(Recorded Course) FICTION WRITING 3: Characters and Dialogue (HS 11-3)

Learn how to master creating dynamic, memorable characters and master the essential elements of crafting excellent dialogue.

Instructor Access (optional grading support) is available for Unlimited Access or Single Access. See the sidebar to the right for signup information!

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NOTICE: This is an older course recorded with Adobe Connect and/or Vimeo recordings. We are currently working to replace the recordings with new Zoom recordings.  Please don't hesitate to email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com with any questions.

How to get the most out of Fiction Writing 2: Characters and Dialogue with Professor Erin M. Brown (AKA Erin Brown Conroy/E.B. Conroy):

  • First read the course details below.
  • Prepare a notebook for note taking and homework.
  • Students begin the course by clicking on the "Recording" and watching Professor Brown Conroy’s lecture for Class One.
  • Complete the Assignment(s). Turn into your parent for grading. Note that HSC does not provide record keeping services.
  • If you need review, go back and watch the recording again and/or go over the PowerPoint.
  • Repeat until all 4 classes are complete.
  • Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.
  • Continue with Fiction Writing: Theme, Style, and Point of View

Please Note: There are eight (8) courses in the Write Your Own Fiction Book series. Students can jump into the series at any time. Students are also encouraged to take The Hero's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers (1 & 2) and Screenwriting (1 & 2), which may be taken at the same time as the four-week courses.

Each of the four-week courses presents critical information regarding the key elements of fiction writing. All eight courses are designed to give you the skills to write your own book and have a solid foundation for story and form, for college literature courses.
 

Total classes: 4

Prerequisite: Required: WRITING ESSENTIALS 1: Essential Punctuation and Grammar I (HS 9-1). Recommended: SIMPLIFIED WRITING 1: Strong Foundational Writing Skills (HS 9-2). Prerequisites can be taken either live or through Unlimited Access. Your student will need Word 2007 or later version or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document.

Suggested Grade Level: 11th grade; however, this course can be taken at any grade level in high school
Suggested Credit: One-third (1/3) of a semester's credit for Creative Writing

Take this course with HS 11-1 (Plot & Structure) and HS 11-2 (Description & Setting) for a full semester of credit (12 weeks).

Instructor: Erin M Brown (AKA Erin Brown Conroy/E.B. Conroy), M.A, M.F.A.

Course Description: This course teaches the key components of creating dynamic characters and dialogue for fiction books of any genre. Designed for writing fiction for middle grade, young adult, and adult plots, the course covers how to develop characters, the character arc, how do develop dialogue, and how to weave dialogue into character development and action. The course will also center on how to implement your Catholic worldview into your characters and dialogue.

Course Outline:

  • Class 1: Types of characters, developing characters fully, introducing your character
  • Class 2: Character arc: Your lead character’s inner change
  • Class 3: Dialogue how-to’s, do’s, and don’ts
  • Class 4: Showing your character in the dialogue: weaving dialogue with your character and the action

Course Materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE via the instructor.

Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with an estimated three (3) to four (4) hours per week for homework outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback from parent/teacher.