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ARE YOU A 'PANTSER' OR A PLOTTER?

3/31/2015

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Picture
Our sign is up and first workshop done and dusted. The first eager attendees loved the atmosphere and left saying they had learnt much and will be back for more.

We are operational! Bigger and better things to come.


The next workshop is Plotting on April 18th.

So what exactly is a plot?

A Plot is the bare bones of a story - it a series of events which is driven by the protagonist’s attempt to resolve a source of conflict. The protagonist’s actions and reactions to a set of problems, obstacles, or ordeals guide the plot.

To me, to write a story of any size without a plan or plot is like going on a journey without a map or GPS. But some writers say they feel restricted by the structure of plot. That doesn’t have to be the way it works.

There are two methods of preparing to write a story.

The Intuitive Approach

Sometimes called ‘writing by the seats of your pants’.

With this approach, you set off on a journey with no idea of where you are going, allowing the words to carry you along as they will. This can seem like the ideal way to go, but most writers find it hard going. I believe this is the cause of most writer’s block.

Others start knowing only their beginning and their end. Then, as they are writing, they develop the story further as new ideas come. This is where they sometimes come unstuck. Without a sequence of events to follow, they get lost.

The main problems with this method is that sometimes they can get so stuck they can’t get going again, or they end up with a lot of material that must be cut later, thereby wasting time and energy. The questions that they ask to try to get back on track are the same ones they would ask when plotting the story, so why waste time being stuck. Ask them at the start.

The other method is the Analytical Approach or Plotting

Some writers plot out the entire story before they write a word, complete with characters sketches, chapter-by-chapter and scene-by-scene breakdowns, and conclusions.

Such planning can help with the actual writing process because they know what they are writing about – and it can help them tie up any loose ends. However, some people feel it limits them to only writing what was contained in the plot, and doesn’t leave room for any of those great leaps of the imagination that can take them in all sorts of surprising directions. This doesn’t have to happen. Plot lines are only a guide. I adjust my plot line to suit where the story has changed before I write the next chapter. This way I know exactly what I want to happen in that scene.

The plotting workshop shows you how to build a story structure that will give you direction but not restrict the creativity of the process of developing your story. It covers the questions you need to ask to move the story forward, scene by scene.

To book phone 54 981 332 or go to http://gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html

This is followed by;

A two day workshop: April 25th and 26th from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Tutor: Sheryl Gwyther.  Day one: Crafting unforgettable characters: Story characters underpin their stories plot. If not fully developed they’re like paper-dolls. This hands on workshop will teach you how to create engaging, believable characters.

Day two: Writing successful stories. In this workshop, you will write a story using characters you developed yesterday. 

Two day workshop cost $160 per person. Accommodation can be arranged if required. Ask for the cost when you book. 

Phone 54 981 332 to book, or go to www.gondorwriterscentre.com for more information on these workshops and the rest of the year’s program.




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Don't miss out!

3/16/2015

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Bookings are flowing in for the March 28th workshop, Turning an idea into a story.  Numbers are limited. If you are coming along don’t leave it any later to book. Below is a detailed description of the workshop.

Turning an idea into a story:

Where do you start? Most of the stories I read in my role as an editor and publisher really start a few pages into the manuscript. Knowing where to start is vital. When browsing in a bookstore or online for a book, most readers will read the blurb, (or back page synopsis) and the first paragraph of the story. If you haven’t hooked your reader from those two elements, you have lost them. Most people won’t buy the book or read on.

But that is not enough. To keep their interest, no matter how long or short your story is going to be, all the following building blocks are vital.

A WELL-DEVELOPED MAIN CHARACTER: Every story needs a main character – this is the person whose story you will tell. Developing the profile and personality of this character to make him/her believable and to make the readers care about them is essential. We give you the tools to do this effectively and show you how to use this information to portray your character.

GOAL: The goal is another important part – the reason for your story. The success of your narrative hangs on whether your reader thinks it is an interesting goal and cares if your hero achieves it.

YOUR CHARACTER’S MOTIVATION to achieve that goal is then the reason most people read on from the first page.

PRIMARY CONFLICT – OR OBSTACLE: WHAT BLOCKS THE WAY?
A story without conflict is dull and boring; in fact, without conflict there is no story. It can be internal or external conflict. Or put another way, if the goal is easily achieved, there is no story. We show you how to increase the drama to make your story more interesting.

WELL-DEVELOPED SECONDARY CHARACTERS – good or bad. Even in a short story or picture book there is usually more than one character. The interaction between the characters is what makes the story flow and keeps the interest of the reader. Like the main characters, they must be well-developed and believable.  

THE BEST POINT OF VIEW: Point of view is a technical device a writer uses to portray their story in what they consider the best way. Put simply it is: WHO SHOULD TELL THE STORY AND HOW THE STORY IS TO BE TOLD. Before understanding what the best POV for your story is, you must first know what they are, how each one fits your narrative and how it can influence the enjoyment of your reader.

THE BEST SETTING: Setting is not just the physical location where the story takes place; it is also the time and mood. Done well, it can pull the readers in and make them feel like they are there with the characters. Fitting the setting to the story and knowing how to portray it is very important.

All of the previous points are covered in great detail in our workshop, Turning your idea into a story. We will explore these vital building blocks and help you learn how to write a story that no one can put down.

This workshop will be held on March 28
th. Places are filling fast, so don’t hesitate if you want to book. For more information on the workshop and how to book, phone Elaine on 54 981 772 or go to the website. http://gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html

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How do you turn your idea into a story everyone will want to read?

3/9/2015

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Where do you start? Most of the stories I read in my role as an editor and publisher start a few pages into the manuscript. Knowing where to start is vital. When browsing in a bookstore or online for a book, most readers will read the blurb, (or back page synopsis) and the first paragraph of the story. If you haven’t hooked your reader from those two elements, you have lost them. Most people won’t buy the book or read on.

But that is not enough. To keep their interest, no matter how long or short your story is going to be, all the following building blocks are vital.

A WELL-DEVELOPED MAIN CHARACTER: Every story needs a main character – this is the person whose story you will tell. Developing the profile and personality of this character to make him/her believable and to make the readers care about them is essential.  

GOAL: The goal is another important part – the reason for your story. The success of your narrative hangs on whether your reader thinks it is an interesting goal and cares if your hero achieves it.

YOUR CHARACTER’S MOTIVATION to achieve that goal is then the reason most people read on from the first page.

PRIMARY CONFLICT – OR OBSTACLE: WHAT BLOCKS THE WAY?
A story without conflict is dull and boring; in fact, without conflict there is no story. It can be internal or external conflict. Or put another way, if the goal is easily achieved, there is no story.

WELL-DEVELOPED SECONDARY CHARACTERS – good or bad. Even in a short story or picture book there is usually more than one character. The interaction between the characters is what makes the story flow and keeps the interest of the reader. Like the main characters, they must be well-developed and believable.  

THE BEST POINT OF VIEW: Point of view is a technical device a writer uses to portray their story in what they consider the best way. Put simply it is: WHO SHOULD TELL THE STORY AND HOW THE STORY IS TO BE TOLD. Before understanding what the best POV for your story is, you must first know what they are, how each one fits your narrative and how it can influence the enjoyment of your reader.

THE BEST SETTING: Setting is not just the physical location where the story takes place; it is also the time and mood. Done well, it can pull the readers in and make them feel like they are there with the characters. Fitting the setting to the story and knowing how to portray it is very important.

All of the previous points are covered in great detail in our workshop, Turning your idea into a story. We will explore these vital building blocks and help you learn how to write a story that no one can put down.

This workshop will be held on March 28
th. Places are filling fast, so don’t hesitate if you want to book. For more information on the workshop and how to book, phone Elaine on 54 981 772 or go to the website. http://gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html


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