This one-day course will be looking at how writers can develop deeper and darker characters and storylines, through more intensely detailed and emotional situations, and powerful challenges of the human spirit in overcoming obstacles and adversity. Also examining the ‘darker’ sides of human characters and the importance of their inner ‘secret’ flaws, adding depth and complexity to the story.

The morning and afternoon sessions will be taught alongside a variety of exercises and stimuli, together with looking at the work of well-known literary classics, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Wuthering Heights, and their continued appeal and fascination. Considering how these past literary works, continue to inspire writing of today, through the fighting forces of ‘good’ and ‘evil within them and the effective unification of character and place, creating timeless powerful characters, often in conflict within themselves, as well as the world around them.

Learning Goals:

How to create deeper, darker characters and storylines, and the importance of the lead character’s ‘inner flaw’.

How to unite character and place to create a deeper darker story and powerful sense of atmosphere.

How we can learn from the ‘deepness’ and ‘darkness’ within literary classics to create new, works of literary fiction, which effectively connect with the contemporary world.

Tina Jay:

Tina Jay is an award winning playwright, having won both the International Playscript Competition (judged by Sir Alan Ayckbourn), and the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing. Her plays have been performed across London, with her most recent play ‘Syndrome’ performed for a two week run at Tristan Bates Theatre in Covent Garden, receiving 5* reviews and an Offie nomination for ‘Best New Play’. A collection of her short stories was also recently performed at The Quad in Derby by actor/director Jack Brett Anderson.

Tina has taught writing courses and workshops at numerous colleges/universities/venues across the East Midlands, and currently teaches Creative Writing Short Courses at Nottingham Trent University. Tina also has an MA (Distinction) in TV Scriptwriting.

Details:

The course will take place over one day, Saturday 11th November 2023, from 10:00AM – 4:00PM at Nottingham Writers’ Studio – 25 Hockley, NG1 1FH. There will be an hour break for attendees to have lunch, feel free to bring a packed lunch to eat at the studio. Food is not provided, but hot and cold drinks will be available and included in your ticket. Tickets are non-refundable. Please contact us at admin@nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk if you have any questions.