Frank Macdonald headlines Inverness workshops
The Inverness County Centre for the Arts continues its broad range of programming this fall to include not only a book fair on Sept. 17, but a series of readings and workshops with Inverness County authors. Our Frank Macdonald is first out of the gate with a reading on August 26, 7 p.m. and a writing workshop on the 28, 1-4 p.m., focused on “Discovering and Developing Characters.”
Frank is of course renowned for his literary characters. Here’s what the workshop promises:
“Writers approach storytelling from different perspectives, none of which is a mistake if the final result achieves the results you want, which is usually an interesting or entertaining or compelling tale.
“An approach that most often works for me is the discovery, development, and pursuit of a character or characters through whom the story I want to tell will unfold. In the workshop I hope to discuss the concept of character discovery and development as I understand it, and encourage discussion based on the experiences, perspectives or interests of those attending the workshop.
“Those attending the workshop will have an opportunity through their own spontaneous or put-on-the- spot exercises to draw quick sketches of people who might be the subject of a story they want to tell. No one will be compelled to read aloud what they have written, but will certainly be encouraged to do so because discussion can lead to unexpected revelations that may provide a writer with news dimensions or added depth upon which a character can be built.”
Workshop admission is $45; $25 for ICCA members; $15 for students. Admission for the reading on the 26th is free!
Other authors with reading/workshop pairings are Susan Paddon: Sept. 2, 7 p.m., and “Now Let’s Write Some Poetry!” on Sept. 4, 1-4 p.m.; Rebecca Silver Slayter: Sept. 9, 7 p.m. and “Reading Like a Writer” on Sept. 11; Oana Avasilichioaei: Sept. 16, 7 p.m., and “Illegible Voices Perform Illegitimate Texts – A Poetic Lab” on Sept. 18; and Sarah Faber Sept. 23 and 25 (themes TBA).
Frank Macdonald’s books include four from CBU Press: A Forest for Calum; A Possible Madness, Tinker and Blue; and T.R.’s Adventure at Angus the Wheeler’s.