Writers Workshop – GMC(R)

On Saturday, I was able to attend a writers workshop put on by Chris Wilk.  The focus of the workshop was GMC(R) – or Goals, Motivation, Conflict and Resolution.

Taken from the workshop handout:

At the heart of every story are the goals and motivations of its characters, what they want and why.  Conflict ensues when obstacles, setbacks and antagonists thwart their efforts.  GMC is the bedrock for plot.  In the end, characters achieve or fail, and are often changed, which adds the “R” — resolution to the GMC(R).  

My current WIP has given me a bit of trouble and this is where the workshop helped.  As I thought about my main character – about what makes her tick – I realized that I didn’t really know her.   I’ve spent plenty of time putting her in awkward situations but I didn’t make the effort to get inside her head, to learn about what motivates her.  That was a mistake – one that I am working to rectify.

This is why I love workshops and conferences – they give me an opportunity to learn, to step back and identify an area that can use some improvement.

As 2016 is right around the corner, I’ve added a couple of conferences to my calendar.

Book ‘Em North Carolina will be held:  Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Robeson Community College in Lumberton, North Carolina.  It’s Free and open to the public. 

Carolina Writers Conference will be held:  April 26, 2016 at Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro, North Carolina. There is a charge for this conference but it is nominal.  If my memory serves me right, last year it was $20 or $25 and included a catered lunch – which was delicious!

For many people, attending a conference isn’t possible.  If that’s you, there are online options that cost nothing but a click and your time.  I have found the sites listed below to be very informative.

Kristen Lamb’s Blog

Writers in the Storm

The Insecure Writers Support Group

Writers Helping Writers

Do you have a favorite site/blog that offers writing tips/resources?  If so, please comment.