Tactical Writing

Anyone can combine nouns, verbs, and adjectives into sentences and paragraphs by following some simple mechanical, grammatical rules. But pages of words sorted into paragraphs do not a story make. This workshop will discuss techniques writers can use to organize these fundamental constructs to create vivid settings and scenes of vibrant action, true emotion, and honest tension.

Tactical writing applies the writer’s intent to every choice. We will examine how to pack a punch through word choice and rhythms, and how to strip out flaws that blur or distort the clarity that keeps readers engaged. We will look at using paragraphs effectively to comingle information delivery, scene setting, and character development, while eliminating distracting digressions. We will talk about building tension by choreographing scenes, choosing how paragraphs relate to each other and considering what reactions we are trying to achieve. We will analyze how to use the fundamental fiction blocks to build organic, vital scenes, the key elements to a good story that will propel readers onward to a conclusion that leaves them satisfied.