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) and Plotting 2 (Character and Plot), meeting once a week for 16 weeks, starting July 10th, 2023, 4:30-5:45 pm.
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. The full Writing for the Screen and How to Plot 16 week courses are required prerequisites to Writing the Final Project course.
Cost for the full 16-week course is $625 ($500 for Alumni) when paid in full prior to the start of class. However, students may register for either 8-week block separately for $375 each ($300 for alumni). Payment link and the registration form are found below. A $50 non-refundable deposit secures the registration, with the remainder due by the first class.
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. The full Writing for the Screen and How to Plot 16 week courses are required prerequisites to Writing the Final Project course.
Cost for the full 16-week course is $625 ($500 for Alumni) when paid in full prior to the start of class. However, students may register for either 8-week block separately for $375 each ($300 for alumni). Payment link and the registration form are found below. A $50 non-refundable deposit secures the registration, with the remainder due by the first class.
