Crafting narrative drive

Description

Join author Ashley Kalagian Blunt in this practical yet comprehensive workshop presented by Writers SA. Participants will learn why narrative drive is essential to storytelling and discover how properly structured, tension-filled scenes create story momentum.

What is narrative drive?

Tension on every page is the key to narrative drive, whether you’re writing fiction, memoir or any narrative work. In this six-hour intensive practical workshop, participants will learn why narrative drive is essential to storytelling and discover how properly structured, tension-filled scenes create story momentum. 

We’ll learn about story loops, scene polarity, and the eight essential components that make scenes work. We’ll establish the difference between your major dramatic question and your theme, and ensure yours are working to create narrative drive. We’ll break down examples from a range of authors before completing a series of exercises to help you sharpen your understanding of what story is and how to shape it on the page. 

Workshop fee is $130 for Writers SA members, or $240 for non-members. 

Image by K Devenport, courtesy Writers SA.

About Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the number‑one bestselling author of Dark Mode, a psychological thriller published internationally. She has twice been shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction, with Dark Mode also shortlisted for ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year and ranked in the Better Reading Top 100. Her earlier books include How to Be Australian and My Name Is Revenge. She co‑hosts the James and Ashley Stay at Home podcast, teaches writing workshops across Australia. Her most recent thrillers are Cold Truth and Like, Follow, Die.

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include  study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.