Use exploratory mapping exercises, tools, and techniques to discover where your story is going and how to get there!
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for story structure. Let’s discuss a plan that is right for you. We’ll brainstorm the strengths and weaknesses of your specific story’s destination and the journey along the way. Is there a rich narrative and character arc, a strong point of entry, appropriate placement of flashbacks, a transformative and resonant ending, and will a reader care? We will play with maps, sketches, diagrams, and understand the importance of revising your initial plan as your story takes on a life of its own. Bring your specific idea for a short story, memoir, or novel.
Live video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it).
In this workshop you’ll learn how to:
- Create a flexible outline that works for your plot
- Clarify the true purpose of your story
- Techniques for beginnings and endings
- Character arcs, yearning, internal and external conflict, and transformation
- Components of a successful scene
Time requirements
- No time required outside of class
Materials
- No additional material required
Who should take this workshop?
- This workshop is designed for beginning and intermediate writers who hope to gain the confidence to start/ finish/ and revise their manuscript’s plot and structure.
