The literary critic Tzvetan Todorov wrote that a mystery novel is comprised of two stories—the story of a crime and the story of its detection. Put another way, if there is a dead body on page 5, the entire rest of the book is spent finding out how it got there in the first place. That dead body needs a solid backstory for the detective to unearth. But a backstory isn’t important only in mysteries.
In this workshop we explore how to create backstories for the protagonist and the important secondary characters. Effective backstories make characters unique and memorable, drive the plot forward, and provide opportunities for both interpersonal (character/character) and intrapersonal (character/world) conflict. Using familiar works such as the Harry Potter series and The Queen’s Gambit as sample texts and drawing on the idea of the “personal myth” developed by Dan McAdams, participants will develop “baggage” for the characters in a work-in-progress to bring to the opening pages, or (as some writers describe it) to “the day everything changes.” Then we examine how that “baggage” supports both a compelling plot arc and a meaningful character arc.
Participants will be given writing exercises to do during the workshop as well as some to take home.
Contact Karen for participation information.
Praise for Karen’s Workshops
“USA Today bestselling author, Karen Odden, proves time and again that she is a master storyteller. Fortunately for writers around the globe, she’s also an exceptional teacher. The multi-award-winning author’s newest workshop, What is the Why? Building A Backstory for Nuanced Characters and Authentic Conflict, provides specific guidelines—and the critical keys authors need—to craft fascinating stories with plots and characters that captivate readers. At our recent event, she held an audience of 70+ in the palm of her hand, graciously staying past her scheduled time to answer questions for enthusiastic writers from across the U.S. and Canada, who clearly didn’t want the meeting to end. With extraordinary and original content, clear delivery and obvious skill, Odden demonstrates the master storyteller is also a master instructor.” – Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers, Scottsdale, Arizona
“The Writers Connection was very fortunate this month to have author, Karen Odden, present her workshop, What is the Why?: Building a Backstory for Nuanced Characters and Authentic Conflict. As the coordinator for the Writers Connection, I have received emails from the workshop attendees touting the use of Karen’s four-page worksheet and her workshop.
Attendee Veronica Berger summed up the overall feelings of our group: “Thank you for bringing us this amazing presenter. She is the best I have heard in a long time. Her information was invaluable to me and gave me a new perspective on deepening my characters through their personal myths and world events.”
Writers Connection highly recommends Karen Odden’s workshops and her historical novels. Karen’s stunning novels show the depths of research she has done to hook the reader on an era and characters in time periods of history almost forgotten.” -Sherry Kesling, Writers Connection
NOTE: The Writers Connection is sponsored by the Desert Foothills Library.
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About Karen
Karen received her Ph.D. in English literature from New York University and subsequently taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her first novel, A Lady in the Smoke, was a USA Today bestseller and A Dangerous Duet and A Trace of Deceit have won awards for historical mystery and historical fiction. Down a Dark River introduces readers to Inspector Michael Corravan, a former thief and bare-knuckles boxer. The sequel, Under a Veiled Moon was recently nominated for a Lefty Award. Karen lives in Arizona with her family, and she loves to hike the Sonoran Desert. Read More