Character Development Writing Intensive in Reading, MA | Writers' Collaborative
Crafting Characters
When we think of our favorite stories, we often think of the characters who carry them. In this intensive, we discover the building blocks of character. Through a series of lessons and exercises, you'll walk away with a framework to approach character development and writing strategies to effectively bring your characters to life.
- Format
- Intensive
- Length
- One session. Six hours, lunch provided.
- Where
- In person, Reading, MA
- Tuition
- $225
Description
This intensive moves through two disciplines: crafting characters and bringing them to life on the page. We approach character development from the inside out, beginning with their all-important internal need, psychology and biography. We explore character archetypes and the distinction between dynamic and static characters. Then, we bring our characters to the page. We discuss strategies to effectively convey character in our writing.
Upcoming Sessions
Registration closes 48 hours before a session begins.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterWe add new dates regularly. Additional dates for Fall and Winter 2026 will be announced soon.
Session Breakdown
Two lessons, two exercises, and a workshop component. Lunch included and provided on-site.
Arrival and Opening Writing Exercise
We open the session with a brief writing exercise.
Introductions and Initial Thoughts
Our opening discussion on character.
Lesson One: The Building Blocks of Character
Biography and backstory, psychology, and internal vs external needs. Characters who change and characters who don't, and the common character archetypes.
Exercise One: Character Lab
You'll craft an entirely new character utilizing the approach we discuss in lesson one.
Lunch
On site, provided.
Lesson Two: Conveying Character
Putting your preparation to work. How a character reaches the page through behavior, action, and dialogue.
Exercise Two: Conveying Character & Character Swap
You'll take the character you built in exercise one and bring them to life in a short scene. Then you'll swap characters with a partner, write your own interpretation of their character, and compare your scenes.
Workshop
The group reconvenes to compare scenes and discuss what the swap revealed about each character.
Beyond the Intensive
Further reading, your resource packet, and a closing question and answer.
Session content and sequence may vary.
What You'll Leave With
- ✓ An understanding of the fundamental elements of character
- ✓ A disciplined, character building approach
- ✓ Strategies to effectively bring your character to the page
- ✓ A resource packet with further reading and exercises
Before You Register
What to bring, how registration works, and our cancellation policy.
What to Bring
Nothing needed. You're welcome to bring something to write with and take notes.
Who It's For
Any writer at any stage, in any genre. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, this is for you.
Registration
48 Hours Ahead
Registration closes 48 hours before the session starts. Register using the button in Upcoming Sessions above. Members and non-members register the same way; the only difference is that members receive 20% off.
Cancellations
What Happens If a Session Can't Run
Unfortunately, we sometimes need to cancel due to extreme weather or insufficient enrollment. When a cancellation is necessary, we'll notify you.
- ✓ You'll be credited the amount toward another course or intensive at a comparable price.
- ✓ If it was canceled due to insufficient enrollment, you may request a refund instead.
If you need to cancel a session you've registered for, let us know and we'll issue a credit toward another offering of comparable value.
Membership
Members Receive 20% Off
Writers' Collaborative members receive 20% off every course and intensive, along with workspace access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, every writing group, and all our weekly programming.
Not sure if this intensive is for you? Give us a call at (781) 663-2800 or email info@writersclc.com. We're happy to discuss with you.