Detailed Information
Writing Successful Fiction (2)
Writing powerful, readable fiction for today’s market is an acquired skill with focus on strong plot lines, gripping themes, page-turning characters, era and an overall sense of location. Successful plotting is the keynote of contemporary fiction and thrives on good structuring. Plot is what happens in the story, the sequence of events that occurs as characters attempt to solve problems or reach goals. Characters are an equally important part of any story, and we explore the skills of creating and developing characters that act in character throughout. This 8-session course ensures the creations of powerful story arcs with dynamic beginnings, vibrant middles and purposeful ends, the purpose being is to assist writers of all levels to find and use their skills to construct fiction. The sessions are tailor-made to appeal to emerging writers, writers already working on projects and published writers. Primary concentration is on optimum ways of building dynamic plot sequences, creating fictional storylines, characters to people them and a strong sense of place. To achieve this we use narrative, dialogue and style to best advantage. Attention is given to analyzing the works of today’s successful authors. The only requirement for attendance is a love of words and an interest in writing fiction.
BLACKROCK EDUCATION CENTRE
8 Wednesdays 10.00am - 12.00pm
Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20
The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests. Recommended reading:
On Writing – Stephen King
How to Write Like Tolstoy –Richard Cohen
From Pitch to Publication – Carole Blake
Patricia is a published author of more than a dozen books in a variety of genres. She has come the route of magazine and newspaper writing; radio documentaries, plays and talks. She has online writing services as well as running writing courses and giving talks at literary festivals.
* Tried and tested methods for writing fiction
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Best methods of sourcing Plotlines
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Creating dynamic Characters
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Exploration of various genres
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Story Viewpoint
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Narrative, Description & Dialogue
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How to SHOW rather than TELL
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Best use of tense
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Analysis of the literary creativity of successful writers
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Development of personal style and technique
· At the end of the course, students should be able to :
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Have acquired research skills
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Assess their own ability to source and implement successful fictional plotlines, create characters and locations
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Tap into personal life experiences, the media, current affairs, historical to access plotlines
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Recognise and realise their own writing potential
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Have developed their writing voice
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Be skilled at writing narrative, description and dialogue
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Know the requirements of today’s market for fiction
In workshop format: including key points being bullet-pointed in each session; handouts; group & individual writing projects covered during sessions; weekly homework projects; critical individual and group analysis; study of examples of work by bestselling and award-winning national and international writers.
Primarily writers and emerging writers who want to acquire and hone their skills to write the type of bestselling fiction that is successful in today’s market, as well as published authors and people with an interest in words, reading and writing. We focus on the best of modern fiction – using examples from Man Booker, Costa, Baileys and IMPAC winners