Author's Journey 2026

The Author’s Journey (2026)

$199.00

 

Write Your Novel(la) in Three Months

Crystal Lake Academy proudly presents the 5th Annual Author’s Journey Workshop—a fully online, intensive program designed to take your idea from concept to completion. Please check at the very bottom for info on payment plans. We’re more than happy to help.

Many of our past students have gone on to secure publishing contracts. Now it’s your turn.

Under the direct guidance of Joe Mynhardt—founder and CEO of Crystal Lake Publishing, award-winning editor, and story coach—you’ll develop, structure, and complete your novel or novella in just three months.

Preferred genres include Horror, Thriller, Dark Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and Suspense.

What You’ll Experience

Personal Coaching from Day One

Before the official launch on May 1st, you’ll begin with a one-on-one story session with Joe. During this pre-launch phase, you’ll draft your first three chapters and receive focused feedback to ensure your opening is strong, confident, and structurally sound before moving forward.

The goal: clarity in voice, tone, and direction from the very start.

Structured Progress & Accountability

Once the workshop begins, you’ll follow a clear writing roadmap with:

  • Word-count milestones (including your first 10,000 words)
  • Biweekly Zoom workshops on weekends (replays will be emailed to all students)
  • Accountability check-ins
  • Email deadline reminders
  • A reward system to encourage consistent progress

Expert Insight & Guest Speaker Sessions

Throughout the workshop, guest speakers will lead live Zoom sessions covering:

  • Crafting powerful opening scenes
  • Plot structure and escalation
  • Character development
  • Building tension and suspense
  • Sustaining reader engagement
  • Writing a synopsis
  • Marketing and Branding (from a team with almost 300 titles under their belt)
  • And more (Joe will present workshops based on the feedback and needs of students)

Final Evaluation & Feedback

At the end of the program, you’ll submit a detailed synopsis and schedule a final one-on-one session with Joe to review your climactic chapter (the emotional and narrative payoff of your story).

There will also be an optional peer-review opportunity for full manuscript feedback.

Graduates receive an official certificate of completion.

Who This Is For

  • Writers ready to finish what they start
  • Authors seeking structure and accountability
  • Creators who want professional-level guidance
  • Writers serious about publishing
  • First-time novel writers
  • Authors looking for a community of like-minded creators
  • Creators in need of a support system

This is more than a writing course. It’s a disciplined, guided journey from idea to finished manuscript. If you’re ready to stop circling your story and finally complete it, this is your moment.

Secure your place in The Author’s Journey!

Payment plans: Feel free to email us at crystallakepub@gmail.com about setting up three PayPal payments over the three months: $85/$65/$65 ($15 more than the once-off payment option)

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Description

Joe Mynhardt stands as a paragon in the horror literary world, a Bram Stoker Award-winning South African publisher, editor, story coach, and mentor with over a decade of experience. As the founder and CEO of Crystal Lake Publishing, Joe has transformed a humble 2012 startup into a multifaceted Intellectual Property powerhouse focused on books, games, audiobooks, a magazine, podcasts, comic books, and more.

With a track record of working with and publishing works by luminaries such as Clive Barker, Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, Ramsey Campbell, John Connolly, Jack Ketchum, Jonathan Maberry, Christopher Golden, Graham Masterton, Damien Angelica Walters, Adam Nevill, Lisa Morton, Elizabeth Massie, Joe R. Lansdale, Edward Lee, Paul Tremblay, and Wes Craven, Joe is the quintessential mentor for aspiring horror authors. His deep industry insights and extensive network place him in a unique position to guide both new and seasoned writers in the genre.

Joe’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering author careers is at the heart of Crystal Lake’s ethos. His approach is not just about publishing books; it’s about building a community, sharing knowledge, and being a beacon of friendship and guidance in the often-intimidating world of horror writing.

Since leaving his day job in 2016 to focus full-time on his passion, Joe has also excelled as a work-from-home dad, a role he embraced in 2018. His daughter, Cayleigh, named after his childhood influences Bruce Lee and Stan Lee, is a testament to his belief in the power of storytelling across all mediums. Joe’s love for great narratives extends beyond literature, encompassing comics, games, film, and television, with favorites ranging from Poe, Doyle, and Lovecraft to King and Connolly.

Joe Mynhardt isn’t just a figure in the horror industry—he’s a driving force behind it, leading a successful online business that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of publishing. Discover more about Joe’s journey and Crystal Lake’s offerings at www.crystallakepub.com or connect with him on Facebook or Patreon (includes author tiers and a 7-day free trial), where he continues to inspire and lead the next generation of horror storytellers.

 

 

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