Creating Rich Characters through the Lens of Identity- LIVE ONLY

March 4th, 2023 - March 4th, 2023

with Brooke McIntyre

Group started

From Memoir to Suspense to Fantasy, elements of character identity, such as race, religion, and family structure, can unlock every piece of your writing toolkit. In this 90-minute workshop, we will explore:

  • The roots of culture, including intergenerational memory and vertical and horizontal identity and their impact on character dynamics
  • The power of code switch and how it enriches your characters and tension within your cast
  • Identity’s secret power to anchor backstory, POV, and world-building

Craft your most powerful story by unearthing its hidden treasures. Sidestep any dodgy bias and clichés that might hamper or sabotage your projects. Join us to unpack the full potential of your characters and what makes them unforgettable.

There is no one “right way” to write your story. But for writers to remain relevant it’s more critical than ever to be keenly aware of both the challenges and opportunities when writing characters with diverse identities. Through teaching and guided questions, Eliana hopes to empower you to dig deep into your character’s roots and develop a rich world that fits your storytelling style and satisfies your reader.

Presented in a safe environment where thoughtful, respectful dialogue guides the conversation, this workshop provides attendees with the tools and confidence to incorporate diverse characters and settings into their stories. No question is off-limits. Eliana would rather you ask than wonder. To create a safe environment for often sensitive, uncomfortable questions around identity and diversity, this class will not be recorded. 

Attendees will also receive a character identity worksheet to use after the class ends.

Notes

Who this workshop is for: <p>This class is for all writers looking to write authentic characters rooted in identity.</p>

Focus: Adult - Novels - Literary - Adult - Novels - Upmarket - Adult - Novel…

Group size: 60 writers

Submissions: <p>There are no submissions in this class.</p>

Fee

Members: $12; Non-members: $30

About Brooke McIntyre

Eliana West is the founder of Writers for Diversity. Since its creation in 2017, Writers for Diversity has provided a safe space for thoughtful and respectful dialogue, growing to nearly. 2,000 members from around the world and encompassing all genres. Her life experience and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training fuels her commitment to an empathetic approach in her engagement with writers. 

Eliana West writes contemporary interracial romance. In 2022 her book The Way Home won the Nancy Pearl Award for genre fiction. 

Eliana West holds a certificate in Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences at Northwestern University. 

www.elianawest.com

www.writersfordiversity.com


Schedule:

March 4th, 11am-12:30pm ET