A masterclass in crafting a compelling plot with Shelley Weiner

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.

The Guardian Masterclasses

A lively and practical writing masterclass which will give you the tools and confidence to weave pace and intrigue into your storytelling

Whether you prefer a story that is taut with tension and adventure, or one that unspools through intriguing characters having fascinating conversations, the bread and butter of all good books is a plot that keeps you gripped. As an aspiring writer, how can you ensure your novel is always moving in the right direction, and in a way that remains true to your unique narrative voice?In this virtual masterclass with renowned novelist Shelley Weiner, you will discover how to organise the plot of your novel effectively, no matter the genre or ambition of your story. Under Shelley’s expert guidance, you will learn how to move from one scene to another, how to interleave character development with action, and how to utilise pace and anticipation to keep things motoring forward.Suitable for writers at any stage in their creative process, this class will ultimately give you the confidence to empower your story with a consistent and convincing plot that leaves your future readers desperate to turn the pages.Course Content<ul><li>Plot and narrative structure – understanding universal stories and locating the shape of your own</li><li>Character and motivation as the driving force in your story: the engine of causality</li><li>Creating compelling scenes</li><li>Sustaining momentum and suspense: finding conflict through obstacles and the pressure of time.</li><li>Planning tools demystified</li></ul>You will be sent a link to the webinar 2hrs before the start time of 2pm (BST).Tutor ProfileShelley Weiner is the author of five novels, and a renowned creative writing tutor/mentor with a passion for nurturing and guiding writers at all levels. Her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies in print and online, and have been produced for BBC Radio 4. Shelley has taught and run masterclasses for, among others, the Guardian, Faber Academy, The Literary Consultancy, Gold Dust Mentoring Scheme, The Art of Writing (Florence), and Skyros Writers’ Lab. She has lectured on the Creative Writing MA at Anglia Ruskin University, as well as for Birkbeck College, the Open University, the Taliesin Trust, the British Council in Israel, and Durham University.Course Details<ul><li>Date: Saturday 21 August 2021</li><li>Time: 2pm-4.30pm (BST)</li></ul>This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this<a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html?iso=20210821T130000&amp;p1=136&amp;p2=37&amp;p3=179&amp;p4=137&amp;p5=240" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> time zone converter</a> to check your local live streaming time.You will be sent a link to the webinar two hrs before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have not received the access link within one hour of the scheduled start time.All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-masterclasses/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website</a>

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A masterclass in crafting a compelling plot with Shelley Weiner

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A masterclass in crafting a compelling plot with Shelley Weiner

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