Creative Writing; Character-Based Fiction (#22339)

Course Overview: This course is for students interested in writing any genera of fiction including short stories, novels and screenplays. No experience is required, but students are welcome to bring in works in progress. Through writing exercises, assignments and instruction, students will examine character development as a means to developing a story in their chosen form. The focus will be on intensive writing and revision with peer critique and some required reading. 

Instructor: Ret Talbot - ret@rettalbot.com

Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m.
April 22 to June 10

Community and Susi Q Center, Laguna Room (380 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA)

$168 for 8 classes (on site registration at 6:30 on Thursday is allowed, although you can enroll through the City in advance)

There are no required texts, but most of the suggested reading will come from The Story and Its Writer, which is available from Amazon by using the link above.

Week 1: Characters Welcome (Finding Characters)

Week 2: Younger and More Vulnerable Years (Developing Backstory)

Week 3: A Strange Thing Happened at the Cafe (Characterization and Conflict)

Week 4: Heroes and Villians (Protagonists, Antagonists and Theme)

Week 5: Reliably Telling the Tale (Narration and P.O.V.)

Week 6: Charting a Course (Plot and Character Development)

Week 7: Supporting Characters (Foils, Stock Characters and Symbolism)

Week 8: Revisions and Rewrites (Tips and Tricks Toward a Completed Draft)