I’m going to be giving a full-day workshop at the ACT Writers Centre!
The workshop, called Creating Compelling Novels, is on from 10am–4pm Saturday 25 July.
Here’s the blurb:
“Readers have certain expectations that go far beyond genre. At the very least they expect to be entertained, but entertainment is subjective, even within genre.
Fortunately, there are story elements common across all forms of fiction, such as conflict, theme, and structure. Creating Compelling Novels will teach you to identify and apply these elements and many more so you can meet or exceed expectations.
Through practical exercises and group activities you’ll learn how transform your ideas, characters, and storylines into a cohesive whole, potentially taking your stories well beyond the borders of genre— and all without selling out.
Discover exactly what each part of a novel must accomplish, why so many stories suffer from ‘middle sag syndrome’, and why so many novels fail to be compelling.
You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to:
- apply story structure without appearing formulaic
- meet or exceed readers expectations
- troubleshoot story problems
- draw readers into an intense emotional experience they’ll be desperate to share with all their friends.
You’ll leave with the keys to making your novel resonate with the people who matter most – agents, editors, and readers.
If you think that sounds like something you’re interested in, get onto the ACT Writers Centre website.
Cost: $125 members, $90 concessional members, $190 non-members (includes 12 months of membership), $140 concessional non-members (includes 12 months of membership)
Venue: E Block Seminar Room, Gorman Arts Centre (formerly ACT Writers Centre workshop room)
Bookings: You can book by phone on 6262 9191, online or at the office. Payment is required at time of booking.
It’s a shame I don’t live in the area. I’d love to hear how the workshop went.
It’s only a short ride to Canberra! 😀 Okay, maybe a pretty darn big daytrip. I’ll definitely let you know how it goes.