This course is an introduction to the art of writing short fiction and/or memoir, suitable for both beginner and more advanced writers. The 5 sessions include exercises as learning tools plus time to workshop ideas with support and guidance.

1 – Introduction. Story arc. Scene, characters, action. Theme. Dialogue. Events as stories, not anecdotes.

2 – Crafting a personal story. First person. Self or fictional self as main character. Self as narrator.Voice. Diary/Letter/Narrative. How many details are too many?

Voltaire: The secret of being a bore is to tell everything. Central question? 

3 – Bringing character and plot to life. Select, shape, style. Choose key scenes or segments.

4 – How to convey setting. What does a reader need to understand place? Context and plot. Symbolic structures. Condensed scenes.

5 – Building tension. Engagement: escalating thrills/involvement. The climax. Endings. 

To apply: phone WAL office on 09 372 9868 or email office@wal.org.nz

 Venue: Waiheke Adult Learning, Waiheke Island (walking distance from the ferry).

Fee: $195

 Dates: Monday 5, Tuesday 6, Thursday 8, Saturday 8, Sunday 10 October 2020

Session Times: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

I am currently available for online supervision for writing projects: fiction (novels/short stories/auto fiction); drama (stage/screen/audio); poetry (submissions to literary mags/collections); memoir/autobiography.

Supervision details: 

• Please deliver 20 pages of double spaced text per supervision - hard copy printout by post or email.

• I'll closely edit your text (copy editing + style editing) and return.

• I'll provide a full report on Title, Theme, Structure, Characterisation, Style with conclusion.

• Fee per supervision - please email me.

• Text over 20 pages charged per page (part page counts as 1 page).

• After you've read the edit and report we'll have a Q&A exchange. 

• Time frame for each supervision to be mutually agreed.

If you are interested in supervisions please email me.