ONLINE WORKSHOP: Beginnings and Endings
Date:
With:
Mark Smith
Rating:
EARLY, EMERGING
Summary:
How do we make the beginning of our story feel like a hand reaching out from the page, pulling the reader into the narrative? And how do we strike a balance between resolution and a longing for more at the end? In this workshop, award-winning author, Mark Smith, leads writers through the crucial first few paragraphs of a story, examining what is needed (and what is not) to establish setting and character. And, at the other end, how to complete a narrative arc and resolve a story in a way that satisfies the reader but doesn’t feel entirely like the closing of a door.
Details
This workshop will take place online. Detailed instructions for participation will be provided.
Included in this course:
- 2.5 hours of guidance, information, and directed teaching
- A curated reading list for context and inspiration
- Writing exercises to help hone your craft and reinforce your new skills
- 1 hour interactive webinar for questions, clarifications, and skills extension
- Personalised feedback from Mark on a piece of writing up to 500 words
You will learn:
-
the importance of backstory in establishing character
-
how much exposition is needed at the beginning of your story
-
how to establish setting without losing your reader in needless detail
-
how much resolution your reader needs
-
how to complete a narrative arc
Please bring along a piece of fiction (short or long) you are working on, as well as an example of the first paragraph of a story you love.
Schedule for the Day:
- 10 - 11:15am: First webinar with Mark Smith
- 11:45am - 1pm: Second webinar with Mark Smith
- 3 - 4pm: Interactive webinar for questions, clarifications, and more casual instructions based on your experiences
- 500-word pieces to be sent to Mark for feedback
About Mark Smith
Mark Smith is the author of three novels: The Road To Winter, Wilder Country and Land Of Fences. Wilder Country won the 2018 Australian Indie Book Award for YA. He is also an award-winning writer of short fiction, with credits including the Josephine Ulrick Literature Prize and the Alan Marshall Short Story Prize. His work has appeared in Best Australian Stories, Review of Australian Fiction, The Big Issue, The Victorian Writer and The Australian.
Not a Member?
If you’re purchasing a full price workshop at $215, consider a full price one-year membership ($75) plus member-priced workshop ($155) will cost just $230 and give you discounts on all our services plus six free copies of ‘The Victorian Writer’ magazine.
And if you have a concession card, a one-year membership ($55) plus member-concession workshop ($135) will cost you only $190.
Venue:
Australia
Contact:
Phone: 90947895
Email: [email protected]