Advanced feature writing
Facilitator: Gus Silber
Okay, so you're a feature writer. You know how to find a good story, and write it in a way that captures and commands the reader's attention. But do you know how to write a story that really stands out, as the feature attraction in your publication?
A story that really tells a story, with all the drama, action, pace and shading of a motion picture? A story with rhythm, pace, and flair, that lingers in the memory like a song?
This interactive three-day course is designed to inspire you, to enlighten you, to challenge you, and to help take your craft as a journalist and writer to the next level. Get ready. It's not the same old story!
The course features:
• Fresh approaches to planning and visualising your story, using the language of movies and the discipline of songwriting as inspiration.
• Useful tools and techniques for getting the most out of your interviews, and turning them into the threads of a compelling narrative.
• Tips and advice on Story Architecture, the art of structure and storytelling, including writing outros that are as compelling as your intros.
• Pointers and guidance on ways to take your readers on a journey, keeping them guessing, leading them between the lines, and leaving them wanting to go back to the beginning and start all over again.
• Advice on colouring your story with character, action, and dialogue, and exploring the effects of shifts in tense, tone, and pace.
• Hints and how-tos on using all your senses to "get inside" a story, and writing it in a way that appeals to all the senses.
All this and more, in a course that includes interesting and enjoyable writing exercises, constructive critique sessions, case studies of great newspaper and magazine features, and an exciting field trip that may give you something to write home about.
Venue: IAJ Offices, Johannesburg