Outlines (a writing guide about how to outline a novel or screenplay)

» VOTED #1 PLOTTING TOOL by WritesWithTools.com

Outline your screenplay or novel with a step-by-step, practical method...and stop hitting a wall when you write!

“If you want a proven nuts-and-bolts method to get your stories told, trust this guide.“ ~ Ronald Drescher, screenwriter of The Inventors, a Quarterfinalist in the ScreenCraft Public Domain Screenplay Competition

“Knowing what should go into a well-plotted novel is one thing, but using this knowledge to **shape your own story** into publishable material is a totally different skill. And this is exactly what H. R. D’Costa teaches you to do.” ~ Amazon reviewer

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Download the ebook instantly from:
Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Solid Story Compass

Cover image for Solid Story Compass (a writing guide about how to self-edit like a pro)

Make your story the best it can be...

...without paying a pro thousands of dollars for developmental editing or script analysis.

“The knowledge available…is priceless (especially since I don’t have a developmental editor). I don’t have enough words to thank you! You are one of the reasons for me to reach my dream.” ~ C. J. Lamb, urban-fantasy author

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Download the ebook instantly from:
Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Sparkling Story Drafts

Cover image for Sparkling Story Drafts (a writing guide about how to find & fix plot holes)

Fix problem spots in advance, in an outline* and produce a first-rate story— faster.

***Pantsers: use the massively thorough step-by-step checklist to edit your rough draft into shape!

“An essential roadmap for both new and veteran writers.” ~ Elizabeth Spann Craig, author of 25+ cozy mysteries (including the bestselling Myrtle Clover series) and award-winning blogger

“As I read Sparkling Story Drafts, I wrote a ton of sticky notes to improve my already published novels and a draft I’m working on—woohoo! Get yourself a copy. You’ll write faster and your writing will improve.” ~ Lurene Miller, co-author of Kingdom Lost, first in a middle-grade SFF series co-written with Lurene’s grandson, Harry

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Download the ebook instantly from:
Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Story Stakes

Cover image for Story Stakes (a writing guide about how to use story stakes to heighten tension)

Learn how to use story stakes like a pro—and readers will:

(a) stay up all night to finish your screenplay or novel and (b) rave about it to everyone

This writing guide will help you get there.

“A must-have in your top 10 books on writing.” ~ Amazon reviewer

“H. R. D’Costa shows writers how to layer stakes, one on top of another, blending them into a compelling tangle from which the hero—and the reader—cannot escape. This is now one of my favorite go-to guides on writing.” ~ Debbie Burke, author of the thrillers Instrument of the Devil (a Kindle Scout and Zebulon Award winner) & Stalking Midas and contributor to The Kill Zone (a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Blogs for Writers)

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Download the ebook instantly from:
Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Inciting Incident

Cover image for Inciting Incident (a deep-dive writing guide about how to start your story in the right place)

Learn how to craft a story beginning that’ll pull in audiences AND keep them connected to your plot & characters—all while maintaining an engaging pace.

“I loved Inciting Incident. It was so great that this morning I bought Midpoint Magic. My plan is to buy all the books in the Story Structure Essentials series.” ~ Sharon Wray, author of the bestselling Deadly Force romantic-suspense series

“I thought I was already clear on the inciting incident of a novel and how to create one, but the author really peels back the layers to show why they work. A fantastic guide with plenty of examples. Added to my keeper shelf.” ~ Amazon reviewer

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Midpoint Magic

Cover image for Midpoint Magic (a deep-dive writing guide about how to fix sagging middles in a story)

Avoid the dreaded “sagging middle” and prevent your story from turning into a snooze fest that bores readers to tears.

“These are some of the best books I’ve read about writing. I wish I found them before! My plotting process is no longer scattered, I don’t cycle back and forth because I forgot something or things don’t work.” ~ Anna Flakk, author of A Wicked Chance, an urban-fantasy novel

“Seriously one of the most helpful craft books I’ve read! I’m an overnight fan of this author.” ~ Amazon reviewer

Download instantly from:
Amazon (US) | Amazon (international)

Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Trough of Hell

Cover image for Trough of Hell (a deep-dive writing guide about how to end Act Two)

Figure out how to end Act Two...and never get stuck in the middle of your story ever again.

“So packed with info...[that] I couldn’t wait to race back to my computer and apply all the great ideas to my suspense-novel-in-progress!” ~ Peggy A, novelist

Download instantly from:
Amazon (US) | Amazon (international)

Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Story Climax

Cover image for Story Climax (a deep-dive writing guide about how to craft an amazing story ending)

Do you want to craft a story ending that’s merely satisfactory—or one that’s deeply satisfying?

Only the latter will help you become a writer who’s in demand.

This writing guide will show you what to do.

“H. R. D’Costa’s writing tips are concrete and practical. Yet, they go deep—like the 90% of the iceberg that is below the surface.” ~ Louis Schlesinger, Winner of the Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize (2021)

“I can’t imagine what the author could’ve left out of this book…I’ve put down books on story wishing the author had included this topic or that. Not so with Story Climax. Highly recommend this book!!!” ~ Kobo reviewer

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Download the ebook instantly from:
Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

How to Write a Screenplay Now

Cover image for How to Write a Screenplay Now (a screenwriting book that'll help you go from dreaming about writing a screenplay to doing it!)

Turn your amazing idea into a movie!

You can do it now with the roadmap in How to Write a Screenplay Now, perfect whether you’re looking to:

* write your first screenplay (ever)
* write your first screenplay draft (more easily)

Also good for any writer (including novelists) who’s short on time or struggles with motivation or procrastination.

Buy now and unleash your full writing potential today!

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Download the ebook instantly from:
Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

Story Structure for the Win

Cover image for Story Structure for the Win (a writing guide about how to write faster and write better)

With good story structure, you can write faster and write better stories, too.

* works for plotters AND pantsers *

Perfect if you’re looking for a quick primer on story structure.

Download the ebook instantly or buy the paperback (free shipping with Amazon Prime):

Amazon (US): ebook | paperback
Amazon (international)

Download the ebook instantly from:
Apple | Kobo | Smashwords

The Ultimate Story Structure Worksheet

Ultimate Story Structure Worksheet

This 18-page story structure worksheet has already been downloaded over 37,000 times by writers around the world.

Join them today!

Click here for FREE instant access.

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Some images on this site are licensed via CC by 2.0. Excerpts from screenplays are used for educational purposes only. All other text © 2025, H. R. D’Costa, Scribe Meets World. This site uses cookies to provide the best experience for you. By continuing to use this site, you’re acknowledging that you understand this, and re: cookies, you’re like Clint Eastwood, Diana Prince, and Captain Mal—totally cool.