This writing course, Voice and Point of View for Fiction Writers with Hayley Scrivenor, takes place at Writing NSW in Sydney.

What is voice? Much like good art, or great love, we tend to know it when we see or feel it. And while point of view can sometimes feel like a largely invisible choice, it is integral to the way our stories unfold. In this workshop, you’ll work through the ways investing thought in point of view and leaning into character can help you find a unique and compelling voice. We’ll think about voice both in terms of narration, as well as the individual voices of characters within your story. We’ll talk practicalities: What relationship does voice have with your plot? How do you manage multiple points of view? What should you do if a story with a single point of view feels boring or stagnant? You’ll walk away with a series of useful questions and practical tips to strengthen voice, an element that publishers and agents frequently cite as the secret ingredient that seals a publishing deal.

In this course, internationally best-selling author Hayley Scrivenor will guide you through voice and point of view with readings, practical exercises and space for reflection, all with the aim of strengthening narrative voice to craft compelling fiction.

Expected learning outcomes

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Develop a practical understanding of how voice and point of view operate in fiction
2. Critically engage with contemporary fiction texts
3. Learn how character and plot can be served by a clear and defined voice
4. Complete a series of exercises centred around voice and point of view.
5. Explore and develop their own writing, with the aim of strengthening a specific work of fiction
6. Consider how best to articulate what their work is about to a publisher or agent.

This workshop takes place at Writing NSW in Sydney.

Participant requirements

Please bring pen and paper, or a fully charged device.

If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

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