Character and Setting: From Good Plot to Great Novel

with Shamini Flint

Unforgettable characters and immersive settings are at the heart of every great novel. While plot details may fade, the memory of a compelling character or a vividly drawn world lingers long after the final page is turned. Imagine transporting your readers to a bustling street corner in Singapore or a breathtaking fantasy landscape in the company of an engaging protagonist. Author Shamini Flint guides aspiring writers on the art of crafting multi-dimensional characters that feel real, complex and engaging while you hone your skills in creating settings that transcend mere backdrops and become characters in their own right.
Registration closes 9 Feb 2025, 11.59pm SGT.

Course Information

Course Code: WS-SF1

Duration: 2 hrs per session

Recommended For: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Writers

Dates

19 Feb, Wed
7.30pm to 9.30pm (2 hrs)
26 Feb, Wed
7.30pm to 9.30pm (2 hrs)
5 Mar, Wed
7.30pm to 9.30pm (2 hrs)
12 Mar, Wed
7.30pm to 9.30pm (2 hrs)

Venue

In-Person

ACC EduHub
51 Cuppage Road
S 229469

 

Please Note

  • No partial sessions accepted. Participants are required to attend all four sessions.
  • Registrants will undergo a selection process, and those selected must complete payment to confirm their placement.
  • ACWP will maintain a waiting list once the maximum number of participants is reached.
  • Shortlisted participants will be contacted for payment and notified on the venue of the workshop.

Overview and Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will gain:

• Specific and practical insights and techniques for writing characters and settings
• A deeper understanding of the interplay between character and setting for immersive storytelling

Shamini Flint’s novels have been praised for their richly drawn characters and evocative settings. The Guardian UK describes her protagonist as “impossible not to warm to the portly, sweating, dishevelled, wheezing Inspector Singh,” while Kirkus Reviews lauds her ability to “effectively capture the colour and vigour” of Singh’s destinations and “adroitly explores the comic and tragic aspects of life in the city” (Daily Telegraph).

Who Should Apply?

Writers, including:

  • Foundation Writers: Early-stage, promising writers with no publication history required. These writers may be writing for the first time or have never written with deadlines or structure before.
  • Intermediate Writers: Writers who have chosen to pursue writing as a full-time or part-time career with serious, professional intent but are not yet published with a mainstream or recognized independent publisher.
  • Advanced Writers: Writers who have published at least one book with a mainstream or recognized independent publisher, and/or have been published in at least one literary journal or anthology.

Participants will be selected by the Visiting Writer with assistance from the ACWP. A waiting list will be maintained.

 

Registration and Pricing

To sign up, please register at the link above and provide the following documents:

  • A 500 word writing sample (in English)
  • A short summary of your writing project of 100 words (in English)
  • A short biography of ~100 words (in English)

If you have registered with us before, you may resubmit the same information with an updated biography.


Course Fees

  • $100 for adults
  • $28 for senior citizens aged 55 and above, NSFs, and unemployed individuals
  • Free for students from Singapore institutions, including undergraduate and postgraduate students

Fees are non-refundable.
Please email us if you require further financial assistance.

About Shamini Flint

Shamini Flint is celebrated for her diverse body of work, ranging from crime thrillers to children’s books. She is best known for her Inspector Singh Investigates series, published by Little, Brown and translated widely. These novels explore complex societal issues, blending sharp humour with insightful commentary on culture and justice. Inspector Singh has been optioned for TV with Britbox International and is to star Sanjeev Bhaskar in the titular role.

Read more >