Writers approach storytelling from different perspectives, none of which is a mistake if the final result achieves the results you want, which is usually an interesting or entertaining or compelling tale.
An approach that most often works for me is the discovery, development, and pursuit of a character or characters through whom the story I want to tell will unfold. In the workshop I hope to discuss the concept of character discovery and development as I understand it, and encourage discussion based on the experiences, perspectives or interests of those attending the workshop.
Those attending the workshop will have an opportunity through their own spontaneous or put-on-the- spot exercises to draw quick sketches of people who might be the subject of a story they want to tell. No one will be compelled to read aloud what they have written, but will certainly be encouraged to do so because discussion can lead to unexpected revelations that may provide a writer with news dimensions or added depth upon which a character can be built.
About the instructor:
Frank Macdonald, columnist, poet, songwriter, playwright and novelist, was born in Inverness, Cape Breton, where he and his partner, artist Virginia McCoy, now live. For the past 30 years he has penned a weekly column as a humourist/satirist with Inverness Oran newspaper and other Maritime publications. His columns have appeared in two collections, Assuming I’m Right (Cecibu 1990), and How to Cook Your Cat (Cecibu 2003). In 1992, Mulgrave Road Theatre produced a one-man play, Assuming I’m Right, written by Macdonald depicting the a day in the life of a columnist and his cat. Macdonald’s first novel, A Forest for Calum (CBU Press), was published in 2005. A children’s novella, T.R.’s Adventure at Angus the Wheeler’s (CBU Press) was released in 2010. A second novel, A Possible Madness (CBU Press) came out in 2012. In 2015, Tinker & Blue was published.
Admission $45
$25 for ICCA members
$15 for students.
ICCA recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.”