‘Building Character and Theme’

‘Building Character and Theme’ Workshop – Westville Public Library

2042 Queen Street

Tuesday, December 2, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Reserve your spot by calling 902-396-5022

Can great literature be political? Actually, it always is because great literature always has an impact beyond the specific story it reveals. It universalizes itself into a potent theme. The key to making your story memorable is the development of unforgettable characters.

Join Pictou-Antigonish Writer-in-Residence Chris Benjamin for a 90-minute workshop on how to develop characters who advance whatever theme you want to work with.

Theme (be it spiritual, philosophical, political, introspective) = Character, because the political is personal. Your characters – the things they believe, say and do (and the ways these things are inconsistent) – will determine your theme, the message or central idea readers take from your work.

Author Chris Benjamin’s first novel, Drive-by Saviours, won the H.R. Percy Prize, was longlisted for a ReLit Prize and made the Canada Reads Top Essential Books List.

Chris has also published more than a dozen short stories in literary journals, magazines and anthologies (published by the likes of Descant, The Dalhousie Review, Nashwaak Review, Galleon, Roseway, Pottersfield Press, Voiceprint Canada, The Society, Rattling Books, Third Person Press, and Fierce Ink).