Learn how to create characters who transform – or resist change – on the page
Writing requires a mixture of art and craft – no matter what genre you’re working in. Whether you’re writing fiction or narrative non-fiction, this unique masterclass with acclaimed writer and mentor Kathryn Heyman will teach you how to use character transformation to structure a compelling story – and become a better writer.
Over the course of the day, you’ll learn how to understand the role of a protagonist, the need for their struggle, and what you need to do to let them drive the narrative shape of the story. You’ll leave with a deep understanding of character, and of narrative structure, and you’ll the tools to apply what you’ve learned to your own writing project.
Please note this masterclass is most suitable for intermediate-level writers who have an idea for a work of fiction or narrative non-fiction, or have already started writing a book. In order for participants to achieve the most out of this interactive and involved course, it will be capped at 15 participants.
Learning Outcomes:
You’ll leave with an understanding of:
The key questions you need to ask to create compelling and dynamic characters
Techniques on finding your character voice and journey
Tools for creating moments of change in your characters, which then lead to moments of change in your story.
Techniques to create secondary characters and to understand the roles of various characters in the story.
The way plot - the character's outer journey - is used to bring about a character's transformation on an inner level.
Format:
This is a masterclass workshop for intermediate to emerging writers. More information on program formats and level definitions can be found here.
About Kathryn:
Kathryn Heyman is the author of six novels, including Storm and Grace (2017). She has written several radio dramas for the BBC, including adaptations of her own fiction and was awarded the 2018 CAL Author Fellowship for her forthcoming memoir, After the Blindness. Her previous work has won the Wingate, Southern Arts and Arts Council of England Writing Awards in the UK and been nominated for awards including the Scottish Writer of the Year, the Orange Prize (now the Baileys) and the Kibble Prize and the West Australian Premier’s Literary Awards. Kathryn Heyman is the director of the Australian Writers Mentoring Program.
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Unless otherwise stated, Queensland Writers Centre workshops and events are suitable for participants aged 16 years and over. If you are under 18 years of age, please check with us for suitability before purchasing a ticket.
Membership will be confirmed on arrival, in the event it isn't current, membership will need to be arranged.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Information on getting to the State Library of Queensland can be found here.
What can I bring into the event?
You can bring either pen and paper or a laptop along with you to write with. If you do bring a laptop, please remember to bring a power adaptor if necessary.
Will this event be live streamed?
Queensland Writers Centre aims to provide material to its membership regardless of where they reside within Queensland by live streaming some events. Attendees may be broadcast periodically throughout the event as recording takes place. If you wish not to be filmed, let staff know prior to the event.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
You can contact us by phone on 07 3842 9922 or email us at admin@qldwriters.org.au
What's the refund policy?
If Queensland Writers Centre cancels an event, we will try to reschedule it for a later date. If we cannot reschedule the event, or if you are unable to attend on the amended date, your payment will be refunded in full.
Except in special circumstances, if you cancel a booking for, or are unable to attend an event, workshop, seminar, or course, Queensland Writers Centre cannot provide a refund. You can contact us to discuss your situation on 07 3842 9922 or email us at admin@qldwriters.org.au
Terms and Conditions
All information is correct at the time of publication. We reserve the right to make changes to the advertised program information (including course content and tutors), but if this occurs, we will try to provide as much notice as possible.
We expect that all participants will behave respectfully and professionally towards their tutor and fellow students. We reserve the right to remove anyone who behaves in an aggressive or disruptive manner. If a participant is asked to leave the class on this basis, we will not offer a refund.
We cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense sustained by students as a result of an event or circumstance whether arising from natural cause, human agency or beyond our control otherwise.