NaNoWriMo Writing Workshop
November 7, 2022 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Event Details
In this workshop we explore how to create backstories for the protagonist and the important secondary characters. Effective backstories make characters unique and memorable, drive the plot forward, and provide opportunities for both interpersonal (character/character) and intrapersonal (character/world) conflict. Using familiar works such as the Harry Potter series and The Queen’s Gambit as sample texts and drawing on the idea of the “personal myth” developed by psychologist Dan McAdams, participants will develop “baggage” for the characters in a work-in-progress to bring to the opening pages. Then we examine how that “baggage” supports both a compelling plot arc and a meaningful character arc, all the way to the end.
Participants will be given writing exercises to do during the workshop as well as some to take home.
Sign up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E45A5A92BA4F49-nanowrimowriting
About the facilitator:
This workshop is taught by Karen Odden, author of A Lady in the Smoke.
“NaNoWriMo is near and dear to my heart—because it is how I finished a draft of my first novel, A LADY IN THE SMOKE in 2014. I believe in the process, but with my fifth novel just published, I also know I spent a lot of time spinning my wheels on that manuscript. In this workshop, I share some tools that I wish I’d had in my pocket as I developed that first book.”
USA Today bestselling author Karen Odden earned her PhD in English at NYU, writing her dissertation on Victorian literature. She taught at UW-Milwaukee and edited for the academic journal Victorian Literature and Culture before turning to writing novels. She is the author of five Victorian mysteries published by Random House, Harper Collins, and Crooked Lane. A Dangerous Duet and A Trace of Deceit won awards for historical fiction and mystery, and her most recent, Under a Veiled Moon, was praised by Publishers Weekly in a starred review as being “an extraordinary sequel … Odden never strikes a false note.” Since 2018, she has offered workshops on the writing craft to the Historical Novel Society, Sisters in Crime (National), and independent writing groups nationwide. For the past ten years, she has divided her time between Phoenix, Arizona and Park City, Utah.
Praise for Karen’s Workshops:
“USA Today bestselling author, Karen Odden, proves time and again that she is a master storyteller. Fortunately for writers around the globe, she’s also an exceptional teacher. The multi-award-winning author’s newest workshop, ‘What is the Why? Building A Backstory for Nuanced Characters and Authentic Conflict,’ provides specific guidelines—and the critical keys authors need—to craft fascinating stories with plots and characters that captivate readers. At our recent event, she held an audience of 70+ in the palm of her hand, graciously staying past her scheduled time to answer questions for enthusiastic writers from across the U.S. and Canada, who clearly didn’t want the meeting to end. With extraordinary and original content, clear delivery and obvious skill, Odden demonstrates the master storyteller is also a master instructor.” – Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers, Scottsdale, Arizona
“Karen’s presentation kept my pen scribbling notes, and my mind scrambling to attach the personality types and functions to my own cast of characters. … A subplot I had been fumbling around with suddenly took on shape and emotional significance after listening to her presentation.” – Kathryn Helstrom, Vice President, Tulsa NightWriters
“Karen is an amazing teacher. She takes complex concepts and breaks them down so they are easy to understand. I enjoyed this class [on backstory] so much the first time Karen presented it that I signed up and took it again. It was even better the second time. Taking this class changed the way I approach my writing.” – Diana Georgelos
“The Writers Connection was very fortunate this month to have author, Karen Odden, present her workshop, What is the Why?: Building a Backstory for Nuanced Characters and Authentic Conflict. As the coordinator for the Writers Connection, I have received emails from the workshop attendees touting the use of Karen’s four-page worksheet and her workshop. Attendee Veronica Berger summed up the overall feelings of our group: “Thank you for bringing us this amazing presenter. She is the best I have heard in a long time. Her information was invaluable to me and gave me a new perspective on deepening my characters through their personal myths and world events.” —Sherry Kesling, Writers Connection
Date: November 7, 2022 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue
- Park City Library
-
1255 Park Avenue
Park City, Utah 84060 + Google Map