Need Help Finding All the Puzzle Pieces of Your Story?

Plotting Workshop: 


Learn techniques for effective idea generation, plot and scene creation through a series of individual and group exercises. As well, participants will examine story structure, generation of conflict and tension, and techniques in collaborative plotting. This is an interactive workshop. Each participant will be asked to bring a germ of an idea for development during this two day workshop. There will be orphan ideas available for those that don’t generate that germ in the days leading up to the workshop. The use of myth and everyday life will be examined as sources that will help the writer find new ideas for fresh work.

This workshop is appropriate for writers of all levels and enrollment is capped at twelve participants.

Dates: September 23 and 30, 2017
Times: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (45 minute break for lunch)
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Cost: $110.00 Register before August 24, 2017 and receive 15% off your registration costs

To register or for more information, email David at fvwschool@gmail.com

Find the Fuel for Your Creative Fire

Creative Pursuits:

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

Pablo Picasso

Picasso's right. The hardest thing for an adult in any creative project is to bring a child's creative energy to their artistic pursuits. In this ten week workshop, participants will return to play as they learn new and interesting ideas that will help them find their way to fulfilling artistic and creative lives. Over time, the workshop attendees will learn about:

1. What creativity is and how our brain operates when being creative,
2. The various successful processes to becoming more creative including the nine basic types of creative thought,
3. Ways to maximize your creative potential,
4. Techniques for defeating your inner critic,
5. Methods to maintaining a creative life in the face of the ordinary one,
6. Ways to work collaboratively with other artists, and
7. Creative techniques to find and mine your personal creative gold including skill development in the use of observation, empathetic thinking, playing and imaging.

Each workshop will focus on exercises to help the participant develop the skills in the various topics discussed each week. It is interactive and participants will be expected to work as individuals and in groups. There will be a weekly project which focuses on that week's creative technique. Notes of the discussion/lecture will be provided each week as well. This workshop is appropriate for creatives and artists of all levels.

While each workshop is self-contained and can be attended in isolation, all workshops build on skills developed each week. The final two weeks follow a four week hiatus during which time attendees will work on a creative project of their own choosing for presentation to your fellow creatives during the final two workshops. Pre-registration is required for the final workshops.

Dates and Time: Wednesdays from 6:30 -9:00 pm commencing September 20, 2017 and running to November 8, 2017. Final two workshops are on December 6 and 13, 2017 
Times: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Cost: $25 per session or you can purchase a card for classes in the following denominations: 4 workshops: $95, 6 workshops; $135, 8 workshops: $170, all ten workshops: $190 (cards are non-transferable). Attendees who wish to attend the final two workshops must register for a minimum of four workshops before qualifying to attend in December.

Register prior to August 24, 2017 and receive an additional 10% off. Registration for this workshop is capped at fourteen individuals.

To register or for more information, email fvwschool@gmail.com

Here's what attendees have said about David Blinkhorn's Creativity workshops:

“Take this workshop. It's creative, thoughtful, encouraging. It'll loosen up your brain, free it from its rut. You'll laugh and learn.”

“Take David Blinkhorn's class: You'll learn handy and thoughtful tips for writing (and living as a writer). The activities are fun and you get some useful handouts to remind you of what you can do- because you laugh so much, you might forget some 'nitty gritty' important detail.”

“This workshop was so much fun! We laughed and there even some tears as we wrote about being certain objects. David Blinkhorn always presents with so much fun and creativity of his own to help us with our own “Creative Pursuits”! It is so helpful to know now that becoming an object or what we see around us can open up our creativity and help us write more openly and freely.”

Learn to Create Better Scenes in Your Writing

Scene Creation

To be an effective fiction or creative non-fiction writer today, you need to write effective scenes. The vehicle for a writer to advance their plot and reveal character, the scene is cinematic writing and is defined by its continuous action regardless of that action's size, shape or intensity. Without the "Walk" of the scene, the reader is left with the "Talk" and the writer risks losing them to more interesting stories.

During this fifteen hour course, you'll examine:

1. story and scene structure;
2. techniques for bringing conflict and tension into the scene;
3. the purposes of a scene;
4. methods for beginning and ending a scene;
5. transitions between scenes; and
6. various writing tools that help advance your scene including but not limited to setting, dialogue, and character development

This course is a unique way of advancing your writing education as it focuses on story-telling from day one. Students can expect to learn many techniques in a fluid fashion that are normally compartmentalized in most introductory courses. The course is presented as a series of talks, discussions, exercises and critiqued writing assignments.

Dates: Saturdays, October 14, 21, and 28, 2017

Times: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (1 hour break for lunch each day)

Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC

Cost: $175.00 Register before August 24, 2017 and receive $20 off your registration costs

For more information or to register, email. fvwschool@gmail.com

Introductory Course for the Emerging Writer

Introduction To Creative Writing

Do you have a story rambling and rumbling around in your head and don't know how and where to start? This introductory course starts your creative writing journey and provides you with some tools and techniques to get your words on the page.

Through a series of talks, discussions, in-class exercises and weekly take home assignments over eight weeks, you begin to develop knowledge in topics including writing with your senses, scene creation, character development, setting, dialogue, and overcoming the voice of your inner critic and writer's block.

Cost: $135 if you register before August 24, 2017

$160 for registrations after August 24, 2017

Dates and Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm Mondays commencing September 18, 2017 until November 6, 2017 (no class on October 9, 2017 for Thanksgiving)

Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster ( a block up from the Columbia Skytrain station)

To register or for more information contact David Blinkhorn at fvwschool@gmail.com

Manuscript Consults

For the first time, Fraser Valley Writers' School is offering manuscript consults. Your manuscript will be reviewed for issues of plot, character development and setting features. This is not a copy editing service but it is a substantive edit, one that will help your story sparkle as you get it ready to send it out into the world.

How does this work?

1. You provide your manuscript in Times Roman 12 point font double spaced via an attachment along with a one page or less synopsis of your story which will clearly identify your protagonist and antagonist.

2. Once your submission is received, you will receive an email from us as to the cost of your review. The cost shall be based on $0.75 per page as this fee reflects the double spacing and font size. You'll be required to pay in advance the cost of the review as invoiced by either an e-transfer or cheque payable to the school.

3. The review will take approximately two weeks ( plus or minus 2 days on either side) once the fee has been received by the school.

4. As part of the review, you will be provided written notes of suggestions to improve the story and for those participants within the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley, you will meet in person with the instructor who reviewed your submission for anywhere from an hour to two hours depending on the time necessary to properly discuss the work. For those outside this geographic area, there will be an attempt to arrange a Skype meeting or telephone call generated from the school (No long distance charges for you)

5. It is preferable that you submit a completed transcript but for those with a work in progress, please have a detailed outline along with your synopsis. Your work should have been self-revised regardless of its state of completion before submitting the work so as to enable you to get the best value from the service.

If you are interested in this service, please contact us at fvwschool@gmail.com

2016 Fall Classes

Fiction Writers' Bootcamp: 

In two day weekend intensive over the course of two Saturdays, the writer will cover such topics as Story and Idea Generation, Story Structure, the Use of Tension and Conflict, Pacing, Setting, Dialogue, Character Development and Techniques for Revising Your First Draft. The workshop will utilize lecture, discussion and individual and group exercises and is appropriate for the emerging and intermediate writer.

Dates: October 29 and November 5, 2016
Times: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC

Instructor: David Blinkhorn and other guest presenters to be announced

Cost: $110.00 (lunch included each day)

Creative Pursuits: A Playschool in Creativity:

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

Pablo Picasso

Picasso's right. The hardest thing for an adult in any creative project is to bring a child's creative energy to their artistic pursuits. In this thirteen week workshop, participants will return to play as they learn new and interesting ideas that will help them find their way to fulfilling artistic and creative lives. Over time, the workshop attendees will learn about:

1. What creativity is and how our brain operates when being creative,
2. The various successful processes to becoming more creative including the nine basic types of creative thought,
3. Ways to maximize your creative potential,
4. Techniques for defeating your inner critic,
5. Methods to maintaining a creative life in the face of the ordinary one,
6. Ways to work collaboratively with other writers and artists, and
7. Creative techniques to find and mine your personal creative gold.

Each workshop will focus on exercises to help the participant develop the skills in the various topics discussed each week. It is interactive and participants will be expected to work as individuals and in groups each week. There will be a weekly project which focuses on that week's creative technique. Notes of the discussion/lecture will be provided each week as well. This workshop is appropriate for writers and other artists of all levels.

Here's what attendees have said about David Blinkhorn's Creativity workshops:

“Take this workshop. It's creative, thoughtful, encouraging. It'll loosen up your brain, free it from its rut. You'll laugh and learn.”

“Take David Blinkhorn's class: You'll learn handy and thoughtful tips for writing (and living as a writer). The activities are fun and you get some useful handouts to remind you of what you can do- because you laugh so much, you might forget some 'nitty gritty' important detail.”

“This workshop was so much fun! We laughed and there even some tears as we wrote about being certain objects. David Blinkhorn always presents with so much fun and creativity of his own to help us with our own “Creative Pursuits”! It is so helpful to know now that becoming an object or what we see around us can open up our creativity and help us write more openly and freely.”

Dates: Thursday evenings commencing September 22, 2016 and running to December 15, 2016 
Times: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: 331 – 22 East Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Cost: $25 per session or you can purchase a card for classes in the following denominations: 4 workshops: $95, 6 workshops; $135, 8 workshops: $170, all thirteen workshops: $225 (cards are non-transferable)

Introduction to Creative Writing: Scene Creation

To be an effective fiction or creative non-fiction writer today, you need to write effective scenes. The vehicle for a writer to advance their plot and reveal character, the scene is cinematic writing and is defined by its continuous action regardless of that action's size, shape or intensity. Without the "Walk" of the scene, the reader is left with the "Talk" and the writer risks losing their reader.

During this sixteen hour course, you'll examine:

1. story and scene structure;
2. techniques for bringing conflict and tension into the scene;
3. the purposes of a scene;
4. methods for beginning and ending a scene;
5. transitions between scenes; and
6. various writing tools that help advance your scene including but not limited to setting, dialogue, and character development

This course is a unique way of starting your writing education as it focuses on story-telling from day one. Students can expect to learn many techniques in a fluid fashion that are normally compartmentalized in most introductory courses. The course is presented as a series of talks, discussions, exercises and critiqued writing assignments.

Dates: Monday evenings commencing October 17, 2016 and running to November 28, 2016
Times: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: 331 – 22 East Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC

Cost: $125
Instructor: David Blinkhorn


Email fvwschool@gmail.com with your interest. For workshops to proceed, a minimum of four participants will be required to register one week ahead of the scheduled start date.

Fraser Valley Writers' School Courses for the Late Spring and Summer, 2016

Playschool For Adults:

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

Pablo Picasso

Picasso's right. The hardest thing for an adult in any creative project is to bring a child's creative energy to their artistic pursuits. In this eight part workshop, participants will return to play as they learn new and interesting ideas that will help them find their way to fulfilling artistic and creative lives. Over time, the workshop attendees will learn about:

1. What creativity is and how our brain operates when being creative,
2. The various successful processes to becoming more creative including the nine basic types of creative thought,
3. Ways to maximize your creative potential,
4. Techniques for defeating your inner critic,
5. Methods to maintaining a creative life in the face of the ordinary one,
6. Ways to work collaboratively with other writers and artists, and
7. Creative techniques to find and mine your personal creative gold.

Each workshop will focus on exercises to help the participant develop the skills in the various topics discussed each week. It is interactive and participants will be expected to work as individuals and in groups each week. There will be a weekly play project. Notes of the discussion/lecture will be provided each week as well. This workshop is appropriate for writers and other artists of all levels.

What have attendees said about David Blinkhorn's Creativity workshops:

“Take this workshop. It's creative, thoughtful, encouraging. It'll loosen up your brain, free it from its rut. You'll laugh and learn.”

“Take David Blinkhorn's class: You'll learn handy and thoughtful tips for writing (and living as a writer). The activities are fun and you get some useful handouts to remind you of what you can do- because you laugh so much, you might forget some 'nitty gritty' important detail.”

“This workshop was so much fun! We laughed and there even some tears as we wrote about being certain objects. David Blinkhorn always presents with so much fun and creativity of his own to help us with our own “Creative Pursuits”! It is so helpful to know now that becoming an object or what we see around us can open up our creativity and help us write more openly and freely.”

Dates: Thursday evenings commencing June 16, 2016 ( schedule to be determined after consultation with participants, fee is based on six workshops to give participants flexibility over the course of the workshop but the fee will be the same whether you attend six or all eight)
Times: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: 331 – 22 East Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn
Cost: $125.00 

Fiction Writers' Bootcamp: 
In two day weekend intensive over the course of two Saturdays, the writer will cover such topics as Story and Idea Generation, Story Structure, the Use of Tension and Conflict, Pacing, Setting, Dialogue, Character Development and Techniques for Revising Your First Draft. The workshop will utilize lecture, discussion and individual and group exercises and is appropriate for the emerging and intermediate writer.
Dates: June 18 and 25, 2016
Times: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn
Cost: $110.00

About the Instructor: David Blinkhorn is the founder and director of the Fraser Valley Writers School and an accomplished instructor in the areas of creativity, avoiding writer's block and fiction writing. He is an award-winning poet and writer who is a graduate of SFU's Writers' Studio (Fiction) in 2011. A former executive director of the Federation of British Columbia Writers, David finds his passion in creating unique and varied stories and helping other writers to find their voice in their chosen genre. In 2014, David organized a successful writers retreat in the Mediterranean and is currently organizing the plans for Euro2017.

To register for these courses, please email us at fvwschool@gmail.com.

Classes for the Spring and An On-line Opportunity

Fraser Valley Writer's School is pleased to offer the following courses for April to June, 2016:

For the first time we will be offering an on-line course for writers who want to look deeper into scene creation. Here's the description

Scene Creation

To be an effective fiction or creative non-fiction writer today, you need to write effective scenes. The vehicle for a writer to advance their plot and reveal character, the scene is cinematic writing and is defined by its continuous action regardless of that action's size, shape or intensity. Without the "Walk" of the scene, the reader is left with the "Talk" and the writer risks losing their reader.

During this eight session course, you'll examine:

1. story and scene structure;
2. techniques for bringing conflict and tension into the scene;
3. the purposes of a scene;
4. methods for beginning and ending a scene;
5. transitions between scenes; and
6. various writing tools that help advance your scene including but not limited to setting, dialogue, and character development

This course is a unique way of advancing your writing education as it focuses on story-telling from day one. Students can expect to learn many techniques in a fluid fashion that are normally compartmentalized in most introductory courses. The course will be presented as a series of videos, notes, exercises and critiqued writing assignments. You will have access to your instructor for questions via email.

The cost of this introductory on-line class is $100.

A Way of Looking at Your Writing Education:

We are also offering two regular courses taught in a classroom setting. There will be an experiment in pricing as each week of either course will be its own complete unit such that you can sign up for as many of the weeks as you would like and that meet your busy schedules. Each two hour class will cost $25. You must sign up for a minimum of four classes. The total fee for all eight is $150 meaning you get your final two classes for free if you sign up for all eight.

The courses for the Spring are:

In the Pursuit of Creativity: 


In this workshop, participants will learn new and interesting ideas that will help them find their way to fulfilling artistic and creative lives. Over time, the workshop attendees will learn about:

1. What creativity is and how our brain operates when being creative,
2. The various successful processes to becoming more creative,
3. Ways to maximize your creative potential,
4. Techniques for defeating your inner critic,
5. Methods to maintaining a creative life in the face of the ordinary one,
6. Ways to work collaboratively with other writers and artists, and
7. Creative techniques to find and mine your personal creative gold.

Each workshop will focus on exercises to help the participant develop the skills in the various topics discussed each week. It is interactive and participants will be expected to work as individuals and in groups each week. There will be a weekly homework assignment. Notes of the discussion/lecture will be provided each week as well. For those that took this class in the fall, there will be new material and exercises so that we can all continue on your journey to creative freedom.

This workshop is appropriate for writers and other artists of all levels.

This workshop will be offered on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 pm in Surrey, BC. It will start on April 11, 2016.

Fiction Writers' Bootcamp: 

Each week, the writer will cover such topics as Story and Idea Generation, Story Structure, the Use of Tension and Conflict, Pacing, Setting, Dialogue, Character Development and Techniques for Revising Your First Draft. The final hour each week will be spent workshopping your various writing projects

The workshop will utilize lecture, discussion and individual and group exercises and is appropriate for the emerging and intermediate writer.

This workshop will be offered on Saturdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am in New Westminster, BC or Surrey, BC depending on the locale of the majority of the registrants. It will start on April 9, 2016



About the Instructor: David Blinkhorn is the founder and director of the Fraser Valley Writers School and an accomplished instructor in the areas of creativity, avoiding writer's block and fiction writing. He is an award-winning poet and writer who is a graduate of SFU's Writers' Studio (Fiction) in 2011. A former executive director of the Federation of British Columbia Writers, David finds his passion in creating unique and varied stories and helping other writers to find their voice in their chosen genre. In 2014, David organized a successful writers retreat in the Mediterranean and is currently organizing the plans for Euro2016.


To register for these courses, please email us at fvwschool@gmail.com.

Winter 2016 Courses

Fraser Valley Writer's School is pleased to offer the following courses for January to March, 2016:

Scene Creation

To be an effective fiction or creative non-fiction writer today, you need to write effective scenes. The vehicle for a writer to advance their plot and reveal character, the scene is cinematic writing and is defined by its continuous action regardless of that action's size, shape or intensity. Without the "Walk" of the scene, the reader is left with the "Talk" and the writer risks losing their reader.

During this sixteen hour course, you'll examine:

1. story and scene structure;
2. techniques for bringing conflict and tension into the scene;
3. the purposes of a scene;
4. methods for beginning and ending a scene;
5. transitions between scenes; and
6. various writing tools that help advance your scene including but not limited to setting, dialogue, and character development

This course is a unique way of advancing your writing education as it focuses on story-telling from day one. Students can expect to learn many techniques in a fluid fashion that are normally compartmentalized in most introductory courses. The course is presented as a series of talks, discussions, exercises and critiqued writing assignments.

The cost is $150 and the exact dates and location (either Surrey or New Westminster) will be structured to meet the class's needs and busy lives.

The instructor is David Blinkhorn, FVWS's director.

The Writer’s Toolbox:

Every writer needs the tools to make that story sparkle, to make the reader come back again and again. This eight-week course takes an in-depth look at the issues of conflict, pacing, plot, dialogue and setting through the use of lecture, writing exercises, critiquing and discussion.

Cost: $165

Dates: The exact dates and location (either Surrey or New Westminster) will be structured to meet the class's needs and busy lives.

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

The Writer’s Toolbox:

Part Two: I Need a Bigger Toolbox

Every writer always needs more tools for a bigger toolbox. Join your fellow writers for the most adventurous offering to date by the school. This ten week course examines ways to create subtlety, suspense, and tension in your work. Take an in-depth look at characterization issues like credibility, purpose, complexity and presentation methods. Learn to work effectively with back story, flashbacks, revelations and subtext.

As part of this course, each student will receive an hour long one on one meeting with the instructor to discuss issues specific to that student’s writing. Students will be expected to work on a writing project for the duration of the course with an eye to polishing for submission. Please note that this course will be scheduled with a few two week breaks between classes for writing and one on one meetings.

At the conclusion of the course, an evening of readings will be arranged for you and your guests to celebrate your work.

You don't need the first Writer's Toolbox course to take this course.

Cost: $250

Dates: The exact dates and location (either New Westminster or Surrey) will be structured to meet the class's needs and busy lives.

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

If you are interested in Scene Creation, The Writer's Toolbox and The Writer's Toolbox Part II, email fvwschool@gmail.com with your interest and you'll be contacted to examine your convenient dates. For any of these three classes to proceed, a minimum of five registrants will be required

Plotting Workshop: 


Learn techniques for effective idea generation, plot and scene creation through a series of individual and group exercises. As well, participants will examine story structure, generation of conflict and tension, and techniques in collaborative plotting. This is a highly interactive workshop. Each participant will be asked to bring a germ of an idea for development during this two day workshop. There will be orphan ideas available for those that don’t generate that germ in the days leading up to the workshop. The use of myth and everyday life will be examined as sources that will help the writer find new ideas for fresh work.

This workshop is appropriate for writers of all levels and enrollment is capped at twelve participants.

Dates: February 6 and 20, 2016
Times: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (45 minute break for lunch)
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn
Cost: $110.00

Introduction to Creative Writing: Scene Creation

To be an effective fiction or creative non-fiction writer today, you need to write effective scenes. The vehicle for a writer to advance their plot and reveal character, the scene is cinematic writing and is defined by its continuous action regardless of that action's size, shape or intensity. Without the "Walk" of the scene, the reader is left with the "Talk" and the writer risks losing their reader.

During this sixteen hour course, you'll examine:

1. story and scene structure;
2. techniques for bringing conflict and tension into the scene;
3. the purposes of a scene;
4. methods for beginning and ending a scene;
5. transitions between scenes; and
6. various writing tools that help advance your scene including but not limited to setting, dialogue, and character development

This course is a unique way of starting your writing education as it focuses on story-telling from day one. Students can expect to learn many techniques in a fluid fashion that are normally compartmentalized in most introductory courses. The course is presented as a series of talks, discussions, exercises and critiqued writing assignments.

The cost is $150 and the exact dates and location will be structured to meet the classes needs and busy lives.

The instructor is David Blinkhorn, FVWS's director.

Email fvwschool@gmail.com with your interest and you'll be contacted to examine your convenient dates. For this class to proceed, a minimum of six registrants will be required.

New Courses for Fall 2015

With the new school year fast upon us, it's time to let you know about our new courses for this fall.


The school is offering the following:


Plotting Workshop:


Learn techniques for effective idea generation, plot and scene creation through a series of individual and group exercises. As well, participants will examine story structure, generation of conflict and tension, and techniques in collaborative plotting. This is a highly interactive workshop. Each participant will be asked to bring a germ of an idea for development during this two day workshop. There will be orphan ideas available for those that don’t generate that germ in the days leading up to the workshop. The use of myth and everyday life will be examined as sources that will help the writer find new ideas for fresh work.


This workshop is appropriate for writers of all levels.


Dates: November 28 and December 5, 2015
Times: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn
Cost: $110.00




In the Pursuit of Creativity:


In this five part workshop, participants will learn new and interesting ideas that will help them find their way to fulfilling artistic and creative lives. Over time, the workshop attendees will learn about:

1. What creativity is and how our brain operates when being creative,
2. The various successful processes to becoming more creative,
3. Ways to maximize your creative potential,
4. Techniques for defeating your inner critic,
5. Methods to maintaining a creative life in the face of the ordinary one,
6. Ways to work collaboratively with other writers and artists, and
7. Creative techniques to find and mine your personal creative gold.

Each workshop will focus on exercises to help the participant develop the skills in the various topics discussed each week. It is interactive and participants will be expected to work as individuals and in groups each week. There will be a weekly homework assignment. Notes of the discussion/lecture will be provided each week as well.

This workshop is appropriate for writers and other artists of all levels.


Dates: Thursday evenings starting September 17 and continuing until October 15, 2015
Times: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn
Cost: $125.00 


Fiction Writers' Bootcamp:

In this weekend intensive, the writer will cover such topics as Story and Idea Generation, Story Structure, the Use of Tension and Conflict, Pacing, Setting, Dialogue, Character Development and Techniques for Revising Your First Draft.


The workshop will utilize lecture, discussion and individual and group exercises and is appropriate for the emerging and intermediate writer.


Dates: October 3 - 4, 2015
Times: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: 618 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Instructor: David Blinkhorn
Cost: $110.00




About the Instructor: David Blinkhorn is the founder and director of the Fraser Valley Writers School and an accomplished instructor in the areas of creativity, avoiding writer's block and fiction writing. He is an award-winning poet and writer who is a graduate of SFU's Writers' Studio (Fiction) in 2011. A former executive director of the Federation of British Columbia Writers, David finds his passion in creating unique and varied stories and helping other writers to find their voice in their chosen genre. In 2014, David organized a successful writers retreat in the Mediterranean and is currently organizing the plans for Euro2016.


To register for these courses, please email us at fvwschool@gmail.com.


Look for our winter courses on October 1, 2015.

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

Some Writing Tips from the Late, Great Elmore Leonard

Found these little gems in a Writer's Digest email and thought they should be shared:

“… The writer has to have patience, the perseverance to just sit there alone and grind It out. And if it’s not worth doing that, then he doesn’t want to write. …” (1982)

“A writer has to read. Read all the time. Decide who you like then study that author’s style. Take the author’s book or story and break it down to see how he put it together.” (1982)

“The main thing I set out to do is tell the point of view of the antagonist as much as the good guy. And that’s the big difference between the way I write and the way most mysteries are written.” (1982)

“It is the most satisfying thing I can think of, to write a scene and have it come out the way I want. Or be surprised and have it come out even better than I thought.” (1997)

“Write the book the way it should be written, then give it to somebody to put in the commas and shit.” (my favorite) (1997)

An Exciting Line-up of our Fall 2013 Classes

Fall 2013 Courses

The Fraser Valley Writers' School is excited to offer the following courses for the Fall of 2013. Register for a course by contacting David Blinkhorn at fvwschool@gmail.com

A.     Introductory Classes:

The Creative Process:      

Have you ever wanted to unlock your creativity? Uncover ways to unleash your imagination or find your path to your own great storytelling? This eight week course looks at techniques and tools to help you find your storytelling passion and silence the forces in your life that stop you from writing your novel, short story, poetry, magazine article, or play while providing an introduction to plot, characterization, setting, and dialogue.

Cost:$170

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Time and dates: 8 Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm, September 19 – November 14, 2013 (no class on October 31, 2013) 

Introduction to Creative Writing:

It’s time to start writing: your life story, the novel you’ve dreamed about, the poetry and songs that are in your heart, the article you want to write, or perhaps a stage play.  No more excuses. Learn the techniques to conquer your inner critic. Now is the time.

The subjects covered will include: ways to unleash your creativity, character, plot, poetry, article writing, novels, short stories, marketing, and the rules of writing. Student work will occupy one half of class time. 

Cost: Contact Ed Griffin at ed@edgriffin.net to discuss cost and to arrange your fee. Course manual required and available from the instructor for $18.00.

Instructor: Ed Griffin

Time and date: 6 Mondays 10:00 am – Noon, September 16 – October 28 (no class on October 14)
Place: The Phoenix Building, 13686 94A Avenue, Surrey, BC

Limit: 15 students

B.     The Writing Craft:

Fiction Workshop

This workshop is a combination of lecture, discussion, and exercises for the first hour followed by work-shopping of your writing with your peers and instructor over the final one and one half hours. Topics for lecture and discussion are theme and premise, scene transition, suspense, tension and conflict, imagery, and foreshadowing. Students are expected to submit work and critique other students’ writing each week. Included in this workshop is a 60 minute one on one with the instructor to discuss issues of concern in your writing.

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Cost: $235.00

Dates: Wednesdays, September 25, 2013 – November 13, 2013 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Place: Mel Edwards Center, Centennial Park, White Rock, BC

Plotting Workshop         Dates to be rescheduled for October or November, 2013

Plot is one of the cornerstones of great fiction. This two day workshop covers the following topics through lecture, discussion,, and in-class exercises: plotting techniques and story generation, tools for keeping your reader spellbound with your story, scene creation, prologues, epilogues, cliff-hangers, scene thrusters, epiphanies and revelations. Each day includes lunch.

Instructor: David Blinkhorn

Cost: $125.00

Dates: Sundays, September 15 and 22, 2013 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Place: Mel Edwards Center, Centennial Park, White Rock, BC

The Art of Memoir Through Poetry and Creative Non-fiction:

Memoir, from the French memoire meaning memory or reminiscence, is a genre narrowed in focus from the autobiography. It is a story told from life. According to Gore Vidal, a memoir is how one remembers their own life. Join us for an intimate class as we look at the art of memoir through poetry and creative non-fiction. This six week class will be split equally between the two methods of story-telling and taught by two instructors specializing in each form. The class consists of lecture, discussion, exercises and critiquing weekly writing projects. Students will be expected to submit work each week for comment and evaluation.

Cost: $135

Instructors: Prose portion: Lois Peterson   Poetry: Ben Nuttall-Smith

Dates and times: 6 Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm September 25 - October 30, 2013
Place: Mel Edwards Center, Centennial Park, White Rock, BC

Creative Writing Seminar:

Take your writing to the next level in this unique course where students workshop their works in progress with each other and the instructor. Each week, there will be instruction and discussion about some aspect of the writing craft.

Cost: Contact Ed Griffin at ed@edgriffin.net to discuss cost and to arrange your fee.

Instructor: Ed Griffin

Dates and times: 6 Mondays 10:00 am – Noon, November 4 – December 16, 2013 (no class on November 11, 2013)
Place: The Phoenix Building, 13686 94A Avenue, Surrey, BC

Limit: 15 students

Exploring Ekphrastic Poetry

Ekphrastic Poetry is the technical term for poems that have been inspired by other art forms. This six-week session will see writers creating work from various inspirations and workshopping these new poems in a supportive atmosphere. While the first weeks will focus on writings inspired by a range of arts, including music, the last half of the course will see writers working from paintings on exhibit at Semiahmoo Arts. Final sessions will shift to preparing for a celebratory reading in the midst of a gallery full of the art that has inspired the evening’s poems.

Cost: $145.00

Instructor: Heidi Greco
Dates: Mondays, September 30 – November 4, 2013 with the exception of Tuesday October 16 in lieu of Thanksgiving class on October 14, 2013), 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Place: Mel Edwards Center, Centennial Park, White Rock, BC

Character:      Dates to be rescheduled for October, 2013 

Character is one of the cornerstones of great writing. Characters reveal themselves in the way they act, speak, think and look. In this twelve hour course learn how to bring your characters alive, create believable and interesting actors for your story through the uses of senses and emotions. Topics will include credibility, purpose, complexity, methods of character presentation, and development of secondary and minor characters. This course consists of lecture, discussion, writing and critiquing.

Cost: $110

Instructor: David Blinkhorn
Dates and Times:  Four Mondays, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm September 16 – October 7, 2013
Place: Mel Edwards Center, Centennial Park, White Rock, BC


C.     Publishing Courses 

E-Book Publishing:

 Join us for a one day seminar that delves into the world of e-publishing. Learn from an expert, the do’s and don’ts of getting your work on-line and accessible to your market. This course consists of lecture, discussion, and exercises to help you e-publish your work

Cost: $65

Instructor: George Opacic

Date: October 6, 2013, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place: Mel Edwards Center, Centennial Park, White Rock, BC

Freelance Magazine and Article Writing

Do you want to earn money as a freelance writer?

In just six weeks, full-time freelance writer and editor Leslie Dyson will take you through all the steps you need to become a paid writer. By the end of this class, you will have a submission-ready article. 

Course Description: 

Getting your magazine or newspaper article published can be the first step in being able to make a living as a writer. Getting your work out there is not as difficult as you think. All you need is a few basic skills and to know a few tricks of the trade.

This fast-paced class, will cover:

Effective interviewing skills—how to get thoughtful, insightful information from people and still make your deadline!

Finding credible sources—the research skills necessary to find trusted information.

Putting the “creative” in your non-fiction—techniques to turn your article into an engaging story.

What editors want and expect and what drives editors crazy—what makes them want to work with you.

Where to publish—there are many places looking for good copy. Find your niche.

This course will be a combination of lecture, exercises, and workshop. By the end of this class, the students will submit an article for publication to a magazine or newspaper of their choosing.

Cost: $135.00

Instructor: Leslie Dyson

Dates and Times: Saturdays, 10 a.m. – noon, October 5 to Nov. 16, 2013 (no class on October 12)
Place: Mel Edwards Centre, Centennial Park, 14600 North Bluff Road, White Rock, BC

D.    Social Media

No classes until the Spring program

E.     Manuscript, Novels, and Short Stories

Manuscript Workshop:

Work with one of the school’s instructors one on one with your manuscript. This class includes one 30 minute introductory meeting where you’ll discuss your work with your instructor and four 60 minute sessions where you will discuss one on one your pages that you’ve submitted for review. The student will be required to submit her work (maximum of twenty-five pages, typed, 1.5 spaced) one week prior to the date arranged for the session between the instructor and student. All sessions must be completed by December 15, 2013.

Cost: $250

Dates and times to be arranged by the student and instructor

F.      Performance and Readings

The Dynamic Presentor: Engaging a *Listening* Audience with Your Written Words:

This voice and performance skills workshop for writers and poets is divided into two parts. You will be taught techniques and enjoyable exercises that will allow you to relax, develop your voice and increase your power of projection making you a more dynamic speaker.

The second part of this two week workshop will focus on how to read your written words in an engaging way to transform your poetry/book reading into an event to be remembered. The workshop will present many different strategies and practical advice on: selecting the best poems/stories to read out loud, breaking through nerves/anxiety and knowing/targeting your audience. There will be an opportunity for everyone to practice, and share their readings with the group.

Cost: $ 60

Instructor: Ben Nuttall-Smith

Date: Saturdays, September 28 and October 5, 2013,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

To register for a course, email us at fvwschool@gmail.com