This practical and engaging workshop will explore the theory behind how to organise plot and structure your story. You’ll learn about both classic and contemporary approaches to plot and examine how effective stories are built. We’ll explore how to create a narrative arc, manage pace, and how the right structure can help shape even the most loosely formed idea.

What will you do in the workshop?
Through close reading and writing exercises, you’ll learn about different approaches to shaping stories, including the three-act structure and narrative arcs. We’ll analyse examples from classic and contemporary fiction and reflect on how these might support your own project.

What can participants expect?

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how plot functions and how it can be used to sustain narrative tension. Handouts will be provided in advance. Participants are encouraged to bring either a work-in-progress or a story idea they would like to develop.

Who is this opportunity for?

This workshop is suitable for both beginners and more experienced writers working on adult and children’s fiction.

Bursary Places

We have 5 free bursary places available for writers on a low income. We define this as either earning on or below the London Living Wage and/or in receipt of benefits (e.g. Universal Credit). If you would like to request a bursary place please email [email protected] with details of your eligibility for a bursary by 31 August 2025.

Access

• This masterclass is auto-captioned by Zoom.

• If you require BSL interpretation to take part, please email us at [email protected] when booking your space and we will try to secure BSL interpretation for you. Spread the Word will cover this cost. We will need at least 4 weeks’ notice to fulfil requests for BSL.

• All our online events have a relaxed format; you are welcome to take breaks at any point and turn your camera off. All our online sessions have breaks.

• We’ll send through any reading seven days in advance. We can create adapted handouts to writers attending our workshops and events by request.

• Our online workshops and events take place on Zoom. As standard, we will send the weblinks to participants a week in advance. Please take a look at Zoom’s accessibility info: https://zoom.us/accessibility/faq#faq1

• If you have additional access needs or questions, please contact us at [email protected]