Show Don’t Tell is Like a Layer Cake with Sandy Vaile

Plot-Structure-GMC Show Don’t Tell is Like a Layer Cake with Sandy Vaile

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Level
Mixed
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*Register by March 19 and save $5, use code SHOWTELLVAILE at checkout!**
Category
  1. Description/Setting
  2. Structure
  3. POV
  4. Voice
  5. Worldbuilding
$5 off Early Registration Coupon-expires 1 week before class starts
SHOWTELLVAILE
We’ve all heard this old adage, but applying it often causes confusion, because it’s riddled with contradictions. Both showing and telling are valuable techniques. One creates drama and movement, and the other conveys information succinctly and poetically.

Bring your story into focus by finding a balance between action and brevity that will captivate readers.

Participants will:
  • Discover when to show, and when it’s okay to tell.
  • Identify and banish info dumps.
  • Practice infusing the story with relevant details.
  • Learn how to build a story in layers and create purposeful scenes.
  • Explore how action can tell the story and engage the reader emotionally.
This popular workshop combines colourful handouts, tailored feedback, videos and live chats to engage participants. There will be plenty of opportunities to apply the learnings to individual work.

I’m a strong believer that learning outcomes are increased through collaboration and sharing, so I encourage this in a safe and nurturing environment; however, those who aren’t comfortable with sharing, are welcome to email me their homework.
Syllabus
The topics covered during this workshop include:
  • What does ‘show don’t tell’ mean and look like?
  • Understand the difference between showing and telling.
  • Identifying and banishing info dumps.
  • When is it alright to tell?
  • Secondary characters and the antagonist.
  • How much onscreen time to give each character/event.
  • Knowing what you need to show to create purposeful scenes.
  • How POV affects the reader’s discovery of information.
  • Revealing character.
  • Exploring different devices for showing.
  • The right language and word choices.
Pre-requisites

There is no specific preparation required, but having an existing story to work on will be beneficial to help participants apply the learnings to their own work.
This workshop is suited to writers at all levels, assuming basic English skills.

What people are saying about Sandy’s workshops:
"Helpful, practical and inspirational, Sandy's workshop took my writing to the next level."
"I loved Sandy's dedication to giving the best feedback possible. It's made a huge difference to me already."
“I liked the friendly nature of the learning experience.”
“The workshop was well structured, with information provided at an appropriate pace to enable participants to absorb it and apply it to their own work."
Author
Sandy Vaile
Start date
Mar 26, 2018 at 9:00 AM
End date
Apr 22, 2018 at 4:00 PM
Registration end date
Mar 28, 2018 at 4:00 PM
Rating
4.80 star(s) 5 ratings

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