Ready? Set? Write! Putting the Pieces of a Story Together

This fun, interactive workshop will be led by award-winning author Deborah Kerbel, VPL’s first Writer-in-Residence. Deborah has published more than thirty books across genres, from picture books and graphic novels to young adult fiction. In May and June, she will offer writing workshops for all ages, along with one-on-one consultations, manuscript critiques, and drop-in Q&A sessions. To learn more, please visit www.vaughanpl.info/wir.
Deborah will cover how to develop the fundamental elements of your story, such as characters, setting, problem, and action. During the final part of the workshop, participants will write a scene using some of the ideas that were collectively brainstormed within the group.
The workshop will cover the following points:
Character
What makes a good character? What do you need to know about your characters before you let them step foot onto your page? We will do a brainstorming writing exercise in character development.
Setting
How different settings and scenes can shape your story and improve its readability. We will do an interactive exercise on setting selection.
Problem
What’s going to give your story the narrative thrust? What problem will engage your reader right off the top and force dramatic reactions out of your characters? The central problem is what will make your reader CARE about your character and be compelled to turn the page to see how they resolve it.
Action
Each word in your story has the task of pushing the narrative forward. But where does your story begin? And where does it end? Getting right to the heart of your story by identifying these points is essential. Once that’s done, a writer is free to jump right into the action.
During the final part of the workshop, participants will write a scene using some of the character traits, setting ideas, and problems that were collectively brainstormed within the group.
Our teen programs are created to give teens their own space to connect and learn. For that reason, registration is limited to teens in grades 9–12. To explore library programs and events for children and adults, please see VPL's Library Program Guide .
Location: Bathurst Clark Resource Library
Date: Thursday, June 4th - Registration begins May 7
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Age: Teens, grades 9-12
Cost: Free
The personal information collected from you on this form will only be used for the purpose of Vaughan Public Libraries' program and/or event registration. Your personal information will not be shared with outside organizations, except as indicated in the .
Vaughan Public Libraries is committed to accessibility. Please email us to inquire about accommodation for our programs.

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