How to pack a narrative punch by creating primary players with page-turning powers
In all great fiction, primary characters drive the narrative forward and make the reader care about what happens to them. But how do you create such compelling and complex characters?
In this exciting seminar, bestselling author Pamela Freeman will FOCUS ON on how to develop strong characters capable of carrying a story – and how to ask the right questions to shape ANY genre to a satisfying character-based conclusion!
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“I’m 100% happy with this seminar. It placed character development into a clear format that I can make sense of and work with easily. I find Pamela is a great tutor; she has a vibrancy that carries through the whole session and her knowledge is so extensive. Just do it: it's fun, informative and develops a confidence in approaching writing by being in the company of a great tutor who makes it all seem possible.”
Barbara van de Velde
Developing characters who can carry a story – An Overview
In fiction, characters ARE the story. But not all characters are created equal. Whether you’re writing a thriller or a family drama, at least one of your characters needs to be irresistible – and readers will only keep reading if the questions being raised by them are compelling enough.
In short, to craft a story that readers will truly love, you need a complex primary character who will drive the narrative forward and engage your readers by making them care about what happens to them.
So how do you go about creating such page-turning primary characters? Are there key characteristics needed to give them these special storytelling powers?
Characters are the engine room of your story – and with the skills you gain in this seminar, you’ll have the formula for a high-performance engine suitable for any narrative ride you take your readers on.
This seminar explores:
- Why does the character journey matter?
- How to make your characters believable
- Where plot and character come together
- The best characters are those who need to change
- Explore the difference between character-driven vs climax-driven
- What is a backstory?
- What to consider when developing your characters
- How to make your character complex
- The primary character journey that the best characters take
- How to write a believable character journey
- What makes your character different from others?
- Classic character journeys
- Consider your character’s fears and desires
- Internal and external character obstacles
- How does your character’s internal obstacle manifest?
- Two kinds of external obstacles
- How to satisfy your reader with the climax and resolution
“I enjoy Pamela's presentation style and her deep knowledge of her craft. I feel more confident to look at my characters, using the tools provided in this seminar. AWC is an excellent place to learn the skills for writing with knowledgeable teaches. There is a huge range of courses to choose from and I like the flexibility to work through these at my own pace.”
Carole Handel
Meet your presenter
Pamela Freeman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 40 books and novellas, plus short stories and scripts. She writes under two names: Pamela Freeman for children’s and fantasy, and Pamela Hart for mystery novels and historical fiction.
Prolific across multiple genres, Pamela has a Doctorate in Creative Arts (Writing) and she has been the director of creative writing here at the Australian Writers' Centre for over 10 years.
“The course was amazing and Pamela's delivery and structure was so helpful. I couldn't recommend it more for anyone who wants tools and tricks to help improve their characters and writing.”
Lucy Wood
Our FOCUS ON seminars explore an important aspect of the art of writing. These sessions will consist of 1 hour presentation and 1/2 hour Q&A. These seminars are designed to entertain, educate and inspire our community in an accessible way.
Hundreds of students have already completed this seminar. We have received overwhelming positive feedback on the strategies shared by Pamela and the practical advice she provided. This seminar is now available for purchase. By purchasing this seminar you will also receive the handouts and have access for 12 months.
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