Give your story the best possible chance of standing out from the rest with guidance from author Louise Cusack.

From character to plot: creating page-turning novels from the characters up

In this hands-on masterclass Louise will lead fiction novelists through the vital steps of developing strong, believable characterisation and tight plots that test a character’s virtues and highlight their flaws. You will need to bring a draft plot outline of your (completed or planned) novel as well as rough notes on your characters. Exercises during the day will clarify and strengthen characterisation and help you construct a plot that draws the most emotion and conflict from your characters, while ensuring all subplots mesh together seamlessly to create a cohesive, page-turning novel. Visit the Masterclass page for more info.

Louise Cusack

International award-winning fantasy author Louise Cusack is a favourite writing workshop presenter and mentor amongst Queensland writers. Her best-selling Shadow through Time trilogy, selected as ‘Editor’s Choice’ by the Doubleday Book Club, will be released Internationally by Pan Macmillan’s Momentum Books as ebooks in 2012. Louise has been a QWC Writer in Residence and key regional tutor, and has a reputation for inspiring, constructive residencies and retreats teaching all genres of fiction to both adult writers and school students. Check out her website at louisecusack.com