Workshop Taster Continued

Consider language in these pages: In a single sentence describe the kind of language this writer uses. Is it plain and forceful? Is it soft and subtle? What is the writer’s take on simile and metaphor? How would you define their style? What is the proportion of text here of narrative and character, between description and dialogue?
Take a page of this chapter and re-draft a page of your own story, sentence by sentence, in the style and form of this writer. It may seem surreal. It may seem like a parody. But what have you learnt?
Characterisation: Does the writer use the evolution of character to drive the story? What is the key quality of this writer’s approach to her or his characters here?
Consider themes: What is this book about? Be very broad here – don’t retell the story! Think hard and dig out the underlying themes. These could be as broad as ‘redemption through pain’, or ‘vindication of past action through present dramas’, or as small as ‘one woman’s successful search for happiness’ or ‘the impact of a stranger on a family’ - just make it up in your own words.

NOW - make a list of anything you have learned in completing this process that could have a direct impact on the way you tackle your own writing. The list may be short or long, but there will be something significant here.

NOW - apply this whole process directly to the reading of three stories. After that you will begin to notice these important elements automatically as you read. You will also begin to apply elements that suit your style to your own work as you write.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE that I am not advocating that you copy any other writer’s approach or techniques. NOR am I saying you should directly focus on any of these things as you write your story. Not at all. BUT this process will expand your skills and options when you come to tackling your own writing. It will also especially help you when you edit your own completed long work.

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