We want authenticity and relatability to our characters … but we don’t want to ‘get it wrong’ either. With such buzzwords as ‘diversity’, ‘representation’ and ‘inclusion’ flying around, but also ‘cultural appropriation’, ‘cancel culture’ and ‘stereotyping’, what do we do??

In this interactive class, Lucy V Hay shares WHY more readers and viewers want more VARIETY than ever before to characterisation in books, TV shows and movies. She also demonstrates WHAT writers can do to research traditionally under-represented characters and HOW we can ensure we are authentic. Lucy will also take writers through the traditional issues facing diverse characterisation, as well as what writers may need to be aware of in the changing landscape.

Please note: this class is for both novelists and screenwriters, plus ‘diversity’ for this class does not just mean race, but also gender, LGBT status or disability. All welcome.

Throughout this session, you will...

• Learn how to research characters
• Explore how to avoid stereotyping & toxic tropes
• Discuss how to avoid getting sucked into online arguments about all this!

About Lucy V Hay

Lucy V. Hay aka Bang2write is a script editor, author and blogger who helps screenwriters and novelists. Lucy is the script editor and advisor on numerous UK features and shorts. Her website www.bang2write.com has been named as one of the Top 100 sites for writers by The Write Life five years in a row. Lucy has been a script reader for nearly 20 years, providing coverage for indie prodcos, investors, screen agencies, producers, directors and individual writers. She is also a novelist publishing under the names LV Hay (Hodder) and Lizzie Fry (Sphere).

Book your place

Tickets cost £18 for NWS Members and £23 for general admission. Book your place, or to find out more about joining NWS, head to our membership page.

Access

This workshop will be delivered online via Zoom. Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service you can use to virtually meet with others - either by video or audio-only or both. A link will be sent out shortly before the workshop starts to the email address you enter at the time of booking.