What you'll learn.
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
DAY ONE
9AM - 1PM
Introduction
All stories are personal. They may not be autobiographical, but they reflect something deeply personal about the writer. Most writers block stems from avoiding a truth, usually a painful truth they think they do not want to share with the world. However, it is a truth or a feeling they have been avoiding and having difficulty in facing or accepting about themselves.
In avoiding this truth, they call their problem a ‘story problem’. But all stories are personal and, therefore, it is a personal problem. This is why they can’t continue, complete and finish their script. They are paralyzed. There is something deeply difficult to talk about or write about.
This leads the writer to avoid writing their truth and create watered down versions of their art. They will earn a living, perhaps even a handsome one at that. But this will not last as there is a ton of competition between writers who create watered down versions of their art. The ones that create a legacy of authentic storytelling have faced their demons and found….their voice.
Finding your voice:
1- Who are you?
2- What do you fear?
Class Exercise: How to apply your answers to your story.
Genres: Drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, action, adventure, family.
1PM - 2PM: Lunch
2PM - 5PM : Finding your voice (contd)
1- Who hurt you?
2- Who's validation do you seek - Mom or Dad?
Class Exercise: How to apply your answers to your story.
Genres: Drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, action, adventure, family.
Story as a reflection of you The Writer.
Examples:
Star Wars - George Lucas, Darth Vader a surrogate for his own father.
When Harry Met Sally - Nora Ephron/Rob Reiner relationship.
Sicario - Taylor Sherian.
The Godfather - Mario Puzo's gambling and run ins with gangsters.
And more.
DAY TWO
9AM - 11AM: “Have Some Character” - Want vs Need
We don’t watch or read stories for plot, we watch and read stories for Characters. Ex., Michael Corleone, Walter White/Heisenbeg, Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, Tony Stark/Iron Man ++++
Want vs Need drives Character.
Intention vs Obstacle drives Story.
Exploring CHARACTER - Want vs Need
Skyfall, Gone Girl, The Dark Knight.
Class Exercise.
11AM - 1PM: Story Structure: Intention vs Obstacle
Scenes Sequences, Outlines: Dynamic scenes and sequences that move the story.
Dialogue that feels authentic.
Outline overall structure of a story.
In-class exercises on scene writing, dialogue, sequence building to SPECIFIC PROMPTS.
Case Studies of best use.
1PM - 2PM Lunch
2PM - 4PM: “Attention, please” - PAGE 1 How to grab attention
1- from the first sentence. Exercise.
2- Mid-page. Exercise.
3- End of Page 1 (gut punch). Exercise.
4PM - 6PM: First 10 Pages - Shaping your first 10 pages
1- Meet the protagonist.
2- Presenting the world of the story.
3- Introducing the 'Want'.
4- Introducing the 'Obstacle'.
DAY THREE
Homework.
Write your first 10 pages. Step-by-step guide.
I will be there to advise, assist, give notes, help with everything we studied.
Chat with fellow writers during lunch and breaks about ideas, your process and your progress.
DAY FOUR (all day)
Workshop your first 10 pages.
Notes & Revisions.
Discuss as a group.
Q&A.