New writers can struggle with narrative structure in writing whether the form is a novel, short story or script. In this workshop, writer John Harman will help you better understand the type of story you are telling, discover the importance of narrative structure and learn advanced techniques of plotting.

Narrative structure is about choices and about writing your novel, short story or script in scenes. The choices hinge not only on the integration of the story and the plot (which are subtly different) and the voice and point of view of your characters, but also on the sequence of the scenes. In other words, do you start your narrative at the beginning, the middle or the end? Or even after the dénouement?

The choices you make about your characters and your story’s sequence, as well as the way you conceive and develop your scenes, is the subject of this course. A well-organised and cohesive narrative structure need not be chronological nor follow any prescribed template. It is malleable and, so long as it is well integrated, can be unusual, even unique.

Understanding narrative structure will give your work cohesion, logical progression and readability while also conferring artistic form on the structure. Its effective use can also make the difference between your manuscript being rejected or becoming a best-seller. Join John Harman on a journey of prose.

OUTLINE

• A look at ‘classical’ narrative structure and its use to the emerging writer
• Understanding the type of story you are writing
• Getting into narrative structure early
• Identifying the differences between story and plot
• Advanced techniques of plotting
• Using the appropriate voice and point of view for your narrative structure
• Thinking in scenes
• Using storyboarding for scenes
• Techniques of rearranging structure for more dramatic effect
• A variety of interactive exercises in structuring a narrative

THINGS TO KNOW
Students need to bring a pen and paper.

This course will be held at The University Club of Western Australia.

Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost.
THINGS TO KNOW

This course will be held at The University Club of Western Australia.

Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost.
If you have any special dietary requirements please email our staff on info@universityclub.uwa.edu.au. 48 hour notice is required to meet your dietary requirements.