Afternoon Workshops: Janet Robertson: Story Genius

Afternoon Workshop

Janet Robertson

Story Genius: Strengthening internal and external conflict in the stories we write

This presentation is based on Lisa Cron’s book, Story Genius. Humans are wired for story. Stories are a primary way that we acquire the knowledge we need to survive in our complex culture. The objective of this workshop is to teach you, the author, to tap into this fundamental need for story to create a riveting tale your readers won’t be able to put down.

The group presentation will focus on internal and external conflict drawing numerous examples from popular movies and books.

The workshop will begin with participants presenting a single story idea to the group. (Since the writer will be challenged to enhance the idea, writers are encouraged to bring a new idea rather than an idea near completion.) The proposed external and internal conflicts of each story idea will be discussed. Time will then be allotted for participants to rework their ideas using suggestions contributed by the group. The workshop will close with a second group discussion where revised ideas will be presented. To help each participant get the most out of the workshop portion, each person is encouraged to send their story idea to me at jkrobertson@rcn.com at least three days before the workshop. This is not a requirement, but it will give me the opportunity to think more deeply about your idea and hopefully help you more in the workshop. If you choose to email in your story idea please:

1. Briefly tell me about your protagonist. As the story opens, what are they struggling with?
   
2. What major conflict or challenge does the story introduce?
   
3. How does the protagonist change as a result of this conflict?