Do you love writing but find that you either:

a) have trouble coming up with ideas for stories, or 

b) start stories only to run out of steam part-way through? 

I had both of those issues once too.

In fact, the main thing that scared the bejesus out of me when I started my first novel was knowing just what to write. I had the kernel of an idea and a few characters, but how was I going to spin this into 300-400 pages of novel? "Outline it", I was told. Plot it out so you don't have to face the terror of the blank page. 

Great advice, if you know how to do it. 

Join me for this OWL all about character-led plotting and you’ll soon find it a cinch!

Because she's awesome, I've drawn inspiration from iconic chic lit character, Bridget Jones, to demonstrate ideas and explain the concept of character-led plotting. And to demonstrate that character-led plotting works for just about every type of story, not just Rom Com's, I've also used iconic 80s action movie Die Hard to show it in, ahem, action in action stories.

By the end of this OWL, I want you to understand what a plot is, how it functions in fiction, and how you can generate plots in your own writing. Never again should you fear the blank page because, once you've done this course, when someone wisely advises you to "outline it", you'll know exactly how. 

It's gonna be a blast with big knickers!

Pre-course preparation

Watching both Bridget Jones' Diary and Die Hard would help, but not necessary.

Course Type

Craft.

Hours of Commitment

This depends on how active students want to be. Some prefer to read the notes and lurk in the background, which is fine. Others like to submit homework and engage in discussions. Approximately 1 hour to 3 hours per week depending on individuals.

Presenters Bio

Samantha Bond is a reformed corporate lawyer, now writer, public servant and enthusuiastic writing mentor. Her creative work has been published in numerous literary journals, anthologies and magazines. She has an Advanced Diploma of Professional Writing, and taught at TAFE as a creative writing tutor for five years. She also runs creative writing workshops, has taught for Romance Writers of Australia, RW America, SavvyAuthors, and Flinders University. As a reviewer since 2008 for Indaily and Glam Adelaide, Samantha has had over 250 articles published. Finally, Samantha is a busy mum of two littlies, is an unapologetic chocolate addict, believes that Buffy would so slay Edward (which perhaps shows her age), and is a writers’ festival groupie. If you’d like her services, she’s contactable through her website, www.samanthastaceybond.com.

Course Dates: 5th October to 30th October 2020

Cost: RWA-Member – $55.00 Non RWA-Member – $88.00
* Please note, there is a $0.50 Trybooking fee at checkout.

Venue: Online - RWA Moodle Platform
(Course attendees will be notified of access/login details via email from the OWL Registrar a few days prior to the start date of the course)

RWA OWL Courses
PO Box Q740
Queen Victoria Building
NSW 1230

Contact Details:
Claudine Tinellis
OWL Registrar
owlsregistrar@romanceaustralia.com