Booked Out is a speakers agency for writers, artists and thinkers. More »
Contact Us
VIC: (03) 9824 0177
FAX: (03) 9824 0677
Contact us »
Narelle Oliver: Hands-on Writing Workshop: Writing narrative using imaginary creatures and settings
Session description:
This session follows on from or includes a 30 minute version of Narelle’s Creation of a Picture Book Demonstration which introduces her books based on imaginary characters and places: The Very Blue Thingamajig and Dancing the Boom-cha-cha Boogie.
In the workshop, Narelle provides a 10 step plot for a satisfying and logical story using imaginary creatures and places. Students initially draw their creatures and settings with features which conform to the logic of the plot. Students are taken through plot step at a time, writing a paragraph for each plot point, using the creatures and settings they have conceptualized and drawn. In creating each paragraph, writing skills and concepts listed below are discussed and demonstrated.
Topics:
A writer’s bag of skills: attention to five senses in description, effective similes, effective movement words, use of short sentences and sound effects, dialogue and speech marks, attention to detail rather than generalisations. Boredom busters: using variety and building suspense. Writing confidently: taking out unnecessary clutter words. Inventing imaginary creatures and scenarios while maintaining believability through consistency and through keeping within the logic of the plot.