Masterclass
Better Villains, Stronger Stories
Sep 28th, 2026 • 3pm - 4pm EDT
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📚 Overview
Stories need a great villain just as much as they need a hero. Who would Luke Skywalker be without Darth Vader? Harry Potter without Voldemort? Batman without the Joker?
In this Monday Masterclass, award-winning editor Hannah VanVels Ausbury will teach you how to craft compelling and three dimensional antagonists. You’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to writing villains who are more than just plot devices — ones who readers will remember long after turning the final page.
Schedule
3pm - 4pm EDT
Better Villains, Stronger Stories
In this one-hour masterclass you will learn:
- Clear strategies for writing complex antagonists
- How to avoid writing a two-dimensional villain
- Character development techniques that you can use across your work
It will be followed by a live Q&A where you can ask Hannah any questions about developing complex villains.
Speakers
Hannah VanVels Ausbury
Editor
Hannah VanVels Ausbury is an editor, writer, and book coach. Over the years, she’s worn many bookish hats: bookseller at Barnes & Noble, freelance editor for scholarly journals, editor at a children's imprint with HarperCollins, and literary agent. With over a decade of editorial experience, Hannah has edited everything from sweeping fantasies and fast-paced thrillers to immersive historical fiction, romantic comedies, and heartfelt contemporary stories.
