
This is the introductory lecture. Understand how this course is structured, and start getting into how I approach the topic
This lecture reveals the link between how you use language, and where your style is currently going awry.
These are the exercises for Lesson 1. Watch "Know what you Mean" first. Full details are also available in the lesson notes.
Lesson 2: Know the Words is about understanding your relationship with language.
Exercises about your relationship with words, and the beginnings of both understanding, and manipulating, context.
Using word play to change your relationship with language. Using style to create and deepen meaning.
Four word games that will change the way you think about words and about how meaning is formed.
An extra lesson, looking at style from a different paradigm. An exercise to do every time you prepare to write.
Optional: about me and my work with authors.
Many successful authors are known for their unique or compelling "style."
But what is style, and how can you develop yours?
Writing style can seem mysterious. Is it about personality? Is it about unique creativity? Is it self expression? Is it manipulation?
Do authors choose their style, or does it develop naturally?
In this course I will dispel the mystery, and you will learn how to choose and apply style.
Build your writing style on solid creative and technical foundations
... through three critical relationships
Through both lectures and exercises, I'll show you how style is about informed choice; and you'll learn what you need to begin developing your style, and making choices that will both serve your story and please your readers, and make your work instantly recognizable.
Course Content
Over an hour of lectures, with exercises that are a lot more than just repetitive practice. Each lecture is a lesson in style development, and each exercise will change the way you think about creative writing, and develop the cognitive tools you use to turn your story ideas into actual narration.
Each lecture comes with a handout to download, with either factual information, useful links, or additional commentary on some of the ideas and techniques, as well as the exercise instructions written in full.