Presented by Ann Angel

How do we use the details of a scene to enrich a story or deepen a character? Can they help us truly see that character’s world? And can details help us see subtle shifts of growth and action? A teaching writer once told me that every detail of setting becomes a prop for the primary character. Details as props are important elements in each and every scene. They help readers know where your character focuses, what your character’s likes and dislikes or fears and safe spaces are, and what your character is thinking about action, desire, and need. When these details are filtered through your primary character’s emotional sensibilities, they enrich our understanding of characters and provide more depth of experience. They shape and mold the tone of the story. They can be used to show a character’s change in perspective and understanding as well as the character’s emotional growth. This workshop will help you move a character, either in first person or close third person (also called third person personal), through a scene in a way that enriches your writing and develops your character in clear but unexpected ways.

Ann Angel is teaching writer who has offered workshops throughout the country and taught graduate level writing classes, including journalism, creative nonfiction, and novel writing at Mount Mary University for over 35 years. She is the author of Janis Joplin, Rise Up Singing (Abrams, 2010, Things I'll Never Say, Stories About our Secret Selves (Candlewick, 2015) Such a Pretty Face. Short Stories About Beauty (Abrams, 2007) Adopted Like Me (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)