On Sunday 28th August 2016, I’ll be heading off to a Fiction Blitz workshop with Brisbane Writers’ Workshop.
I’m pretty excited because every time I attend a course run by Lauren Daniels and Josh Brockbank, I come away with a sense of creative delight, new ways of approaching story and practical tools that I can apply immediately to whatever I am working on.
Over the years, as I have continued to study how to write stories that pull a reader deeper and deeper into the life and conflicts of my characters, I have picked up numerous practical tips from the Brisbane Writers’ Workshop. I’ve found that they make you feel welcome and your stories are valid and worthwhile no matter what you’re creative writing passion.
If I’ve not understood an aspect of the world of writing fiction, I found I could safely ask my questions of Lauren and Josh, and they were more than happy to help me develop my understanding. They give lots of relevant examples and help writers pick up skills to apply to their creative writing projects.
Since attending one day courses with Brisbane Writers’ Workshop, I’ve learned so much, it’s hard to list out. But here’s a few of the things I’ve pick up along the way:
- The basics of writing a novel with rising action and tension.
- How to unleash my own creative voice through simple writing prompts.
- How to bring characters to life on the page by exploring their flaws and exploiting them, then writing those flaws into scenes where the characters are faced with the very thing they don’t want to admit about themselves.
- How to use the enneagram to create complex character behavioural traits that live on in the minds of readers long after the last page has been read.
- How to take an archetype and go beyond writing cliche characters. Actually, this was one of the most interesting writing exercises I’ve done in a while and it sparked my imagination in new ways. I’ve thought a great deal about ways I could use archetypes to write fulfilling characters in my own stories since doing this exercise.
- And, I’ve learned about characterisation, voice, point of view, theme, narration, character roles, and heaps more.
Lauren Daniel and Josh Brockbank have introduced me to new ways of thinking about creative writing and helped me to grow into my own creative writing style. Thanks so much for their ongoing support and dedication to creative writers.
So, yeah, I’m really looking forward to attending the next course in August because I always come away from the Brisbane Writers’ Workshop with a lively sense of excitement and creative drive that filters into my stories as I actively apply what I’ve learned from the course.
This next course, Fiction Blitz is going to focus on how to write hooks and style, and literary devices. And we’re going to examine the subtlety of rhetorical devices which is a relief because I really need to learn about that! Especially as I’m close to finishing a novel and starting on the editing phase.
Anyway, if you’re interested in attending a Brisbane Writers’ Workshop or want to find out more, I suggest you check out their website.
Happy writing. May your characters live long in the minds of your readers!
The Creative Life 