How to plot your novel

Actions Panel

How to plot your novel

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, February 28, 2015 · 10am - 4pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Learn how to create elegant stories which are unpredictable without ever being contrived

Whether you're writing an elaborate thriller or a deceptively minimalist drama, a carefully constructed plot is at the heart of every successful story. The flow of your narrative is the force that brings the emotional journey of your characters and your audience together. This eye-opening one-day course will introduce you not just to new ideas for plots, but to entirely new ways of thinking about storytelling. You'll learn how to approach your narrative from new angles, and to interpret and manifest the motives and actions of your characters with renewed ingenuity.

Critically-acclaimed novelist Jacqueline Yallop presents a storytelling masterclass which will show you how to interweave plots and subplots to create an immersive and rewarding reality for your readers. Through a structured programme of talks and exercises, you'll discover new ways to advance the themes of your novel and highlight unseen facets of your characters. You'll also gain a better understanding of pacing and learn how to reveal just enough at exactly the right time, in order to build suspense and create satisfying conclusions.

This course is for you if...

  • You want to inject more excitement and drama into your writing
  • You've completed a first draft of a novel which you feel lacks pace or drama
  • You have a fully realised premise for a novel, but feel your story needs more substance
  • You want to keep your readers on their toes
  • You've started writing a novel, but are unsure how to progress

Course description

This one-day course blends classroom tuition with group discussions and a variety of exercises to explore ways of devising and dovetailing plots and subplots. There is ample scope for questions and feedback from the tutor. Topics covered on the day include:

  • How genre influences plot
  • Plot and structure
  • The beginning, the middle and the end
  • The string, the mirror and the seesaw: different approaches to the same story
  • The power of cause and effect
  • Agency and motive: how desire shapes action
  • Keeping plot and character in harmony
  • How to move forward with your plot

Tutor profile

Jacqueline Yallop is the author of three critically-acclaimed novels – Kissing Alice, Obedience and Marlford. Jacqueline also lectures in fiction at the University of Aberystwyth, and frequently speaks at literary festivals and creative writing schools.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

Sales Ended