Behind The Scenes: Mastering Plot & Structure with Melanie Myers

Build your story architecture from the ground up.

Story structure is the invisible architecture that enables a plot to take readers on a journey from the beginning to the end of a story. A well-planned structure keeps readers engaged and interested, maintains anticipation and tension, and artfully reveals key plot points at just the right moments. In this workshop, participants will learn the difference between plot and structure, and how structural decisions can be used to create satisfying plot arcs in narrative fiction. Through a series of guided readings, direct instruction and exercises, participants will forensically examine structural techniques to enhance plotting at the micro (scene) and macro (whole story) level of a narrative.

Learning outcomes

As part of this workshop you will:

• Distinguish between plot and structure
• Gain a deeper understanding of story-telling architecture
• Learn how to modulate use of narrative modes to enhance tension and pacing.

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on writing craft; it will be held in-person at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for writers of all levels and backgrounds.

About Melanie

Melanie is a Brisbane-based author, editor and academic. In 2018, she won the Queensland Literary Awards Glendower Award for an Emerging Writer. Her winning manuscript was published as Meet Me at Lennon’s (UQP) in 2019. Her other writing has appeared in Kill Your Darlings, Griffith Review, Arena Magazine, Overland, Hecate, TEXT, among other publications.

PHOTO CREDIT: Glenn Hunt

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info