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 28th. 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
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 28th. 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