Building & Breadcrumbing Character Backstory

PLEASE ALSO REGISTER ON THE LIBRARY’S WEBSITE: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/events/11893

A character’s backstory is what makes them real to the reader—they had thoughts, feelings, and experiences long before the story started that made them who they are. But, how does a writer include that without infodumping in big blocks of text that slow—or outright stall—the story?

The afternoon features writing exercises that will help you shape full characters and then practise integrating those past experiences and beliefs into a ‘present’ scene for that character.

The Garden Room boasts more plug-ins than we could ever use, so don't be afraid to show up with a nearly-dead battery (as long as you have a charger with you).

A word of warning: this is not the place or time to bring up current politics, religion, or other controversial topics (eg the great pantser vs plotter, or Mac vs PC debates!) unless it's a specific exploration of your project's theme. Leave that for your social media. You are welcome to share your process, but there's no value to anyone to criticize someone else's tools or creative process.

Please be courteous. If you sign up and something comes up so that you can't attend, please update your RSVP as space may be limited. If you are a no-show, you could prevent someone else from participating. Repeated no-shows will lead to removal from the group.