Fall 2014 Classes at FVWS

While we are actively getting ready for Euro2014, our ten day writers' retreat about the Norwegian Jade (November 12- 22, 2014), the school is offering select classes from our director, David Blinkhorn. Take a peek. See if any of the offerings interest your current creative pursuits.


Fiction Workshop

In this six week course, writers will examine issues surrounding character and plot development, setting, and conflict and tension in their writing. This is a workshop course relying heavily on discussion, in-class writing exercises and critiquing. Students will be expected to workshop their short stories or scenes from novels in progress. Each student will receive a one hour one on one meeting with the instructor to discuss issues particular to their work as part of this workshop experience.

Maximum enrollment: 8

Cost: $125

Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm Tuesdays September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2014
Place: New Westminster, BC

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: A Two Part Workshop on Character Development

A villain and hero are opposite sides of the same coin. Within their own mind, each acts for the greater good, theirs or others. Their respective roles in your story is all a matter of perception. Over the course of two sessions, this workshop examines techniques such as backstory and motivation that help create fully-rounded, deep antagonists and protagonists, ways of developing inner and outer conflict, establishing personal stakes for each and increasing the cost of failure, making the ordinary character extraordinary and, finally, humanizing the true monsters of your story.

Writers will need to bring a character sketch for their protagonist and antagonist as well as a chapter or excerpt with each in action.

Dates and Times: October 4 and 18, 2014 10:00 am to 2:30 pm (30 minutes for lunch)

Place: New Westminster, BC

 

Cost: $90

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Senses and Creativity

Journey through the five senses as you search to open doors to free your imagination and find your greater creativity within. This five week workshop will examine the various ways to use the five senses to unlock new attitudes and fresh opportunities for your work. Learn to silence your inner critic and acquire ways to open your eyes to the possibilities and options for your artistry. While this is a writing workshop, there will be some activities based on other artisitic media as well. This course is suitable for all writers including poets.

Maximum enrollment: 8

Cost: $105 (includes ths cost of supplies)

Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm Tuesdays April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2014
Place: TBA ( in the Surrey/North Delta region)

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Fiction Workshop

In this six week course, writers will examine issues surrounding character and plot development, setting, and conflict and tension in their writing. This is a workshop course relying heavily on discussion, in-class writing exercises and critiquing. Students will be expected to workshop their short stories or scenes from novels in progress. Each student will receive a one hour one on one meeting with the instructor to discuss issues particular to their work as part of this workshop experience.

Maximum enrollment: 8

Cost: $120

Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm Wednesdays  April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 2014
Place: TBA (in the Surrey/North Delta region)

Instructor: David Blinkhorn