Fall 2008 Workshops

SHARON POLLOCK

“Plotting Character in Action”

Saturday, September 13, 2008

1pm - 3pm

Calgary Public Library - Memorial Park Branch

“What happens next?” keeps a reader turning pages late into the night, and audiences glued to their theatre seats. This workshop will cover attributes of character and components of plot that together create conflict and complication fueling the dramatic engine that drives narrative forward, whether your play or fiction is event or character driven.

Participants are asked to provide, prior to the workshop, a sample (10 - 15 pages) of their writing. Participants’ work will provide the basis of discussion and dialogue, as well as illustrate specific aspects of the workshop topic.

A brief written review of participants’ submitted work available, if requested.

Deadline for submission: September 01, 2008

REGISTRATION IS FREE BUT SPACE IS LIMITED

To register, or for more information, please email or call 416.504.8222 x 242

MARY JANE MAFFINI
"Step Over to the Dark Side: The Basics of Mystery Fiction"
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
6pm - 8pm
Ottawa Public Library - Main Branch

Find a voice for your inner sleuth at this initiation to mystery writing. This two-hour session aims to answer the questions: Why does crime fiction matter? What makes a good mystery? What are the unwritten rules? You'll also discover the trends and opportunities in contemporary crime and mystery fiction in Canada and elsewhere. The workshop will explore the building blocks of mystery: character, plot and setting, as well as other tools you need to involve and captivate your readers. We'll talk about local and national crime writing groups, networking and support opportunities and current markets. You'll take away list of crime writing guides, reference materials, websites and next steps. Come for fun and leave with the essential tools to embark on your life of crime.

REGISTRATION IS FREE BUT SPACE IS LIMITED

To register, or for more information, please email or call 416.504.8222 x 242

MARNIE WOODROW

"Eventful Fiction"

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

7pm - 9pm

Books & Company Bookstore

Picton, ON

'What happened? And THEN what happened?' Our insatiable curiosity about events keeps us reading newspapers. Events (and human reactions to actions) are also at the core of compelling stories and novels. An energetic, exercise-driven workshop geared to generate new fiction through creative exploration of personal, local and world events.

Marnie Woodrow is the author of two short fiction collections and a novel, Spelling Mississippi. A freelance writer, editor and researcher, she is also a recipient of the Excellence In Teaching Award at University of Toronto Continuing Studies. After 20 years in Toronto, she now lives and works in beautiful Prince Edward County.

REGISTRATION IS FREE BUT SPACE IS LIMITED

To register, or for more information, please email or call 416-504-8222 x 242

PAULETTE BOURGEOIS

"Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Writing for Children"

Sat. Sept. 20, 2008

1pm - 3pm

Toronto Public Library - Beaches Branch

In this hands-on workshop we’ll explore how the screenwriting techniques that keep young viewers riveted to their seats from Kansas to Oz and home again can be applied to creating page-turning chapter books and novels for children. Participants will learn about the hero’s journey, the three-act structure and sagging middles. Most of the workshop will be devoted to short exercises designed to help the writer “see” a new way of writing. Participants are asked to come prepared with a one-paragraph synopsis of their favourite movie for children.

Paulette Bourgeois is best-known for creating Franklin the Turtle, the character who appears in picture books illustrated by Brenda Clark. The books have sold more than 50 million copies around the world and have been translated into 38 languages. She lives in Toronto.

REGISTRATION IS FREE BUT SPACE IS LIMITED

To register, or for more information, please email or call 416-504-8222 x 242