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This writing course about dialogue and characterisation techniques takes place at Writing NSW in Sydney.

The best characters seem to have an existence almost independent of their authors. This course, by playwright Timothy Daly. will take participants deep into the principles of character creation, as well as the many dialogue techniques and tips that make dialogue memorable.

Characterisation principles studied in the course will include: giving characters a rich inner life; making characters mysterious, symbolic—and real; writing characters who speak differently; and creating characters worth caring (and reading) about.

Dialogue techniques studied include syntax, punctuation, rhetoric, imagistic writing, dialogue patterns and many other practical and usable techniques; and how to turn ‘ordinary’ conversation into nuanced dialogue.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

Participants are given detailed and clear explanations via explanatory worksheets and there are many hands-on opportunities to try out the techniques in class.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Receive frequent feedback on the written work completed during the course.
2. Gain opportunities to practice the many dialogue and characterisation principles taught in class.
3. Learn a variety of writing styles useful in expanding and intensifying the tonal palette of their writing.

Participant Requirements

No previous fiction writing experience is needed, other than a desire to explore a range of dialogue, character creation and dialogue writing techniques. Please bring a pen and paper, and/or a fully charged device.

Please read our FAQ> before enrolling. If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

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