AUT - Mike Johnson - Masterclasses
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Mike Johnson - Masterclasses
Writers and Readers
Writing as process, looking at ideas about writing and the creative process, what is art and what is craft, play and engagement, loosening up. The importance of reading, the role of imitation and assimilation of other writers, journal keeping, found language, casting the language net. The relationship between structure and content, the whole and the sum of the parts, to what extent should we be concerned with literary theory. Some suggested warm up exercises.
Structure and Rhythm
Understanding the 3 act structure, its uses and abuses, getting a feel for the shape and rhythm of your story. A brief look at the ideas of Robert Mc Kee and Christopher Vogler on structure, help or hindrance. The role of drama in fiction, the role of conflict in driving a story.
Narration and Characterisation
Focus on character, how to develop well rounded characters. Developing characters, techniques and strategies, listening to our characters. Voices of characters, the unreliable or untrustworthy narrator, the privileged narrator, the role of irony. Narrative drivers, what compels a story, momentum and pace.
Language, Music and Text
The possibilities of language, effective/magical sentence making, identifying unconscious patterns and limiting prose habits, eliminating comma splices and other pests. Language as the musical, rhythmical level of the text,balance of concrete and abstract language. The flow of paragraphs and chapters, practical strategies.
Denouement
'Novels are never finished, just abandoned’ , when and how can a finish. Theme, or what Mc Kee calls the ‘controlling idea’, using this to help edit your text. Follow up on session 2, applying ideas on structure to your story, assessing the parts of your story.
Postscript
Revision tips. Your ongoing writing. The ‘faith’ of the writer, our role as witnesses to our times. 'Aim for the block’ – some inspirational words from Annie Dillard.