WRITING
Anatomy of Writing Success Fiction (2): People and Places
SPRING WN233
Wednesday
Patricia O'Reilly
No matter what sort of fiction you write, your story has to be populated with characters (People) and their actions have to occur in locations (Places).
Characters (People) are the royalty of fiction and one of the greatest challenges facing an author is to create compelling characters (People) that interest the reader, fit the story and respond to your plot. Whatever the action of your story, it needs to matter to your characters.
Locations, Settings, Backdrops (Places) all add spice and provide authentic backgrounds for your story. Creating a setting may be easier than creating a character but it requires serious research and planning. We have tips on writing about the pluses and minuses of places that exists and don’t exist; on creating the perfect backdrop for your characters’ actions; on how to imagine a town/city/street/house/room. A sense of place is not only about the best location to set a scene, it also creates an era, atmospheres.
The 8-modules of this course are tailor-made to suit anyone interested in writing from the beginner to the more experienced writer. Only requirement is an interest in writing good fiction to suit today’s market. This course concentrates on practical and creative ways of inventing memorable characters (People) and Places. The main focus is on best fitting your People & Places to your storyline using narrative and dialogue, as well as style and technique to best advantage. Areas covered: different genres of novels, short stories and radio & stage plays. Sessions arranged to allow time for writing and constructive, individual analysis of participant’s work.
| BLACKROCK | ||
| 8 Wednesdays | Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20 | 10.00am- 12.00pm |
| FEE: €170 | Print Open Learning Application Form or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment |
Tutor Details:
Patricia O’Reilly, author and lecturer, draws on her writing experiences to convene writing workshops, run On-Line Writing Courses and Editing Services and Blog. Her writings include: How-to manuals for writers: latest Ebook: Writing Successful Fiction, Writing for Success; Writing for the Market. Novels: A Type of Beauty, the story of Kathleen Newton (1854-1882); Time & Destiny; Felicity’s Wedding and Once upon a Summer. Short stories: magazines and anthologies.
Provisional list of key topics to be covered:
- Create dynamic characters and locations (People & Places) using both modern and traditional methods
- Use life experience, media outlets, the internet to research your People & Places
- Work your People & Places to forward and enhance storylines, boost emotional landscaping, etc
- Create the best People & Places for your story
Who is the course for?
Anyone ranging from the beginner to the more experienced writer who is interested in joining a dynamic group to create keenly plotted fiction for today’s market. For those who wish, publication/awards can be ultimate aim.
