Building a Plot with What You've Got!

Building a Plot with What You've Got!

Do you have a hint of an idea? A snippet of dialogue? A line or two of a story that could expand into something great? Learn how to build out your plot starting with whatever you've got. During this hour-long workshop, we will talk about finding inspiration, how to construct and polish your idea, and what support beams must be in place to keep your story stable.
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Creating Characters Build-A-Bear Style

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Welcome and Introduction

  • Welcome and Workshop Introduction
  • HI! I'm Dawn!
  • What is Build-A-Bear?

Workshop Video

  • Workshop Video

Finding Inspiration for Your Characters

  • Sources of Character Inspiration

Getting Started

  • Where to Begin
  • Should Characters Be Likable?
  • What Is Your Character's Why?
  • Building a Backstory
  • What Moment Does Your Character Hide Their Eyes From?
  • Character Wounds
  • Character Baggage
  • Carrying the Weight

Character Goals

  • Character Goals
  • External Goals
  • Internal Goals

Stuffing

  • Finding Fluff
  • Reactions and Emotions
  • Creating Character Voices
  • Quirks and Flaws
  • Creating Character Appearance
  • Special Skills
  • Keeping Your Character Consistent

Secondary Characters

  • Creating a Supporting Cast

Sending Your Character Out Into the World

  • Creating a Plot
  • And They All Lived Happily Ever After (Or Not)

Bear Traps

  • What to Avoid

Thank You!

  • Thank You!

Resources

  • Creating Characters Questions
  • Posts, Websites, and Book Recommendations

More Workshops!

  • Building a Plot with What You've Got!
  • Ten Steps on the Story Structure Stairway
  • Deep POV: Refining Your Character's Lens
  • Story Fuel: Propelling Your Plot with Conflict, Stakes, and Tension