Getting into Character(s): Character Development for Writers
Mastering the Art of Character Creation
Early Bird Pricing Ends August 29
Go ahead, give your story a bit of character!
Creating characters that can tell your story is often not as easy as many people think. This workshop delves deeply into the intricate art of character creation in storytelling, providing a comprehensive exploration designed to benefit writers of all levels.
This workshop will prove to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills by mastering the art of character creation.
Whether you’re a novice writer or an experienced storyteller, you’ll leave with practical knowledge and tools to bring your characters to life (”It’s ALIVE!”) and give them a voice in a way that captivates and engages your readers.
This session includes interactive exercises to encourage creativity and innovative thinking, provide hands-on practice in a supportive environment, and facilitate peer review for constructive feedback. Yes, a few characters may die, shape-shift, fall in love, and/or get lost. But that’s just all part of the story.
By the end of this workshop, you can look forward to:
- Gaining in-depth knowledge of character archetypes and their roles in storytelling.
- Learning techniques to create compelling and memorable characters.
- Exploring character motivations and how they drive narratives.
- Participate in interactive exercises to apply learned concepts and create characters that will climb out of the page and haunt you forever (ignore that last bit).
- Writing in a safe, non-judgmental, creative environment.
Your Instructor
Andrew Buckley is a film school-educated writer, which means he’s spent most of his life with no money and a strong opinion about bad movies. Around the turn of the century he attended the Vancouver Film School’s Writing for Film and Television program, graduating with excellence. Today, he’s a traditional and self-published novelist of rather silly, yet enjoyable speculative fiction for all ages, a comic book writer, screenwriter, podcaster, creator, and speaker.
For over 20 years, he’s worked in the dreaded world of marketing as a content creator, copywriter, and strategist for large national and international brands. He actively develops curriculum and teaches marketing, social media, and communication theory at the post-secondary level.
As a writer, Andrew favors playing in the fantasy and paranormal sandboxes and has a terrible habit of writing with a humorous and satirical slant despite being asked politely on numerous occasions to ‘please stop doing that’.
Andrew speaks to thousands of students each year about storytelling and writing through the delivery of interactive and engaging workshops and presentations at schools, colleges, writing conferences, teacher conferences, and comic cons at an international level.
At the time you’re reading this, he’s likely busy working on several new projects and attempting to bend time and space to allow for more hours in the day. He now lives happily in the Okanagan Valley, BC with a multitude of characters that dwell comfortably inside of his mind.
Andrew is represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.
Workshop Agenda and Schedule
If these times do not work for you, we will provide recordings for you to watch on your own time.
Use this time zone tool to convert to your local time: https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter
Day 1 - A Comprehensive Study of Existing Characters
Saturday, September 14th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Initially, we will embark on an in-depth examination and analysis of various existing characters from well-known stories across different genres. We will analyze what makes these characters compelling, memorable, and effective in driving their respective narratives.
This session includes:
- Character Archetypes: Identifying common character archetypes and understanding their roles in storytelling.
- Character Motivations: Exploring the motivations that drive characters’ actions and decisions.
- Character Evolution: Analyzing how characters evolve over the course of a story and what triggers these changes.
- Strengths and Flaws: Assessing the balance between a character’s strengths and flaws to create depth and relatability.
Day 2 - Building Characters Workshop
Saturday, September 21st, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Following the thorough analysis on Day 1, participants will learn the fundamental techniques and strategies required to build their characters from scratch. This segment of the workshop covers:
- Character Creation Techniques: Step-by-step guidance on creating original characters that fit seamlessly into your story’s world.
- Backstory Development: Crafting detailed backstories that inform a character’s behavior and personality.
- Physical and Psychological Traits: Designing characters with distinct physical appearances and psychological profiles to make them stand out.
- Voice and Dialogue: Develop unique voices for your characters through dialogue that reflects their personalities and backgrounds.
Interactive Exercises and Feedback
The workshop also includes interactive exercises where participants will have the opportunity to apply the concepts learned. These exercises are designed to:
- Encourage Creativity: Push the boundaries of conventional character creation and inspire innovative thinking.
- Provide Hands-On Practice: Allow participants to experiment with different techniques in a supportive environment.
- Facilitate Peer Review: Offer constructive feedback through peer review, enabling participants to refine their characters further.
Flexibility for All-Time Zones
Can't make the live sessions? No problem! All participants get lifetime access to workshop recordings, allowing you to participate at your own pace.
Course Materials and Resources
By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of creating nuanced and dynamic characters that drive their stories forward and resonate with their audience. Participants will also receive a set of resources, including:
- Character Templates: Templates to help structure and organize character development.
- Reading Lists: Recommended reading lists to explore character creation techniques further.
- Workshop Notes: Slide decks from both sessions will be provided.
You should enroll in this workshop because…
- You will gain in-depth knowledge of character archetypes and their roles in storytelling.
- You will learn techniques to create compelling and memorable characters.
- You will explore character motivations and how they drive narratives.
- You will participate in interactive exercises to apply learned concepts.
Student Testimonials
"Andrew is an expert presenter, who's incredibly confident and flexible and always sure to make everyone feel involved in an unforgettable session. Can't wait to see what he has in store next time!"
— Aurey Harris
“I found Andrew’s workshop to be both informative and engaging, and I would absolutely recommend it, and Andrew, to my colleagues.”
— Joshua Balzer
"I walked away from Andrew Buckley's writing workshop more inspired and more confident. The workshop was filled with lots of valuable information, resources, and laughter. His workshop was engaging, and was filled with relevant examples that I can connect with and relate to."
— D. Pinton
"Andrew's energy and ability to connect with all students was unbelievable! What an engaging presentation!"
— Dayna Hart
“A funny, supportive, introvert-friendly class that meets writers at whatever stage they're at.”
— Andrea Martineau
Access to Our Writing Community and Critique Group
Enroll now and gain exclusive access to our writing community—an oasis for writers seeking critiques, motivation, and camaraderie. Don't navigate the writing world alone; join a community that shares, supports, and succeeds together. This VIP lounge for wordsmiths is yours FREE with enrollment!
Getting feedback on a story before submitting it to publishers is a critical piece of the process that many writers ignore.
We know this because we get countless submissions that have not been read by anyone other than the author.
Why Our Community Rocks
- Get immediate feedback on your writing from your peers.
- Receive motivation boosts when frustration hits.
- Find a space to learn, share, and grow with like-minded writers.
Lifetime Access Bonus: Enroll Now!
Enroll in this course, and you don't just get a workshop—you gain LIFETIME access to our vibrant writing community for FREE.
Community Member Testimonials
“What a wonderfully supportive and helpful group! When I post a story, I know that I will receive honest and useful suggestions that only push me to grow further as a writer.”
—Phebe Jewell
“The greatest advantage to this group is that critiques and comments are kind and based on what works in the story. I'll add I've never seen a group so into good prose and kind with constructive comments.”
—Edward Kratz
“It's not the everyday writing which builds up the good writing, but receiving feedback. And this group is amazing at providing feedback.”
—Ali Hemati
“Critical but constructive comments are what helps me most, and I can easily find them here. On top of that, there are plenty of positive comments and feedback too.”
—David Batteiger
“I've had nothing but the best of learning how to write through this group. I've found nothing but support here and give back as much as I can.”
—Eva Wong Nava
“It's the best decision I've made...a safe, supportive place for writers, new or not so new.“
—Susan Wright
Exclusive Bonus Perks Await You
Monthly “Ask Us Anything” Zoom Calls: Your Access to Expert Insights
Our "Ask Us Anything" Zoom Calls are not just sessions; they're intimate gatherings where you have the unique opportunity to delve into the minds of accomplished professionals, gaining invaluable insights to fuel your writing journey.
Finnian will be our guest expert in March and April.
Why You'll Love It
1. Expert Guidance, Up Close and Personal
Join us every month for a casual and immersive two-hour session on Zoom. This is your chance to pick the brains of seasoned writers and instructors, gaining direct access to their wealth of knowledge and experience. It's not just a Q&A; it's a dynamic dialogue that enriches your understanding of the craft.
2. Forge Connections with Other Writers
Imagine having a front-row seat to conversations with writers who've walked the path you aspire to tread. It is not just an opportunity to ask questions; it's a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering relationships that extend beyond the virtual realm.
3. Tailored Wisdom for Your Stories
Whether you're grappling with the nuances of character development or seeking advice on navigating the publishing landscape, these sessions are crafted to address your specific needs.
4. Recording Access
Can't make it to the live session? No worries. As a member, you'll have exclusive access to the Ask Us Anything recording archive, ensuring you never miss a moment of inspiration.
Virtual Write-Ins
The concept of the write-in is very simple and informal. We gather on Zoom, and those who are around at the beginning can share (verbally or in the chat) their writing goals for that day. Then we mute everybody, and get to work. No one will be seeing what you write, and you can turn your camera off, if you'd like. At the end of the session, we can unmute and talk about how it went.
Curated List of Literary Opportunities
Delve into a treasure trove of literary opportunities with a curated list of magazines open for submissions, thoughtfully compiled by Timons Esaias. Updated regularly, this invaluable resource includes details like the journal's name, accepted genres, word count criteria, and direct submission links. It's your personalized roadmap to finding the perfect home for your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Miss Out!
Can't attend live? No worries! All participants receive exclusive access to workshop recordings.
Enroll Now and Transform Your Writing!