Plot is the most underestimated of all the major story-telling skills... [most writers] think they’ll just figure it out when they get there—which of course never happens.” --John Truby, The Anatomy of Story
Join local creative writer R. Lyon Bergh as (s)he leads students through How to Plot, composed of two 8-week parts, Plotting 1 (Story Planning, 8 weeks) and Plotting 2 (Character and Plot, 8 weeks), meeting once a week for 16 weeks. Contact us to join our waitlist if you are interested in joining our next rotations (date TBD) in 2025.
Students will take the journey from the birth of an idea through to a comprehensive plot outline. This course presents a repeatable process to discovering compelling characters that drive the plot and deliver the theme. Writers of all mediums are encouraged to join us as we uncover the true heart of a well told story.
This class will cover:
• Where story ideas come from
• The power of a good theme and how to craft one
• World building
• Uncovering and understanding the central conflict
• Drafting story plans that never fail
• Creating characters that comes to life and tell their own stories
• Cultivating a plot that organically rises out of theme
Attendees should anticipate 1 - 4 hours of homework between sessions. How to Plot is targeted to filmmakers and narrative writers of all mediums (novels, screenplays, creative nonfiction, etc), and makes a perfect compliment to the screenwriting courses. Students may take Writing for the Screen alongside this course on the same day, when offered. The full Writing for the Screen and How to Plot 16 week courses are required prerequisites to Writing the Final Project course.
Cost:
$50 - Registration Fee
$75 - Late Registration Fee if within 2 weeks of the Start Date ($50 Standard Fee + $25 Late Surcharge)
$625 -16 Week Course Tuition ($500 for ALUMNI), a $125 savings, when paid in full prior to the start of class.
Alternatively students may pay for either 8-week block (Plotting 1 or 2) separately for $375 each ($300 for ALUMNI).
Enrollment is LIMITED, and the registration form is at the page bottom.
The $50 fee is required with the registration, or the class tuition plus fee (+/- Late Surcharge if within 2 weeks of Start Date). Tuition balance is due by the first day of class. Register and pay with the form below.
Students will take the journey from the birth of an idea through to a comprehensive plot outline. This course presents a repeatable process to discovering compelling characters that drive the plot and deliver the theme. Writers of all mediums are encouraged to join us as we uncover the true heart of a well told story.
This class will cover:
• Where story ideas come from
• The power of a good theme and how to craft one
• World building
• Uncovering and understanding the central conflict
• Drafting story plans that never fail
• Creating characters that comes to life and tell their own stories
• Cultivating a plot that organically rises out of theme
Attendees should anticipate 1 - 4 hours of homework between sessions. How to Plot is targeted to filmmakers and narrative writers of all mediums (novels, screenplays, creative nonfiction, etc), and makes a perfect compliment to the screenwriting courses. Students may take Writing for the Screen alongside this course on the same day, when offered. The full Writing for the Screen and How to Plot 16 week courses are required prerequisites to Writing the Final Project course.
Cost:
$50 - Registration Fee
$75 - Late Registration Fee if within 2 weeks of the Start Date ($50 Standard Fee + $25 Late Surcharge)
$625 -16 Week Course Tuition ($500 for ALUMNI), a $125 savings, when paid in full prior to the start of class.
Alternatively students may pay for either 8-week block (Plotting 1 or 2) separately for $375 each ($300 for ALUMNI).
Enrollment is LIMITED, and the registration form is at the page bottom.
The $50 fee is required with the registration, or the class tuition plus fee (+/- Late Surcharge if within 2 weeks of Start Date). Tuition balance is due by the first day of class. Register and pay with the form below.
