If you are interested in having Alisha present a workshop. Below is a list of developed craft workshops. All inquiries regarding her availability and fees should be sent to a.c.Mason@hotmail.com
Craft – 12 Beats & Other Instruments to Tell A Story
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Plot beats in your story are the timekeepers of its rhythm and anchor your other instruments: characterization (emotions) and writing craft techniques (such as length of scenes, type of scene action/revelatory, dialogue, word usage, description, theme(s), tension (conflict), etc…)
There will be 12 lessons in which attendees will be encouraged to assemble a five-act story worksheet as we complete the 12 beats to construct a plot, develop characters, and decide on writing craft techniques to create the full score of the story. Each beat and instrument will be explained and broken down, followed by an example with comments on how it feeds into the story as a whole. An easy-to-use worksheet will be provided at the end as a framework for future stories. These methods can also be used by plotters and pansters (while writing your first draft or during rewrites/revisions). This workshop is aimed to improve: where to start/end, pacing (fast/slow), conflict, saggy middles, tension (conflict), consistency, characterization (emotions), and when to use writing craft techniques: length of scenes, type of scene action/revelatory, short sentences, dialogue, description, etc…
We will cover: plot, characterization (emotions), and writing craft techniques.
Craft – Creating Narrative Voice for Diverse Characters
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Cultural Diversity: the existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society. Or a story? Our stories should reflect this. Or should they? This workshop will discuss the challenges of integrating cultural diversity into our stories and provide a framework for developing three-dimensional, diverse characters.
We will begin with a discussion on cultural diversity. We’ll address stereotypes, clichés, and how personal perception can influence the creation of characters dissimilar from ourselves. With a characterization worksheet as our guide, we will develop a character defined by incorporating traditions, ancestry, linguistics, and beliefs. Each field in the character worksheet will be explained, and an example will be created. Participants will receive a completed worksheet and a blank worksheet at the end. These methods can be used by plotters and pansters alike, and at any stage of the writing process from first draft to final revision.
We will cover: characterization, research and how to tie it into your plot.
Alisha Kang 