Dianne Dixon

Wednesday - Friday
1:00 – 3:30 PM
Seaview

Creating Memorable Characters

There are many elements to at play a successful novel or short story, but, arguably, the number one success factor is character. The intention of successful fiction writers is to keep readers turning the pages. Plot and rising action are important aspects to consider, but the skillful portrayal of memorable characters within the framework of a strong storyline will ensure readers stay engaged. This workshop focuses on how to create characters and how to take your existing characters from good to great.

Beyond the Page

In addition to the focus on creating memorable characters, Dianne will lead a candid conversation about how to survive the challenging, sometimes surprising, weirdness that comes as you progress in your career as a writer, things like… query letters and finding an agent, and ways to think out of the box to get it done. There’s the interesting team you’ll need to put together to give yourself the best chance at success. Expect a mountain of strange, conflicting notes you’ll get on your work. Learn which ones to pay attention to and which ones to toss. Learn how to turn a “No” into a “Yes.” And—while you’re doing all of this—get tips on how to hang on to your sanity and come out a winner.

Bring a pen and paper. We’re going to talk. We’re going to write. And we’re going to have a lot of fun.

Bio

Dianne Dixon knows the writer’s life well. She is a novelist and TV writer. A double Emmy nominee. A recipient of the prestigious Humanitas prize for outstanding accomplishment in writing for television.

As a screenwriter, Dianne regularly receives glowing reviews from producers and programming executives: “Her characters dance off the page, they captivate.” “An enormously gifted writer.” “Her knowledge of storytelling is both clear and articulate.”

As a college professor, she brought an inventive, cutting edge approach to teaching creative writing. A former Chairman of the English & World Literature Group at Pitzer College described Dianne as “A delight…lively, profound, serious and funny; sometimes all at the same time. She loves to teach, loves to write.”

At Pitzer, Dianne was Visiting Professor of Creative Writing. She also taught screenwriting at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media.

The characters for Hallmark Channel’s new mystery series Nikki and Nora were created by Dianne. And she is the author of three novels: The Other Sister (a Mystery Writers of America – Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee). The Book of Someday, selected as a Buzz Book by the largest publishing trade fair in the US, and The Language of Secrets, which Kristin Hannah called “lovely, compelling,” and Sue Grafton said “…will have you puzzled and intrigued right up till Dixon’s sleight of hand is revealed.”