The science of storytelling with Will Storr

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The science of storytelling with Will Storr

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Sunday, May 10, 2015 · 10am - 4pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Lessons from neuroscience and psychology that could transform your storytelling

The human brain is the original and ultimate storyteller. It’s a biological machine that naturally turns the events of our lives into a dramatic narrative. Storytellers work by exploiting these functions, often without knowing exactly how they’re doing it or why. Using the latest research from neuroscience and psychology, writer Will Storr reveals how authors, screenwriters and journalists can make their writing richer and more compelling by understanding the brain’s inherent storytelling processes.

During this thought-provoking seminar, you’ll find out how readers relate to characters and how to write a psychological arc for your protagonist that will surprise, enrich and ultimately satisfy your audience. You’ll also learn how to produce cognitively addictive plots and how to design credible antagonists. Whether you’re a literary or genre writer, working for page or screen, this is a refreshingly different take on creative writing that will give you new perspectives on your own work, and help you understand the neurological common ground of all audiences.

This course is for you if...

  • You’re a screenwriter, novelist, journalist or other creative writer who would like insight into how audiences relate to stories, and how the human mind interprets plots, characters and points of view.

Course description

This in-depth, small-scale seminar explains the storytelling functions of the human brain, and how writers can exploit its natural processes in their work. Although attendees will tackle some practical exercises, this is largely a theoretical tutorial. No previous knowledge of neuroscience or psychology is necessary for this course, although an interest in science is an advantage. Topics covered during the event include:

  • The creative brain
  • The biased brain
  • The hero maker: the brain as original storyteller
  • Self and character
  • Antagonists, self-esteem and the Lucifer effect
  • Character design and common mistakes about the ‘changing’ character
  • Plots and payoffs
  • A new answer to the old question: why do we tell stories?

Tutor profile

Will Storr is an award-winning writer and photographer. He is the author of three critically acclaimed books including The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science and the novel The Hunger and the Howling of Killian Lone. Will is also a prolific journalist who has contributed to publications including Observer Magazine and Guardian Weekend. He is also contributing editor at Esquire magazine, GQ Australia and Matter. Will has been named New Journalist of the Year and Feature Writer of the Year, and has won a National Press Club award for excellence, and in 2012, he was presented with the One World Press award and the Amnesty International award for his work for The Observer on sexual violence against men. Find out more about Will on his website.

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.

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