Workshop: Writing Character-Driven Tension

A 4-hr intensive workshop focusing on creating stronger characters, and how to let them drive your story instead of just plot. This workshop explores character as a system under stress. Rather than focusing on plot to move a story forward, we examine how we can use character as the vehicle.

Using examples from literary fiction, genre storytelling, and film, writers will develop characters who feel internally coherent, even when they behave in troubling or unexpected ways. You will receive a homework assignment which will be covered during the workshop.

Location: Korfmakersstraat 12 Unit 1.4, 3026 XH Rotterdam
Duration: 4 hours (plus 30-minute lunch break)
Group size: max 10 participants
Experience: any level
Genre/format: any genre (where character is a driving force), any format - screenwriters, novelists, comic writers, game writers, etc - all welcome.

Note: no lunch will be served (bring your own), but we'll have coffee, tea and homemade cookies.

Normal price: €199 - PILOT OFFER: €90

This is the pilot edition of this workshop - for this time only the price is reduced. You will receive a link to pay when you register.

Two slots available at reduced rate for students and those with financial barriers. Please inquire!

This course is available in both Dutch and English, please indicate your preferred language when you sign up.

About your workshops teacher: Manon de Reeper

Hello!
I'm a Dutch writer and filmmaker with degrees in Clinical Psychology and Criminology, and extensive experience working across both the American and European film industries. My work moves between psychological horror, science fiction, and literary storytelling, always grounded in character and ethical complexity.

I have significant teaching experience: I co-created the Hollywood mentorship program #Startwith8, mentored numerous writers through the program, and I've been lucky to be mentored by leading voices in horror and science-fiction film and TV myself. I have taught at Hollywood labs and multiple UK universities, with a particular focus on story development and pitching.

I left The Netherlands because I never felt like there was never any room for someone like me, who wanted to pursue genre - not in film nor in literature. Now that I'm back in The Netherlands I want to make sure I pass on the knowledge I gained to others!