Creative Writing Workshop: the Intersection of Love and Hate

Where Character and Conflict Meet

Author Allison Alsup leads a craft talk and guided writing exercises on an essential aspect of writing: the connection between character and conflict. No formal writing experience required. 

At the heart of every story are characters who both desire and fear certain outcomes. Understanding these drives is essential for creating compelling, nuanced characters—as well as choosing the events or plotlines that will challenge them.

In this session, for experienced and beginning writers alike, we'll tackle this most essential aspect of craft: the connection between character and conflict.

Come prepared to write as we put the principles into action through guided writing exercises.

Allison Alsup is an award-winning writer, teacher, and editor. Her work has won multiple contests and recognitions, including the 2014 O’Henry Prize Stories, the UK’s 2018 Manchester Fiction Prize shortlist, and Best Food Writing 2015. She is the co-author of the French Quarter Drinking Companion and the author of the novel Foreign Seed. She is the co-founder of the non-profit New Orleans Writers Workshop, where, in addition to teaching, Allison mentors fellow writers one-on-one to develop their stories. Previously Allison taught writing and literature full-time at the University of New Orleans, and creative writing through the Loyola Writing Institute at Loyola University, New Orleans. As a teacher, editor and mentor with over two decades of experience of working with writers, Allison has helped hundreds of students and clients hone their craft and achieve their creative goals, including publishing first stories, completing novels, and creating successful M.F.A. application portfolios.

Sponsored by Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.

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