Workshop 2: Creating Unforgettable Protagonists

In Workshop 2 - Creating Unforgettable Protagonists, we continue with our 10 Part Series called "Working  the Short Story" (including Mags Webster on 4th May). We will look at how to create a memorable protagonist and also - How NOT to create a protagonist. Readings of some of Cate Kennedy's protagonists in her short stories, and inspirational affirmations that will get you going. Friday 23rd February @ 1pm - inquire about room at FAC reception. 
PLEASE NOTE:  Places are available in our Friday morning critiquing session. We meet at 10.00am having emailed our work earlier in the week. Cost is $25 including Prose Class @ 1pm. Email: Helen
Check out the Guidelines for the Friday morning critique group @
http://writingatcentre.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/critiquing-workshop-with-helen-hagemann.html

 

How to create a memorable protagonist

Often the secret to writing a good story is to create a memorable protagonist. After all, usually the most pertinent element of a story for readers are the characters. Readers will see something in the protagonist that matches who they are or who they wish to be. Indeed, years after forgetting the story’s plot and its message, readers will remember the characters and their best lines.

How NOT to create a protagonist

You can have the greatest plot in the world, discuss a deep, universal theme, and write crisp, taut sentences, but if the reader can’t connect to your protagonist, the story will fall flat. Simply put, you always must create a protagonist the reader will root for. 

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Working the Short Story: a 10-Part Series with Helen Hagemann

Every second year OOTA conducts a writing competition called Spilt Ink with poetry and prose submissions. To help you produce samples of your stories (hopefully a winning entry), Helen will conduct a 10 Part Series called "Working  the Short Story" (including Mags Webster on 4th May). The aim will be to guide you and refresh your knowledge of what makes a good story. Each Prose class will look at major elements that will have you powering away into your writing. This is a work-in-progress list, however each class will cover one of the following:- Friday 9th February @ 1pm is Workshop 1 - Getting started with writing prompts.

1.  Getting started with writing prompts
2.  Writing affirmations for inspiration
3.  Choosing a different genre ie. prose poetry, science fiction, non-fiction, creative non-fiction
4.  Grammar
5.  Theme
6.  Setting
7.  Point of View
8.  Characters
9.  Plot
10.  General Tidy-up: Critiquing, Editing and Final polishing

PLEASE NOTE:  Places are available in our Friday morning critiquing session. We meet at 10.00am having emailed our work earlier in the week. Cost is $25 including Prose Class @ 1pm.
Check out the Guidelines for the Friday morning critique group @ 
https://writingatcentre.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/joining-our-prose-critique-group.html

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