27/09/2022
What’s in a Story?
Kickstart your writing winter in the inspirational landscape of North Yorkshire.
Mary-Jane, Chief Editor of Fish Publishing, is running a luxury, full board, four-night writing workshop in the historical market town of Richmond in North Yorkshire from 28th November to 2nd December (Note the submission deadline to the Fish Short Story Prize is 30th November!)
As the nights draw in and the weather turns wintry, what could be better than a creative break to engage the mind and fire up the imagination?
This four-day workshop is perfect for those who have always wanted to write creatively and never got round to it and for those emerging writers who wish to expand their knowledge of the craft and want some delicious, dedicated time to focus on your work-in-progress. The techniques and aspects of writing we will be looking at can be applied to all genres including the novel, memoir, short story, flash fiction, playwriting and narrative poetry.
Each day we will explore the substance of story. In the mornings there will be an in-depth study of technique through close reading, discussion and in-class writing exercises. In the afternoons there will be dedicated writing tasks associated with the day’s theme, and the opportunity for peer-critiquing and individual tuition all in the picturesque town of Richmond in beautiful North Yorkshire.
Day One: What’s a Story?
We will look at the main elements needed to create a story and explore how to generate seed ideas and begin our own stories. We will also look at what makes a compelling opening and what keeps the reader reading.
Day Two: Whose story is this?
Characterization and point of view. We will look at how to create memorable characters and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view. We will also look at dialogue. Dialogue is never just about the talk but instead is a vehicle to bring us closer to the character and the central conflict. Sometimes what isn’t said is more important than what is. We will look at how to produce layered, engaging dialogue.
Day Three: Shape and Structure and visualization. We will explore the ins and outs of plot, the concept of setup and payoff and how to tie in beginnings, middles and ends in a dramatically satisfying fashion. Fiction operates through the senses so we will also be discussing how to create a world of weight and emotion.
Day Four: Handling Time. The last day will be spent looking at how to show time passing, how to slow time down and speed it up and how to handle emotion and how to COAP: Cut/order/add/polish.
Go on Treat Yourself!
Please contact Nigel: http://www.castlehouserichmond.co.uk/ContactUs.aspx for booking
Questions about the course, please contact Mary-Jane on [email protected]
