How to Write a Novel ⟡ Stories by Design ⟡ Beginner-Friendly Workshop
Details
Have you ever wanted to write a novel? Stories by Design is an introductory workshop for aspiring writers, storytellers, and curious readers interested in how compelling narratives are built.
In the first half of the workshop, we’ll explore major storytelling frameworks used across novels, film, and television, including the 3-Act Structure, Save the Cat, the Hero’s Journey, and the Snowflake Method, alongside their histories, creators, and examples from popular books and movies.
In the second half of the workshop, participants will apply one of these methods to either a book or film of their choosing or their own work-in-progress. Together, we’ll identify key story beats, turning points, pacing, and emotional arcs before sharing reflections with the group.
No prior writing experience required!
Resources:
- The 3-Act Structure
- Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
- Hero’s Journey
- The Snowflake Method
- Kurt Vonnegut’s 8 Shapes of Stories
Location
Join us at Pflugerville Library in the Cosmos Room on July 11 from 2-3 PM. Participants are welcome to hang out at the library after the workshop to chat, read, or write.
About Your Host
Rulan Benedict is an Austin writer who explores identity, memory, bonds, and the environments that shape us through upmarket and speculative fiction.
When not clacking away at the keyboard, she can be found playing Stardew Valley with a cat in her lap, working on her next acrylic painting, or stalking the neighborhood crows.
Rulan is currently querying her first novel.
About Us
This group is a project by Difficult Friends, a community-run arts & humanities club: Website ⟡ Instagram
We empower Austinites to tackle Difficult ideas and projects.
Our core values are:
- creative growth,
- intellectual challenge,
- human connection, and
- civic imagination.
Our events are designed as fun intellectual workouts and creative experiments. We host workshops and discussions that push Austin residents to think harder thoughts, make cooler stuff, and connect more deeply across their human differences.
This is not an organization for the faint of heart. As our name suggests, we take pride in being Difficult Friends and in confronting Difficult challenges.
Meaning is Difficult! Embrace the Difficult!
Statement of Welcome & Inclusivity
Here at Difficult Friends, we believe everybody can be Difficult. ;-)
Difficult Friends is an inclusive community space, and we particularly seek to protect and welcome our LGBTQIA+, queer, transgender, and nonbinary members. Event attendees may be asked to share their preferred pronouns and will be asked to respect the preferred pronouns shared by other participants. Women, immigrants, people of color, religious minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent folks seeking a diverse community are also especially encouraged to attend!
Photography Policy
The event organizers of this meetup may take photos or videos of our events. By attending this event, you consent to being filmed and photographed. (If it’s Rachel, don’t worry - she will airbrush any blemishes & imperfections xoxo)!