Like real people, complex characters have conflicting beliefs, motivations, and desires. These contradictions create depth and dynamism, they are the sparks that bring characters to life. This three-hour, generative fiction workshop will focus on how to illuminate internal tensions in order to create a convincing character. Just like us, complex characters reveal and conceal different parts of themselves in different situations. Exploring subtle shifts in a character’s behaviour is an opportunity to shed light on what they believe to be desirable traits and what they find shameful. We will think about how power dynamics influence what a character hides or makes visible about themselves.
The workshop will begin with a brief discussion of craft, where we will explore tools for bringing a character’s multiplicity to the page. Then we will move into timed writing exercises, where participants will be provided with prompts to apply concepts from the discussion to their own writing. Participants will have an opportunity to share what they’ve written with the group.

 Date: Saturday, July 18

Time: 1 - 4 p.m.

Registration fee: $35 for non-members, $30 for members.

Location: McLoughlin Gardens, 814 Tasman Road, Merville, BC

The workshop will either be held in the studio adjacent to the cottage at McLoughlin Gardens or on the grassy lawn on the north side of the house. Since the park is pedestrian-access only, participants are asked to park near the gate and walk down the hill. However, if mobility is an issue, let us know if you will need to drive down, or we will arrange to bring you to the site.

Registration is limited, so please sign up early!