The literary critic Tzvetan Todorov wrote that a mystery novel is comprised of two stories—the story of a crime and the story of its detection. Put another way, if there is a dead body on page 5, the entire rest of the book is spent finding out how it got there in the first place. That dead body needs a solid backstory for the detective to unearth. But a backstory isn’t important only in mysteries.
In this workshop we explore how to create backstories for the protagonist and the important secondary characters. Effective backstories make characters unique and memorable, drive the plot forward, and provide opportunities for both interpersonal (character/character) and intrapersonal (character/world) conflict. Using familiar works such as the Harry Potter series and The Queen’s Gambit as sample texts and drawing on the idea of the “personal myth” developed by Dan McAdams, participants will develop “baggage” for the characters in a work-in-progress to bring to the opening pages, or (as some writers describe it) to “the day everything changes.” Then we examine how that “baggage” can drive the plot forward for a satisfying plot arc and character arc.
Participants will be given writing exercises to do during the workshop as well as some to take home.
Contact Karen at karenodden@gmail.com for participation information.
USA Today bestselling author, Karen Odden, proves time and again that she is a master storyteller. Fortunately for writers around the globe, she’s also an exceptional teacher. The multi-award-winning author’s newest workshop, What is the Why? Building A Backstory for Nuanced Characters and Authentic Conflict, provides specific guidelines—and the critical keys authors need—to craft fascinating stories with plots and characters that captivate readers. At our recent event, she held an audience of 70+ in the palm of her hand, graciously staying past her scheduled time to answer questions for enthusiastic writers from across the U.S. and Canada, who clearly didn’t want the meeting to end. With extraordinary and original content, clear delivery and obvious skill, Odden demonstrates the master storyteller is also a master instructor. –Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers, Scottsdale, Arizona
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About Karen Odden
Karen received her Ph.D. in English literature from New York University and has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Down a Dark River is her fourth novel. She resides in Arizona with her husband, two teenage children, and a ridiculously cute beagle named Rosy. Her first novel, A Lady in the Smoke, was a USA Today bestseller and won the New Mexico-Arizona 2017 Book Award for e-Book Fiction. Read More
Karen Odden 