- This event has passed.
We all tend to be creatures of habit who return to a certain type of story repeatedly. We like the way it works on us. We can trust a fantasy to expand our imagination, a comedy to make us laugh, a mystery to give us a puzzle to solve. Each genre delivers on a certain set of expectations. But we also crave originality. No one wants to read or see the same story over and over again.
“So what’s the best way to craft a story that’s both satisfying and original?” asks instructor Kate Montgomery. “‘Go hybrid!’ Combine elements from more than one genre to bring a new take to those well-worn themes.”
In this class, we’ll explore Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Action, Fantasy, and Romance. What sets them each apart? And how can they be blended together? Would your Thriller be more unnerving if you added a bit of dark Comedy? Could a Fantasy character bring needed magic to a story that deals with difficult real-life issues?
In three 2.5-hour sessions, through a lively mix of short lectures, group discussions, and individual and team writing exercises, you’ll learn:
- The elements of Character, Action, Plot and Setting that determine Genre.
- The “rules” of Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Action, Fantasy, and Romance.
- The importance of a consistent “Tone”.
- How to identify and retain the Plot Points that satisfy key Expectations.
- How a hybrid genre can drive more memorable Characters and stronger Plot Twists.
“Mixing genres is a bit like cooking,” says Kate. “You have to know your ingredients to combine them artfully. But once you do, the pay-off can be huge.” Both the publishing industry and Hollywood are hungry for stories that can appeal to more than one audience. In this class, you’ll gain the tools you need to successfully blend genres and craft the stories today’s producers and publishers are looking to buy.
About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes
You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
No Instructor Specified
- Live Zoom Meeting: Saturday, October 29, 10:30am-1:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Saturday, November 05, 10:30am-1:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Saturday, November 12, 10:30am-1:00pm
Kate Montgomery was not only warm and inviting, she was 100% prepared, providing stacks of carefully considered handouts while also maintaining a flexibility to follow the rhythm of our group. Her knowledge in the field was undeniable and her enthusiasm for discussing and dissecting students' ideas was balanced by honest notes and critiques. I hope to be signing up for another class of hers soon.
Now, this may sound like a cliche, but Kate inspired me to make time in my life for what I really want to do: write stories. And that’s hard, I’m a cynical Eastern European, hard to impress and convince. But now I’m going to spend a couple of hours each week to write something down, and if she’ll invite me I’ll go to all her events and workshops, pitch my story ideas, and do my best to create amazing work. She is incredibly charismatic, and it feels great to be around her. But the whole inspiration part is what makes her a standout teacher.