I recently supplied a creative writing workshop for writers at the Aberfoyle and Strathard Book Festival. This is the two-hour program which I’m happy for others to make use of or adapt as you wish.

Objective: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how plot, character, and pacing interconnect in storytelling, and they will develop practical skills to enhance their writing.

Schedule:

Introduction (5 minutes)

– Welcome participants and introduce yourself.

– Briefly explain the workshop objectives.

CARE – Confidentiality, Attention, Respect, Enjoy

What is Creative Writing? Poetry, Short Stories, Essays, Novels.

– Prop: Have participants make a list of words they associate with a prop. Word bank.

Part 1: Understanding Plot (30 minutes)

1. Discussion (15 minutes)

   – Define plot: structure, conflict, resolution and importance in storytelling.

   – Introduce key plot structures (e.g., Freytag’s Pyramid, Three-Act Structure).

   – Discuss common plot devices (e.g. conflict, climax, resolution).

2. Activity (15 minutes)

   – Plot Creation Exercise: 

     – Provide a prompt (e.g. A character walks up Fairy Hill and never returns).

     – Ask participants to write about the scene: sights, smells, sounds, time, feelings.

     – Share insights in small groups for feedback/readings if comfortable.

Part 2: Character Development (30 minutes)

Prompt: Write about someone with an unusual job.

Setting: Set the scene in an abandoned house.

Exercise: Write a 5 minute scene where your character interacts with the setting.

1. Discussion (10 minutes)

   – Explore the importance of strong characters.

   – Discuss character types (protagonists, antagonists) and traits (flaws, motivations).

   – Discuss character arcs, motivations, and relationships, how they drive the story.

2. Activity (10 minutes)

   – Character Profiles: 

     – Have participants create a new character profile (name, age, background, goals, conflicts, a defining moment).

– Introduce this new character into your story.

     – Encourage them to consider how the character influences the plot.

     – Share your profiles in pairs or small groups for collaborative feedback.

Break (10 minutes)

Part 3: Mastering Pacing (30 minutes)

1. Discussion (10 minutes)

   – Explain pacing: how it affects tension and reader engagement.

   – Discuss techniques for managing pacing (e.g., sentence length, chapter length, action vs. reflection).

2. Activity (20 minutes)

   – Pacing Practice:

     – Provide a short passage with varying pacing (e.g., fast action vs. slow introspection).

     – Ask participants to rewrite a scene from a story they know, adjusting the pacing to change the emotional impact. Share rewrites for feedback if comfortable.

Conclusion and Q&A (10 minutes)

– Recap the key takeaways about plot, character, and pacing.

– Encourage participants to think about how these elements interact in their own writing.

– Open the floor for questions or sharing insights.

– Suggest resources for further exploration (books, websites, writing groups).

Materials Needed:

– Handouts: Plot templates, character profile sheets, and pacing examples.

– Whiteboard or flip chart for group discussions.

– Writing tools (notebooks, pens).

Follow-Up:

Encourage participants to write a short story or scene incorporating the themes discussed and share it in a follow-up session or online group. 

This structure balances instruction with interactive activities, keeping participants engaged while providing them with valuable tools for their writing!

Suggest participants set up a Crit Group between them.

Freytag’s Pyramid is a structural model for storytelling that outlines the typical progression of a narrative. Developed by German playwright Gustav Freytag in the 19th century, it breaks down a story into five key parts:

Exposition: This is the introduction of the story, where the setting, characters, and background information are established. It sets the stage for the plot.Rising Action: This part builds tension and develops the conflict. It includes a series of events and complications that lead to the climax, increasing the stakes and creating suspense.Climax: The climax is the turning point of the story, where the main conflict reaches its peak. It’s often the most intense moment, leading to a decisive change for the protagonist.Falling Action: After the climax, the story begins to wind down. The consequences of the climax are explored, and conflicts start to resolve.Denouement (Resolution): This final part ties up loose ends and provides closure to the story. It reveals the outcome for the characters and the implications of the events that have unfolded.

Freytag’s Pyramid helps writers structure their narratives in a way that keeps readers engaged and invested in the story.

The Three-Act Structure is a popular narrative framework used in storytelling, particularly in screenwriting and literature. It divides a story into three distinct parts, each serving a specific purpose:

Act 1: Setup

– Introduction of Characters and Setting: The main characters, setting, and initial situation are introduced.

– Inciting Incident: An event occurs that disrupts the status quo, introducing the central conflict or problem that the protagonist must face.

– Establishing Stakes: The stakes for the protagonist are set, showing what they stand to gain or lose.

Act 2: Confrontation

– Rising Action: The protagonist faces a series of challenges and obstacles related to the conflict. This is often the longest act, filled with complications and character development.

– Midpoint: A significant event or revelation occurs that raises the stakes and often leads to a turning point in the story. The protagonist may experience a shift in perspective or strategy.

– Climax: The conflict reaches its peak, where the protagonist confronts the main antagonist or challenge. This is the most intense and crucial moment of the story.

Act 3: Resolution

– Falling Action: The aftermath of the climax is explored, addressing the consequences of the protagonist’s actions and the resolution of subplots.

– Denouement: Loose ends are tied up, and the story concludes. The new status quo is established, showing how the characters and their world have changed as a result of the events.

Purpose

The Three-Act Structure helps writers create a cohesive and engaging narrative by providing a clear framework for developing tension, conflict, and resolution. It’s widely used because it resonates with audiences and helps maintain narrative momentum.

Character Template

1. Basic Information

   – Full Name:

   – Nickname(s):

   – Gender:

   – Age:

   – Date of Birth:

   – Species/Race:

   – Occupation:

   – Place of Birth:

   – Current Residence:

2. Physical Description

   – Height:

   – Weight:

   – Body Type:

   – Skin Color:

   – Eye Color:

   – Hair Color and Style:

   – Distinguishing Features (scars, tattoos, birthmarks, etc.):

   – Clothing Style:

   – Posture/Gait:

3. Personality

   – General Demeanor (introvert/extrovert, optimistic/pessimistic, etc.):

   – Core Traits (brave, loyal, ambitious, etc.):

   – Flaws and Weaknesses:

   – Strengths:

   – Hobbies/Interests:

   – Fears:

   – Likes/Dislikes:

   – Habits (good or bad):

4. Background & History

   – Family Background:

   – Significant Childhood Events:

   – Educational Background:

   – Key Life Events:

   – Career Path:

   – Current Life Situation:

   – Biggest Success:

   – Biggest Regret:

5. Skills and Abilities

   – Physical Abilities (strength, speed, endurance, etc.):

   – Intellectual Abilities (memory, analytical skills, etc.):

   – Talents (artistic, musical, athletic, etc.):

   – Learned Skills (languages, combat skills, etc.):

   – Magic/Power (if applicable):

   – Limitations:

6. Relationships

   – Family Members:

   – Close Friends:

   – Significant Others:

   – Mentors/Role Models:

   – Rivals/Enemies:

   – Pets (if any):

   – Relationship Dynamics (loyal, conflicted, strained, etc.):

7. Motivations and Goals**

   – Short-Term Goals:

   – Long-Term Goals:

   – What Drives Them:

   – Primary Motivation (fame, power, love, revenge, etc.):

   – Secondary Motivation:

   – Conflict (inner conflict, moral struggle, etc.):

8. Psychological Profile

   – Mental State (stable, anxious, obsessive, etc.):

   – How They Handle Stress:

   – Triggers:

   – Greatest Joy:

   – Biggest Frustration:

   – Values:

   – Beliefs:

9. Character Arc

   – Starting Point (Where they are at the beginning of the story):

   – Transformation (What changes throughout the story):

   – Ending Point (Where they are at the end of the story):

   – Key Events for Growth:

10. Miscellaneous

   – Voice Tone/Accent:

   – Speech Patterns or Phrases:

   – Items They Always Carry:

   – Quirks (unique behaviors or habits):

   – Theme Song or Quote: