As is our tradition at the first meeting, we brainstormed topics for this year's lessons. If you have any further ideas, mention them in the comments below.
- Dialog. We'll do a whole unit on dialog. Mechanics, pacing, humor, pitfalls, etc.
- Character Descriptions, especially instant characterization
- How to tell stories that include travel without boring the reader
- Writing with cultural diversity
- Feeding your characters
- How to be subtle
- Character Motivations and Desires
- What makes baddies bad
- Good Beginnings
- Submitting to magazines
- Weapons
- Writing for more mature readers
- Creating unique character voices
- I have great characters, now what do I do with them?
- De-cheeseifying Death
- Avoiding boredom
- Using poetry, songs, and rhyming prophecies
- Retellings
- Slang and local swears (aw, snap!)
- Titles
- Names
- Intro to genres
- If you're a girl, how to write boy POV and vice versa.
- Superheros
- Magical creatures
