Character-Led Storytelling: Creating the Unexpected Moments Readers Love

Few things are more frustrating than realizing your character has read your outline and said, “Absolutely not.” Yet those moments of resistance often signal an opportunity to create a more authentic, engaging, and memorable story. In this interactive fiction craft workshop, writers will explore why characters sometimes refuse to cooperate and how those moments can lead to stronger scenes, richer conflict, and unexpected story developments. Through discussion, examples from fiction, and guided writing exercises, participants will learn how to distinguish between random character behavior and choices rooted in motivation, fear, values, and desire. We’ll examine the common signs that a character is being forced to serve the plot and explore techniques for uncovering more believable alternatives. Writers will have the opportunity to apply these concepts to their own works-in-progress and test character decisions using a practical story-development framework. Whether you’re a meticulous outliner or a discovery writer, you’ll gain tools for creating characters with greater depth, agency, and emotional truth. By the end of the session, you’ll know how to turn character rebellion into one of your most powerful storytelling assets and create the unexpected moments readers love.

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Details: Character-Led Storytelling: Creating the Unexpected Moments Readers Love with Eryka Parker takes place Thursday, November 12th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM remotely online via Zoom.

‍Genre: Fiction

‍Level: All levels

‍Format: One session craft talk

‍Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

‍Size: Limited to 25 participants (including two scholarship recipients).

‍Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by Sunday, August 23rd. Click here to apply.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email programs@litcleveland.org.