This does not happen often
Jun 14, 2025 1:20 pm
Hello Happy Readers!
On Thursday, I attended a creative writing workshop on dialogue led by the brilliant and wildly charismatic Louis Emmitt-Stern—professional playwright, master of character conflict, and apparently, a strong believer in the power of a well-timed pause. And let me tell you: it. was. electric.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make two fictional characters argue with more emotional intensity than your last group chat fallout, this was the place to be. We dove into the mechanics of subtext, exposition and characterisation, and how silence can say more than a 3-paragraph dialogue (although we did write those, too... because we're writers).
Some highlights:
- Louis.
- The sample text where someone’s dialogue was discussed to the point it felt like it accidentally turned into a full-on soap opera and we all demanded a sequel.
- Realising halfway through that my inner voice might be a dragon with a caffeine addiction.
But seriously: it was more than just fun. It was a night of creative fire, laughter, and those rare moments when you think you can actually improve your next work with the words to the page sounding just right.
If you’ve ever doubted whether your writing voice is worth hearing—this was a reminder that it absolutely is. And sometimes, all it takes is a room full of writers and one passionate teacher to realise.
This week I'm going to continue writing the sequel to Villainous Wings whilst I still wait for the edits to end.
Until next time,
Therese
THERESE'S READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Falling for her sexy, brooding boss was not in the plan. Will she stay once his secret is revealed?
A Siren. A sea captain. A murderous mayor. A sexy adult paranormal romance for The Little Mermaid fans.
The Cursed Academy Series is Now Complete With All Six Books! Year Four Is Now Released!Giselle Bowman never thought she'd be descended from a Greek god...or a monster.
“No one does paranormal romance like A.D. Brazeau. Vampires, New Orleans, and true love…her books have it all!”
Enemies by nature. Companions by choice.
Living amongst us are celestial beings. Some are good, some are bad, and then, there’s Audrey.
Unaware her legacy comes with a soul-sucking addiction, will Nikki learn control before she falls into a deadly trap?
I betrayed my birthright when I gave up my immortality and they're coming after me, to kill me.
A second attack by the supernatural stalker is foiled by the same doctor who had rescued her previously. Bryn recoils from him, horrified by his deed.
It wasn't uncommon for people to disappear in the woodland named The Fingers. But when twelve people vanish in a week, questions get asked and answers sought. Gregor has been tasked to find those answers, and his worst fears are coming to the surface.
