Workshop: The Art of the Literary Portrait

Create characters that bring your novel to life with Constance Hale
Thursday, 11/7/2024
6:00 - 7:30
Learning Studio - 5th Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

In her workshop The Art of the Literary Portrait, Constance Hale offers writers pointers for observing and capturing human complexity.  How do you draw the physicality of a person in words? How do you get at the character's inner life? And how do you treat yourself—author, narrator, first-person voice—as a character? We will use prompts from Hale’s most recent book, Writing Character. The workshop will change the way you write.

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Constance Hale is a San Francisco-based journalist. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, the LA Times, and many magazines. She is the author of Writing Character, Sin and Syntax, and Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch. 

 

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30.

Creative Arts

Exercise your power of imagination with programs that encourage hands-on projects for adults. For craft programs, all materials are provided, unless noted.

Read & Write

Discover new titles, share inspiring works and participate in challenges and contests. 

NaNoWriMo

Find inspiration with programs designed to support long-form fiction writing during November, National Novel Writing Month. 

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.