Plotting, Pace and Tension: A Masterclass workshop with Caroline Greene

Course Summary

This one-day course is aimed at writers who want to get an understanding of plotting a novel as well as analysing techniques to make the story pacy and gripping. There will be tips and techniques on plotting methods that can help ensure your book has ‘strong bones’, along with ways to tighten the writing and make sure the story never drags.

There will be a one-hour break for lunch.

Course Outline

Timings: 10-12am, with a break for lunch and then 1-3pm

Morning session:

What is a plot anyway? How do you avoid running out of steam and having a ‘saggy middle’? And what do the animated characters from South Park have to do with creating an exciting story? This session will cover everything you need to know about mapping out a story, or working out where the weak spots are on a work in progress.

Afternoon session:

Understanding pace and how to keep readers turning the pages. Also, a deep dive into what elements are in play in suspenseful, gripping story telling.
There will be writing exercises throughout the two sessions.

Course Outcomes

An understanding of how to plan or restructure a novel, along with tools for handling its pace and tension.

Biography

Caroline Green is an award-winning and Sunday Times/ USA Today bestselling author for both adults and young people. She has published thirteen books; under her own name, as Cass Green and as CS Green. Her latest book is the supernatural thriller DOWN AMONG THE DEAD. Caroline is the Writer in Residence at East Barnet School and Thameside Prison. She also runs courses for City St George’s University.