The science of storytelling with Will Storr

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Using the latest research from neuroscience and psychology, award-winning writer Will Storr reveals how authors, screenwriters and journalists can make their writing more compelling. During this fascinating masterclass, you’ll learn how the human brain turns life events into a dramatic narrative. Then, you’ll discover how to exploit the brain’s natural storytelling processes within your own writing.

The course comprises a mixture of theoretical talks and fun practical exercises. During the day, you’ll build up a captivating scene by drawing upon principles from the worlds of psychology and neuroscience. Plus, you’ll be introduced to some great examples of storytelling from fiction, non-fiction, film and TV. Whether you’re a literary or genre writer, working for page or the screen, you’ll leave the course with new perspectives on your own work and a greater understanding of the neurological common ground of all audiences.

Course content

• The basics of how the brain works
• How an understanding of neuroscience and psychology can improve your storytelling
• Examples of great stories from fiction, non-fiction and screenwriting
• The hero maker – the psychology of the hero and the psychology of you
• Character design – and the critical importance of mortal outrage
• The science of personality – and the significance of character flaws
• The qualities of great dialogue
• Advice on how to build truly captivating scenes and stories
• Writing techniques that you can apply to your own work
• Practical writing exercise – build your own scene using lessons from neuroscience and psychology
• Q&A and discussion

This course is for you if…

• You’re a creative writer or novelist keen to learn how audiences relate to stories
• You’re a non-fiction writer looking to learn how to make your work more compelling
• You’re a screenwriter with an interest in how the human mind interprets plots, characters and different points-of-view

Tutor profile

Will Storr is an award-winning writer whose books include The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science, and the novel The Hunger and Howling of Killian Lone. He’s also a prolific journalist who writes regularly for Observer Magazine and Guardian Weekend. Find out more and Will on his website.

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Details

Date: Sunday 11 October 2015
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £249 (includes VAT, booking fee, lunch and refreshments)
Event capacity: 16

To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.

Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.