Workshop – So You Want to Write

December 12, 2008 by admin 

 

 

“So You Wanna Write!”

Presented by Renee Daniel Flagler

Renee Flagler

Renee Flagler

An interactive and informative discussion that explores and examines the basic elements of fiction writing.

 

Abstract

Many people are interested in writing, especially avid readers. This discussion explores the components of writing a vivid and interesting story in a way that readers and novice writers can understand and put into practice.

 

The 3-part discussion breaks down important components of story telling and helps the writer develop the skill of writing.

 

Part I – Getting started

Attendees will learn techniques for:

  1. Getting their stories and ideas organized on paper
  2. Using proper mechanics
  3. Developing a writing style

 

Part II – Characteristics of Characters

Attendees will acquire techniques for:

  1. Creating and defining characters 
  2. Establishing a characters voice
  3. Maintaining characteristic consistency
  4. Constructing multi-dimensional characters
  5. Character development throughout a storyline

 

Part III – Getting Your Story Straight

Attendees will learn techniques for:

  1. Basic story set up – establishing a beginning, middle and end
  2. Developing a solid plot
  3. Determining a theme
  4. Telling a story people want to read
  5. Shaping and executing a good story

Sessions will be led by Renee Daniel Flagler an author with professional writing experience that spans several disciplines such as fiction writing, journalism and copy writing.  

CLICK HERE for a copy of this workshop.

Filed under: DAY 6 (SATURDAY), Panels & Workshops
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Comments

12 Responses to “Workshop – So You Want to Write”

  1. SheliaGoss on December 13th, 2008 1:32 am

    Renee, I will send out this link to some aspiring writers.

  2. Tee C. Royal on December 13th, 2008 10:00 am

    This looks good, Renee! I’m looking forward to hearing full details. I’m not a writer, but I love studying and learning more about the craft. You never know! I may just turn out this supernatural thriller after all. (The one I have 2 paragraphs on — from a dream I had.) LOL.

    -Tee

  3. Kim Floyd on December 13th, 2008 10:56 am

    Thanks Renee, Yes I wanna write…

  4. Renee Daniel Flagler on December 13th, 2008 12:12 pm

    Thanks Sheila & Tee,

    Kim, writing is extremely fulfilling, Let’s start from the beginning with part one…

    First thing is to get the ideas out on paper. Many people what to write but find themselves dealing with the obstacle of just getting the ideas our of their heads and onto paper. Once you begin the ‘purge’ in most cases your ideas will begin to flow. In the beginning don’t try to write the perfect story. Just work on getting it out. Think of it as clay, once it’s out then you can mold and shape the words into a great story.

    Try to write in creative purity, meaning, when you are getting the story down, don’t worry about who’s going to read it, how to market it, the book cover, or even typo’s. Each of these things will have their time. Just write and let if flow. This will be your first of many drafts, it your story is on it’s way to being well written with all the elements of a great story. Now you dont’ have to get the entire story down before you start shaping it, The important things is the begin the process!

    Next!
    Now that you have begun to get the story out, bo gack and start shaping…

  5. Renee Daniel Flagler on December 13th, 2008 12:28 pm

    You might write a few lines, pages or chapters at a time. I doesn’t matter as long as you are writing. Make a habit of it. Carve out some time and designate that time slot for writing. The more you do it. the more your ideas will and can flow and the more your story will develop. The more you write the more you grow as a writer. Find a writer who has written several books and pay attention to their writing from the first book to the more recent releases. In many cases you can see the growth of the writer’s as they went along.

    Now let’s say you’ve put down a few chapters. Go back and re-read those chapters. You will find yourself beginning to shape your story. This is where the editing process begins.

    Another key factor is to read, read, read! As you begin writting reading will feed you. Read all genres from all kinds of authors. Pay attention to sentence structure, descriptive details and the art of showing instead of telling a story.

  6. Renee Daniel Flagler on December 13th, 2008 12:44 pm

    Mechanics are important when you go back to read over your work. This is where you focus on the correct punctuation and use of tense or words. etc. Have a style manual handy such as “The Elements of Style” as a guide during this process.

    This process is similar to writing in layers. The first layer is a very rough draft when the ideas come out in purity. The second layer is where you go over your work and begin the editing process. This is just according to what we discussed so far.

    Everyone has a writing style whether they realize it or not. The more you write and grow with your skill, you will begin to recognize your style. Once you recognize your style stick with it for that story. It may change over tiime and with experience. When reading other authors, take notice of their style.

    It’s also important to take writing courses where you can obtain constructive feedback for your work as well as guidance. In fact, this is something that you should do throughout your writing career. Continuous development is what has made great writers who they are. You can also join a writer’s group when the members offer feedback throughout the group.

  7. Renee Daniel Flagler on December 13th, 2008 3:03 pm

    Part II
    Characters

    Your characters are the core of your story. You want:
    * To create a relationship with your readers through the character (Love them or hate them)
    * To create life like characters
    * For your character to be multi-dimensional
    * Your character to have a consistent style, language, and personality that makes them real and supports who they are as a person
    * Your character to act according to their characteristics in all situations encountered throughout your book
    * Your character to develop throughout the story

    Pointers:
    You can develop characters by personality, by background, by ethnicity. etc. Just be true to the person you create.

    We all know all kinds of people and expect of they what is consistent with their personalities, based on what they have shown us. Model your characters that same way. A meek, feeble person won’t run around shouting and cursing people out all the time. A straight up ghetto chick won’t consistently speak eloquently.

    Homework:
    * Sign up for writing courses dealing with character development
    * Read books on character development
    * Watch movies and take note of each characters voice, style, traits, actions and reactions
    * Read many books and pay close attention to the main characters. Ask yourself what you did or didn’t like about them. Did they shock you or act how you expect someone like them to act.

  8. Mary C on December 13th, 2008 6:24 pm

    Renee…thank you for this workshop. I, too want to write. I just can’t seem to get started. You answered all of my questions and then some. Tee…this conference was awesome!! I have learned so much about how this is a not just about writing some book but it’s a business as well. Thank you…and thanks again Renee.

  9. Tee C. Royal on December 13th, 2008 7:03 pm

    More great info, Renee! I think folks are out shopping, but since the site will stay up, I’m sure more folks will be peeking in. Thanks SO MUCH! Especially for your support over the years. It’s great working with people who know what “working with” means. :)

    -Tee

  10. Joyce Dickerson on December 13th, 2008 7:18 pm

    This was awesome I know some people that want to write but have no idea as to how to start so I will pass this information on.

  11. Ana'Gia Wright on December 13th, 2008 8:03 pm

    You can also get ideas for characters by just watching the people around you. I’ve gotten ideas from watching parents interact with their children in the grocery story, or sitting in a public park. If you have a core idea of how you want your character to act, go to places that you think your character might visit and watch others in those places to get ideas.

  12. Maria Mitchell on December 28th, 2008 1:45 pm

    Hi,

    I am in the process of writing a book and this information is so helpful. I miss the conference on the day that it was held but i am looking through the website at the information that still left up. My question is: I was wondering if I can get the url address of the “So you want to Write” article. For some reason when i click on the Click here for a copy of the workshop the website does not pop up.

    Thank You so much