It's a great story. You've developed it in your mind from beginning to end. But when your fingers hit the computer keys, the plot just doesn't flow. It's difficult to get the characters from one scene to another. The dialogue seems stilted and the action appears contrived. Never fear! Join author Jackie Powers as she demystifies the concept of plot and breaks it down into more easily manageable pieces. You'll leave with tips, tricks and tools to help create more interesting characters and a stronger storyline.

Waubonsee Community College: (093WWS872.820 (30838))
June 20, 2009; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; Bodie Hall

Step into the exciting world of fiction! This workshop introduces techniques to jumpstart the creative process and get your stories down on paper. It features procedures to perk up lackluster material and maintain reader interest. There will be plenty of opportunity to talk about difficulties in getting started. Through in-class exercises we will practice writing skills such as using the five senses and editing your work. Join us for a day of creative discussion, exploration and expression. Bring a sack lunch.

Kishwaukee College: (WRC 701 5001)
Feb, 28, 2009; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; ; Bldg: U, Rm: 304

Elgin Community College: (CED 193 Crucial Steps Better Fiction)
March 21, 2009; Saturday; 9am - 3pm; Main campus, Bldg ITC, Rm 112

Joliet Junior College: (LLC.3664 Crucl Stps to Better Fic Writ)
April 25, 2009; Saturday; 9am - 3pm; Main campus, Business & Tech Ctr, Rm 2000

Create Characters: Heroes Who Stand Tall and Villains Who Cast Shadows

Bring people alive on the page with compelling characters created from your experience and imagination. Discover how to move inside each characters' head, look through her eyes and think his thoughts. Learn techniques to build a character's profile, reveal the inner and/or outer conflicts, and disclose motivation, weaknesses and strengths. Plus Dialogue: Realistic character conversation. Learn to create clear tag lines (who said what, define characters and further the plot. Consider when to use dialogue and how best to say it. (Read more)