W22 Speaking of Dialogue: Finding the Right Voice for Each Character
Thursday, February 13
9:00–10:30 a.m.

$110.00

WRITING WORKSHOP | Howard Shrier | Fiction

Only 1 left in stock

Description

Many readers admit to skipping exposition and description to get to the next bit of dialogue. Rarely is the reverse true, because nothing moves a story or reveals character like well-handled dialogue. It’s not just what is said, but how it is said, because no two people talk precisely alike. In this entertaining and informative workshop, acclaimed author Howard Shrier breaks down everything we need to write better dialogue suiting each character.

A former actor who trained at New York’s famed Circle in the Square professional workshop, Shrier’s ear for dialogue has been widely hailed by critics (“Dialogue so sharp you could cut your tongue on it”). If our dialogue sounds stilted, if characters all sound the same, Shrier will help us discover each character’s unique vocal style. We will explore the influence of regional background, upbringing, education, and job status. We’ll also learn to consider each situation differently: Is a character talking to a boss, peer, or subordinate? A friend or lover? At rest or under stress? Drunk or high, at ease or short on time, resting or running uphill? We’ll come to appreciate the value of sharp scenes that glitter with great dialogue, revealing characters’ intentions on and beneath the surface.

About Howard Shrier

Howard Shrier is a two-time winner of Canada’s highest crime-fiction prize, the only author ever to win awards for best first novel (Buffalo Jump, 2008) and best novel (High Chicago, 2009) in consecutive years. He has published six books of fiction, including the acclaimed Jonah Geller series published by Anne Collins at Random House Canada, featuring Toronto investigator Jonah Geller. Shrier’s work has received starred reviews in Library Journal and Publishers Weekly and a rare five-star rating in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (“Shrier is my top find of 2012,” writes Steve Steinbock in his end-of-year column). Born and raised in Montreal, Shrier started out as a crime reporter at The Montreal Star and has since worked in print journalism, theater and television, sketch comedy and improv, and corporate and government communications. A former writing instructor at University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, he now teaches independently and mentors writers working to bring manuscripts up to professional standards.