Write Backstory With Confidence
How to weave the past without information dump telling
Sprinkle and blend the flavours of your character to achieve an irresistible aroma.
Have you been accused of too much telling or information dumps? Does your character have a fascinating history, but you’re not sure how best to convey it to readers? Avoid the pitfalls of backstory by peeling back the layers one at a time to discover the most effective delivery methods, how much to use, and how to make it drive the main story.
This popular workshop combines colourful handouts, tailored feedback, videos and live chats to engage participants. There will be plenty of opportunities to apply the learnings to individual work.
Learning outcomes:
Have you been accused of too much telling or information dumps? Does your character have a fascinating history, but you’re not sure how best to convey it to readers? Avoid the pitfalls of backstory by peeling back the layers one at a time to discover the most effective delivery methods, how much to use, and how to make it drive the main story.
This popular workshop combines colourful handouts, tailored feedback, videos and live chats to engage participants. There will be plenty of opportunities to apply the learnings to individual work.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand how to use backstory to develop tension and engage readers.
- Know where your character came from and is headed, so the backstory is consistent and relevant.
- Determine which parts of the backstory are important, and which are just filler.
- Be able to identify where backstory isn’t working.
- Learn techniques to reveal backstory as part of the story, instead of information dumping.
- Know when to release backstory for maximum effect.
- Avoid backstory taking over the whole story.
- Use backstory as a baseline from which to show character growth.
What participants are saying about Sandy's workshops
Sandy Vaile's courses have been tried and tested by thousands of aspiring authors, many of whom have gone onto publication and credit Sandy Vaile with making a significant contribution to their proficiency.
I credit this teacher with a quantum shift in my writing. I can literally see the difference!" Nina Campbell
Helpful, practical and inspirational, Sandy's workshop took my writing to the next level.
I loved Sandy's dedication to giving the best feedback possible. It's made a huge difference to me already.
The workshop was well structured, with information provided at an appropriate pace to enable participants to absorb it and apply it to their own work.
I liked the friendly nature of the learning experience.