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Plotting for fiction and drama: A class with S.J. Parris and Sean McCann

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, November 19, 2016 · 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 writing and improvisation techniques that will give you a fresh perspective on your creative process - suitable for writers and screenwriters of all levels

Have you ever come up with a great idea for a story, only to think, “What happens next?” This workshop with bestselling author S.J. Parris and improvisation expert Sean McCann will help you to craft compelling plots for fiction or drama.

Suitable for aspiring writers and screenwriters, as well as those looking to fine-tune their plotting skills, this unique class includes plenty of writing exercises, plus improvisation techniques to give you a fresh perspective on your creative process.

Content

  • Why a well-crafted plot is crucial to all stories (not just thrillers)
  • How story structure works and what all great plots have in common
  • Plotting out stories for fiction and drama
  • How to ensure your characters keep the plot moving forward
  • Breaking down your story into acts and scenes
  • Building twists and suspense into your narrative
  • What novelists can learn from drama and screenwriting techniques
  • How to use improvisation techniques to develop storylines
  • Practical writing and improv sessions, plus plenty of time for Q&A

Please note a few of the exercises in this class will focus on spoken storytelling techniques, but no acting is involved and no performance experience required

Tutor profiles

Stephanie Merritt is the award-winning author of eight books, including the bestselling historical crime series written as S. J. Parris, featuring the Italian heretic and spy Giordano Bruno. Books in the series include Sacrilege andTreachery, which has been chosen as a World Book Night title for April 2016. Stephanie has also written scripts for film and TV drama, and writes for the Guardian and the Observer, among others. She tweets @thestephmerritt.

Sean McCann teaches improvisation at Oxford School of Drama, the Royal Academy of Music and Mountview Theatre School. He also directs and teaches at theatre companies around the world, and is a founder member of the groundbreaking West End hit show Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. Sean also runs workshops for professional screenwriters and directors at London Film School.

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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