Character Intensive With Pingmei Lan

In this character series brought by San Diego Writers, Ink., students will work with the instructor to learn key concepts in characterization, such as motive, desires and how life differs and overlaps with fiction and learn to both analyze character interior in literary works as well as apply these learning to their own writing projects.

Each session will be accompanied by a few optional reading and writing practices that help student solidify concepts and techniques discussed. Read and critique: students are strongly encouraged to submit pages (1-5) from their writing projects to share and critique on elements of craft (e. g, characterization.)
Session 1. Character Motive—Staging
• Discuss and give a brief overview of character arc.
• Study character motives as demonstrated in literature and in life.
Reading and writing practices.
Session 2. Genres and Characterization
• Brief review and recap material from prior session(s).
• Examine mechanisms genre fiction employ to build, develop and dismantle their protagonists.
Reading: (bring your favorite genre fiction passage) and writing practices.
Session 3. Character Vulnerability—Secrets and Taboos
• Brief review and recap material from prior session(s).
• Discuss secrets, taboos and other ways that make characters vulnerable.
• Study and analyze routines and other ways characters may use to maintain control.
Reading and writing practices.
Session 4. Character Transformation–Breaking Points
• Brief review and recap material from prior session(s).
• Study and analyze ways characters might let go of their secrets or in other ways relinquish control.
• Discuss, write and understand ways they might resist and/or embrace this change.
Reading and writing practices.

Date | Tuesdays, October 12, 19, 26 and November 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location | Online

Register here!
SDWI Members: $144
Non-SDWI Members: $168

For more information, please visit sandiegowriters.org or call (619) 696-0363.