Mastering Character and Conflict Workshop

Master character and conflict in your storytelling



3.5 hours Location West Footscray Class size 6 to 12 guests   $76 - $85 ($76 for Concession; $85 for Adult)

At the core of captivating writing is strong characters and believable conflict. Without these elements, a story can feel flat, and lack momentum, and buy-in from readers will wane. As a writer of fiction, understanding your character and their motivations is paramount. Join us at The Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray to discover how to deepen your story, build confidence as a writer, and enthral readers.
This 3.5-hour masterclass on mastering character and conflict is designed to enhance storytelling skills by delving into the intricacies of character development and conflict creation.
In our time together, we'll focus on character elements such as wants, goals, needs, ghosts, shadows, wounds, masks, and character arcs. We'll examine motivations, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, fears, and secrets, and look at how the addition of backstory influences the plot. We'll explore how characters look, sound, and move, including tics, gait, posture, speech, communication, clothing, and distinguishing features, and how all of this impacts character goals.
Exploring conflict, we'll discuss antagonism, obstacles, making things difficult, midpoints, and continuing character arcs, internal and external conflict, and the importance of both. We'll look at the darkest moments in your story and their teachings and learn to understand cause and effect.
Note: You will receive a pre-class questionnaire so that teacher Amanda Falson gains a good understanding of your work and offers individual coaching tailored to your specific needs based on the pre-class questionnaires.
What you'll get
  • Custom workshop materials: workbook, worksheets, pens, and stationery
  • Snacks and drinks
  • One-on-one assistance
  • Fully accessible venue
  • A safe, welcoming, and inspiring space
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
  • Laptop
  • Notebook
  • Favourite pens/pencils
Suitable for

This class is great for a birthday or hens party.

Location

The Chestnut Tree Bookshop, Barkly Street, West Footscray VIC

Mastering Character and Conflict Workshop location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Mastering Character and Conflict Workshop

  • 5/5 from Rachel Fung, attended May 2025: Loved it - really served to spark transformative 'a-ha' moments for both myself as a writer and my characters. Amanda invites exploration into the depths of a character's inner world, uncovering their true essence. By delving into the intricacies of conflict, this workshop helped me discover how conflict not only propels the narrative of my story but also deepens character development. I feel a bit less guilty for being 'mean' to my characters now!
  • 5/5 from Deirdre Mansell, attended May 2025: This was a terrific session, run by an experienced and engaging teacher in a beautiful space. There was so much material, the printed workbook is great, and I got so much out of it. Well worth it, and I’d definitely recommend signing up.
  • 5/5 from Claire McClelland, attended May 2025: What's better for a writing than getting a chance to talk craft with like-minded peeps in a beautiful bookshop! I left the workshop with a much clearer direction of the narrative arc of one of my POV characters and a warm feeling in my tummy (although that may have been the glass of red wine). Thanks Bad Writers Club for the learning and good feels.
  • 5/5 from Maggie La, attended May 2025: A great intimate class - Amanda was very tentative and passionate about the topic. Thoroughly enjoyable and possibly better as a day time workshop as we ran out of time!
  • 5/5 from Lindee Conway, attended May 2025: Knowledgeable. Welcoming. Useful
  • 5/5 from Annie L, attended May 2025: Amanda was very supportive and informative. Class was structured well and helped me get back on track with my story. Thank you!
  • 5/5 from Joanna Cheok, attended May 2025: Thanks Amanda—a great workshop to investigate and probe your characters in depth in one sitting. Easygoing vibes with a cosy environment and relaxed conversations with like-minded people. Will be back for more workshops!
  • 5/5 from Amy Han, attended Jul 2024: Amanda was such a kind and generous facilitator. The workshop, materials, and discussion were all incredibly valuable, and I feel inspired to keep going with my story with renewed direction. Thank you Amanda, BWC, and fellow writers for a wonderful evening! I look forward to joining you again one day soon :)
  • 5/5 from Julie Dickson, attended Jul 2024: I attended the Mastering Character and Conflict Workshop run by Amanda Falson. I really enjoyed the workshop, and I learnt a lot. I was in a rut with my manuscript and how to write conflict between characters, when my friend recommended I join her in this workshop. It was perfect timing, and this workshop was just what I needed. Amanda led us through a number of different exercises designed to get to know our characters and their conflict on a deeper level. It was very helpful filling out the pre-workshop questionnaire as it helped me articulate what exactly I needed help with. It was nice how Amanda was familiar with our individual projects and could give us some individualised advice. The workshop environment was very welcoming and accommodating. Amanda was a very knowledgable and supportive tutor. The other participants were fun and supportive. I feel inspired and motivated and like I have the right tools to conquer the challenges in my novel.
  • 5/5 from Aud Pitch, attended Jul 2024: This workshop is perfect for those who have the foundations of a story in place but want to gain more clarity into their characters' wants and wounds. I'm feeling so much more grounded in my story after Amanda's guidance. I have a better understanding of what drives my characters now, and what blocks I need to put in their path to create page-turning conflict. The other students were kind and curious, and it was so encouraging to be around other people as passionate about writing as me. Thank you so much Amanda and BWC!
Your teacher

Bad Writers Club
Bad Writers Club

4.9 (129)

WRITING & EDITING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Ridiculously fun
Unashamedly lowbrow
Naarm (Footscray)
BWC was born out of a desire to write with freedom and wild abandon … to write and create with no limitations, judgement, or self-imposed barriers.
We all have the right to suck … in fact, we MUST suck on the way to becoming GOOD!
It takes bravery to keep going when it feels like everything that comes out is utter rubbish … but there’s a reason we call it a writing PRACTICE.
Good writing comes with time and repetition, but it can be a really hard and lonely experience, so we created BWC.
A place for all kinds of writers to be together, try things, make mistakes, learn stuff, and have a massive amount of fun in the process.
BWC is more than a writing club. It’s a place to suck in safety, while growing, stretching yourself to be better, and surrounding yourself with folks who get it.

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2026-10-30 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production melbourne Melbourne VIC AU melbourne