Writing Lab 1: Brilliant Plots and starting off

This first Writing Laboratory of the summer focuses on how you can plot out your novel, memoir or non-fiction book and leave with a story plan to start work! We'll also deep dive into how you START your story (because there are a million ways so which do you pick?).

You'll also be able to ask any burning questions you have about your own writing, and get an honest answer.

The Writing Lab will cover:

Understanding what makes a great story arc (even in non-fiction!)
Whether you're a pantser and hate planning, or a full outliner, you should know what the key things are that make a great story arc in fiction, or an engaging book if you're writing non-fiction or a memoir. So in this first section we'll discuss these. If you've already written something you can check back that you have the right elements and know what might need changing.

Methods to plotting
Next we look at the different methods out there to use to plot out your book. We'll discuss the challenges and things that might be difficult for you. I'll also go into my quick and dirty plot tool - which has got several people over the hump of not really knowing what their story is about and suddenly setting them free to start writing their story!

Fabulous First pages
We then look at what makes a great first page or two that grabs your reader and reflects or foreshadows what's going to happen in the story. You'll get to try honing your skill with a first page exercise!
Your story or book idea
Lastly we deep dive into your own story or book idea so that you can have that a-ha moment knowing where your road map is!

Who should attend?
You can attend whether you are an experienced writer, or just starting on your writing journey. My workshops are a safe environment for you to try some writing and get some positive feedback on what you've done well, and some positive suggestions on things you could try to hone your writing. I've had people come along who are VERY nervous about writing and reading something out loud, and if you don't want to, you don't have to - but several people have overcome their fear and been so excited and proud afterwards. And that's why I do this. Seeing people having life changing moments in their writing journey!

This Writing Lab is one of four, which I will be running over summer.
The other 3 cover characters and dialogue, structure and editing, and lastly paths to being published and the skills you'll need!

Cost
I've removed the set fee for this workshop and am asking for a donation instead. I'm going to share theories, tools and techniques and practical advice from my years of writing. Those who have attended have said it has really helped their writing skills, so I'll leave it up to you to assess the value you've got from the session!

About me: I've trained thousands of people over my career, and I don't only share practical tools and techniques that are proven to work in the real-world, but I'm also passionate about making training fun! If you're serious about being a writer, then this workshop is essential.
I've been writing since I was fourteen, and I'm the author of the best selling Management Bites - first published in 2009 by HarperCollinsNZ, and then 3 further bites books. I've also written many novels, and am currently working on a book about writing.
I've also studied creative writing at Auckland University and I will share real examples from being a best selling author with HarperCollins, to working with agents and indie publishers.
My husband and I split our time between France, Spain and London and travel a lot in between!
For more about me, visit www.angela-atkins.com