Workshop Notes

These are the notes and tips from the Workshop with David Liss. He also provided some titles that he felt demonstrated his writing techniques. Again, found it all quite insightful.

Plot vs Character

Don’t focus on plot. Character is what matters to readers. Readers only care about plot as it pertains to character.

What Makes Characters Interesting

Narrative energy, ABC – Always Be Conflicting, Characters must want something and have obstacles in their way preventing their getting it. Don’t make perfect characters.

Plot Twists

Plot twists are narrative gold. The more you can genuinely surprise the reader the better. Lead with plot twists as they are exciting.

Three Act Structure

Provides enough change to keep the story dynamic. Characters always need to be in movement.

Create Tension

Set up expectations then don’t fulfill them or deny them. Someone off doing something they shouldn’t be. The reader wants the action completed, delaying the expected action sets up tension.

Action at the Beginning of the Story

Action without character is boring. Action should always lead to character development. Openn with character. Once the reader cares about the character the action is more compelling.

Outlining

Beat sheet major dramatic moments of the story. The more detailed your outline the less you’ll enjoy writing. Outline non-linearly. Plug in major parts then write to link them.

Recommended

Paranoia by Joe Fender

Johnathon Strouper

Ghost Written by David Mitchell

For the Dogs by Ken Wignall

All is Vanity by Christina Schwartz