Waiheke Island,  5 – 11 OCTOBER 2020

This course is an introduction to the art of writing short fiction and/or memoir, suitable for both beginner and more advanced writers. The 5 sessions include exercises as learning tools plus time to workshop ideas with support and guidance.

1 – Introduction. Story arc. Scene, characters, action. Theme. Dialogue. Events as stories, not anecdotes.

2 – Crafting a personal story. First person. Self or fictional self as main character. Self as narrator. Voice. Diary/Letter/Narrative. How many details are too many?

Voltaire: The secret of being a bore is to tell everything. Central question?

3 – Bringing character and plot to life. Select, shape, style. Choose key scenes or segments.

4 – How to convey setting. What does a reader need to understand place? Context and plot. Symbolic structures. Condensed scenes.

5 – Building tension. Engagement: escalating thrills/involvement. The climax. Endings.

To apply: phone WAL office on 3729868 or email office@wal.org.nz

Venue: Waiheke Adult Learning, Waiheke Island (large light room), walking distance from the ferry.

Fee: $195

Dates: Monday 5, Tuesday 6, Thursday 8, Saturday 10, Sunday 11 OCTOBER 2020

Session Times: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Tutor: Caroline Lark www.carolinelark.com