The Heart of Storytelling: A Writing Workshop on External & Internal Conflict
Join South Bay Paper Trail for our fiction writing workshop! Our mission for our workshops is to foster a South Bay writers’ community through sustainable workshops and professional development. Whether you're a hobbyist looking for a creative writing group or an aspiring pro, our workshops support your creative fulfillment through specialized craft talks and guided exercises.
This writing workshop will be hosted by our South Bay Spaces Writer in Residence, Tori Huang - published author and MFA.
By South Bay Spaces.
The Curated Writing Workshop
Conflict is often key to every story, and a skilled writer knows how to balance the external conflict - the obstacles and challenges a character faces - with the internal conflict - the emotional struggles, fears, and beliefs that shape their choices. Through examples, discussion, and writing exercises, participants will learn how these two forms of conflict work together seamlessly to create compelling plots, richer characters, and stories that resonate with readers.
Everyone is welcome to share their writing as time permits. Participants can choose to receive feedback.
No writing experience required! Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced writer, you'll leave with new ideas, practical tools, and a chance to connect with fellow creatives. Come start writing your own story with us!
You will also be able to purchase Tori's powerful poetry book, Estrangement, on-site at a 10% discount. The book delves into various forms of estrangement from politics, familial, and societal expectations.
Learning Objectives for this Workshop
Differentiate between external and internal conflict in storytelling.
Identify the central conflicts in works of literature.
Develop characters whose internal struggles deepen and motivate the plot.
Create a scene that combines external and internal conflict to increase tension and build depth of character.
Use the knowledge to apply to their own stories in the future.
About Tori Huang - The Host
Tori is a NYU graduate with a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco. She has a published book of poetry, Estrangement, available at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and in the San Francisco bookstore Nowplace located in Chinatown. Her story "Backfield Blues," was part of a performance piece at the Esplanade Theaters - which is Singapore's premier performing arts center. It hosts local and international performances with 1,600 - 2,000 seats.
Her other accolades include winning the Writing The City contest in Singapore (2021, 2022) with her short stories "Teacher's Pet" and "Extra," organized by the prestigious Sing Lit Station organization which hosts workshops, events, writing contests in Singapore. She has had her work featured in the sold-out anthology What We Burn For which features 25 Singapore-based writers as well as being featured in the Singapore Kinokuniya bookstore, Japan's largest bookstore chain.
Her writings have also appeared in Neocha, Cha: A Literary Journal (based in Hong Kong), The Hooghly Review, Wildscape (upcoming), and Expat Living Singapore, to name a few. She is currently working on a story cycle regarding the Chinese diaspora. Tori brings a global perspective to the craft of fiction.
Important Information
● Refund Policy: We maintain a "No Refunds" policy; however, tickets are fully transferable. You must notify us.
● Media Notice: Photographs and videos may be captured for South Bay Spaces promotional purposes.
We hope to see you there!
By South Bay Spaces: home to Silent Book Club Torrance, South Bay Paper Trail, Introspective Convos, and South Bay Builders - all under one umbrella bringing people together in the South Bay through different experiences. Learn more at southbayspaces.com
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