What is the absolutely key ingredient to successful writing – whether for the screen or the page? Attractive characters? A story that fairly whizzes along? A gripping or intriguing or charming opening? A strong second act that never flags?
All these things are to be found at the heart of good stories, we agree – but there’s a common thread that runs through all these “secrets’ to successful stories – and that’s the theme of Allaboutwriting’s new weekend course, Keys to Creative Writing.
Devised and run by scriptwriter Richard Beynon and novelist Jo-Anne Richards, the Keys to Creative Writing will be held at Foxwood House in Houghton, over the weekend of August 28 and 29. “Each of the four sessions of the course offers participants a clear and incisive introduction to the essential elements of any dramatic narrative,’ says Beynon, “whether that narrative’s a screenplay or a novel, or, indeed, a piece of creative non-fiction.’
Allaboutwriting is a partnership between Richard Beynon and Jo-Anne Richards who have both made their livings from writing for many years. They are passionate about good writing, and have devised their courses to help communicate that passion – plus the skills that make it all much more than an academic exercise – to others with a similar calling.
The course, which starts each day at 9:30am and runs to 3:30pm, features a number of testing and illuminating exercises – and includes tea and lunch under the oaks.
The Keys Course. September 28 and 29. Foxwood House, 13 5th Street, Houghton, Johannesburg. Cost: R2 500, including meals, teas etc. For further information, check our website at allaboutwritingcourses.com, e-mail Trish at trishurquhart@gmail.com or phone her at 082 652 4643.
