I think characters are one of the most important aspects of a novel. You can’t have a plot without characters and you can’t have characters without a plot.
How often have you heard someone say once they've finished a book, ‘I really enjoyed the lack of present participles in that book. And how the author had eliminated all the dangling modifiers was just wonderful!’ Nope, me neither.

Chances are you’ve heard people talk about how memorable the characters in the book were. Well, creating memorable characters was what our Real People Write Books workshop was about at the RNA London and South East Chapter meeting on 13 May.

Early that morning I met Virginia Heath at Marylebone station where we found a cafe to discuss the day’s workshop over sausage sandwiches and mugs of tea. We arrived at the pub to have a last minute technical run through accompanied by a reminder of running order and who was doing which parts. And then, before I could think about it any more, people started arriving at the pub and then I was eating my lunch and then I was adjusting my jacket and shirt and then we were starting.

Real People Write Books is all about jargon-free and activity-led so there’s no over-intellectualising the craft of writing from us. There’s plenty of fun, activities and practical hints and tips you can take back with you to use in your own writing.

We talked through three very different techniques for developing believable characters. We also included very important chocolate biscuits as a prize for naming memorable characters from films. The techniques we’ve created are specifically designed to appeal to the different learning styles each of us have which are: visual, auditory, reading and kinaesthetic (touching things).

We had music, we had a great laugh while learning a lot, we had our great table of stuff, which we carried to the middle of the pub and uncovered in a very Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee magic show style.

So much fun!

That’s enough from me, here’s what the members of the RNA London and South East Chapter said about our workshop:

Really enjoyable, thought provoking day.

Very enjoyable workshop. Some great ideas for creating believable characters. Thoroughly recommended.

Not only did I come away with some new characters to write about, but I also thought of a story to put them in! Many thanks to Virginia and Liam for a fab workshop.

A fabulous day. Can’t wait for the September event.

It wasn’t only helpful and imaginative but also great fun.

A fabulous workshop. Wow my head is full and happy.

If you’d like to experience the Virginia Heath Liam Livings writing workshop fun while learning the next workshop is 16 September on Characters and Conflict in London. More details on our website. To book your place please email liamlivings@gmail.com

I walked to my tube station early on the Saturday morning, with trepidation in my heart, a backpack full of just-in-case IT equipment and a bag of home-baked cakes. Obviously, it being January and me being me, I slipped on some ice while crossing the road, fell base over apex and landed on my rear, knocking my elbow on the pavement. I was surprised it didn’t break, but on I forged.
We had twelve delegates with various backgrounds and afterwards the workshop evaluated well, being given an average of 9.4 out of 10.
Our first Real People Write Books workshop was about Write That Book! It covered characters, the three types of conflict, how to start your novel, making the middle of the story matter and ending with a flourish.

We focused on practical activities for the delegates throughout the day. Any time I verged onto writing craft jargon, Virginia told me off and ensured we kept on track and to time because it was a jam-packed day. At Real People Write Books are all about being activity-led and jargon-free!
That’s enough from me, so here’s what the delegates thought about that first workshop:
Great slides and use of handouts. Relaxed and interactive presenters.
The different types of conflict. It’s what I enjoy reading in romance genres.
The clear explanations of the three types of conflict and show and tell.
Great interactive workshop. I liked how I was thrown out of my comfort zone and made to write ‘on the spot’ - and read stuff out.

Lovely that tea / coffee / cake available. It was relaxed and friendly. Liam and Sue happy to answer questions. Loved the use of films that everyone knew as examples.

The workshop was brilliant. I learned loads and lot of industry terminology was explained. The exercises were really useful and nobody felt pressured to contribute. It felt like authors giving proper helpful advice.

It answered questions I didn’t even know I had and made writing a book seem more achievable.

If you’d like to experience the Virginia Heath Liam Livings writing workshop fun while learning the next workshop is 16 September on Characters and Conflict in London. More details on our Real People Write Books website. To book your place, to take advantage of the early bird discount and to play in installments, please email liamlivings@gmail.com

Love and light,

Liam Livings xx