Writing First Class Dialogue

THE WORKSHOP

This half-day workshop will focus on the core principles for writing natural, believable dialogue which effectively reveals the feelings and experiences of the characters, whilst also advancing the plot and building dramatic tension. This will include looking at the importance of dialogue revealing rather than merely informing, and when to start and end a conversation to create the most engaging experience for the reader/audience.

The session will include a number of practical exercises, exploring the crucial importance of creating a distinct individual voice for each character within the story, whilst also considering how it purposefully delivers information about their background, age, and personality.

The exercises will also involve looking at the importance of subtext in dialogue, and its powerful role in conveying the unspoken thoughts, emotions, and intentions, hidden beneath the characters’ spoken words. Alongside considering how to integrate action and body language with realistic dialogue, to effectively convey emotion and meaning for both the development of the character and the storyline.

THE TUTOR

Tina Jay is an award winning playwright, having won both the International Playscript Competition (judged by Sir Alan Ayckbourn), and the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing.

Her plays have been performed across London, with her most recent play 'Syndrome' performed for a two week run at Tristan Bates Theatre in Covent Garden, receiving 5* reviews and an Offie nomination for 'Best New Play'. A collection of her short stories was also recently performed at The Quad in Derby by actor/director Jack Brett Anderson.

Tina has taught writing courses and workshops at numerous colleges/universities/venues across the East Midlands, and currently teaches Creative Writing Short Courses at Nottingham Trent University. Tina has an MA (Distinction) in TV Scriptwriting, and has recently started her PhD in Creative Writing, at the University of Leicester, for which she is writing a full-length novel.

DETAILS

A great opportunity to connect with fellow writers, explore your creative imagination and learn from an experienced local writer.

The event will take place in person in Room 2 at Central Library Nottingham, which is situated conveniently near to city transport links and has ample parking nearby.

Map link here.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions or specific requirements.

Thank you

NWS Team

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Host or Publisher Nottingham Writers' Studio