Developing your Writing Style (Evocation and Show, Don't Tell) - Workshop

One of the key aspects of fiction writing is developing and using an adept style of writing. There are many elements that go towards this, but for this meet-up, we will concentrate on:- 'Show, Don't Tell' and 'Evocation.'

This session will delve into these key elements that go towards an effective writing style.

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NOTE: This will be an interactive session sitting around a table. So you will discuss and engage with other members of the meeting.

This session suits both new or experienced writers who are looking for a refresh or discussion on these topics.

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AGENDA: (5.30pm to 7.00pm).

1. Show, Don't Tell (Detail/Specifics).

2. Evocation (Evoking emotions).

3. Cultivation of a Paragraph (bringing your own example).

4. SHOW, DON' TELL:

One of the most commonly discussed aspects of writing style. We will discuss this and then try some examples. Starting with some basic 'tell' sentences and then developing them to see how they can be improved.

In this session, there will be around four or more sentences that will be given to the group for jumping off points. Some time will be allowed for the group to chat and come up with suggestions for how the sentence(s) can be developed.

E.G.

• 'John walks down the street to his grandmother's house.'

Nothing wrong with the above sentence, but it is not engaging with the reader.

Instead, try writing:

• 'Every step was like walking through mud, as sweat rolled down his cheeks and an impending feeling of doom saturated John’s mind, for he knew that soon he will be at his grandmother’s house.'

2. EVOCATION:

Evoking emotions. This is a sure fire way to engage with your audience. There are many ways to do this and (perhaps worryingly at times) newspapers or websites often do this with great effect even though they are not writing fiction.

Creating an impulsive or engaging feeling that draws in the reader. This can be subtle or have a great effect.

We will discuss examples and ways of how to do this. Ways to do this could be show injustice, love, vengeance... etc..

We will also create a paragraph and use that to evoke emotions.

3. YOUR PARAGRAPH:

As part of this meet-up please prepare a paragraph on any subject you wish. (I will bring along one to discuss as well).

Then bring this to the meet-up and at the end of the workshop as a group we will look at this paragraph and discuss how (if possible) it can be built upon.

You don't need to print this out and can just read it out from your phone or laptop.

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Other Details:

1. Although not 100% necessary - it would be a very good idea to bring along a notepad and pen/pencil.

2. There will be handouts you can also write on.

3. Please remember to bring a photo ID and scan it at the guest registration tablets at the front desk when you. If your photo ID does not successfully scan, please check in at the tablet as a guest of "Meetup Event".

4. I may take some photos on my mobile and these will only be shared on the meet-up to help promote the group.

5. Location:

WeWork 12 Hammersmith Grove
Room E1
12 Hammersmith Grove
London
W6 7AP