The human brain is the original and ultimate storyteller. It’s a biological machine that naturally turns the events of our lives into a dramatic narrative. Storytellers work by exploiting these functions, often without knowing exactly how they’re doing it or why. Using the latest research from neuroscience and psychology, writer Will Storr reveals how authors, screenwriters and journalists can make their writing richer and more compelling by understanding the brain’s inherent storytelling processes.
During this thought-provoking seminar, you’ll find out how readers relate to characters and how to write a psychological arc for your protagonist that will surprise, enrich and ultimately satisfy your audience. You’ll also learn how to produce cognitively addictive plots and how to design credible antagonists. Whether you’re a literary or genre writer, working for page or screen, this is a refreshingly different take on creative writing that will give you new perspectives on your own work, and help you understand the neurological common ground of all audiences.
This course is for you if...
- You’re a screenwriter, novelist, journalist or other creative writer who would like insight into how audiences relate to stories, and how the human mind interprets plots, characters and points of view.
Course description
This in-depth, small-scale seminar explains the storytelling functions of the human brain, and how writers can exploit its natural processes in their work. Although attendees will tackle some practical exercises, this is largely a theoretical tutorial. No previous knowledge of neuroscience or psychology is necessary for this course, although an interest in science is an advantage. Topics covered during the event include:
- The basics of how a brain works
- The hero maker: the psychology of the hero and the psychology of you
- Antagonists and the psychology of evil
- Real heroes versus fictional heroes
- Character design and common mistakes about the ‘changing’ character
- Building stories using science of storytelling essential techniques
Tutor profile
Will Storr is an award-winning writer and photographer. He is the author of three critically acclaimed books including The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science and the novel The Hunger and the Howling of Killian Lone. Will is also a prolific journalist who has contributed to publications including Observer Magazine and Guardian Weekend. He is also contributing editor at Esquire magazine, GQ Australia and Matter. Will has been named New Journalist of the Year and Feature Writer of the Year, and has won a National Press Club award for excellence, and in 2012, he was presented with the One World Press award and the Amnesty International award for his work for The Observer on sexual violence against men. Find out more about Will on his website.
Details
This course has now passed – but we update our programme all the time. For information on our full range of masterclasses, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
