Perspectives and Tenses in Fiction Writing

Live attendance is not required: enrollees can watch the recording at any time after the workshop!

Traditionally, fictional stories were written in the past tense, from a third-person perspective; this is no longer the case – nor should it be. Contemporary writers utilize many combinations of tense and perspective to achieve their desired effects on their readers. Perhaps — especially for those who find themselves reverting to a single tense/perspective combination out of familiarity or ease — it is important to cultivate a deeper understanding of how these elements of storytelling operate, and when/where/how they can be most effective. That is what this workshop hopes to begin to achieve.

This workshop will focus on some basic elements of tense and perspective, and provide you with the opportunity to better understand and, crucially, practice them in your own writing. Even if you already regularly write in different tenses and perspectives, it can be helpful to view them in new ways, or simply take advantage of a few writing exercises with likeminded writers. This element of workshopping is vital to improving your craft, and is a great opportunity to help take your writing to the next level.

Some of Ross’s career highlights

What you’ll learn

After this workshop, you’ll:

• Have a better understanding of when/where/how to use different tenses and perspectives.

• Have practiced different tenses and perspectives in a variety of writing exercises.

• Gain knowledge of a wide variety of writing tools, enabling you to take your prose to the next level.

Zoom schedule

Everyone enrolled in this webinar will receive a copy of the recording afterwards, so you can review it later in case you missed it.

• Wednesday November 8, 2023 1:00pm US Central time — 2 hours

How this workshop works

This workshop is a live Zoom webinar. Sign in from anywhere in the world and participate live as the instructor conducts the workshop, with time for Q&A at the end.

Student praise for Ross Turner

Ross has been such a big help. It was wonderful working with someone who was enthusiastic and genuinely cared about the quality of my work.

—Courtney

I thoroughly enjoyed learning from Prof. Ross. In a short amount of time, he went above and beyond to cater to my needs, revisiting my queries repeatedly, which I especially appreciate. He was sincere and reassuring, qualities I admire in a teacher. Highly recommended!

—Angela

Returning to education after quite some years, I soon became aware my approach to academic writing was lacking. Ross's professional, patient, enthusiastic and client-specific approach, is invaluable in understanding how to prepare, structure and complete my work, utilising grammar, in a succinct fashion. My weekly sessions with Ross have boosted my understanding, confidence and skill set. Altogether an experience I have found very helpful and highly recommend.

—Jim

Ross has been of invaluable help to me with my Creative Writing MA. From laying out academic essays to fine-tuning and perfecting my creative pieces, Ross has been an incredible support. He's professional, friendly, and I thoroughly recommend him.

—Rebecca

Ross takes pride in what he does and gives the most constructive, helpful, and supportive feedback. He has helped me immensely in my writing ability and confidence. Ross spends numerous hours looking thoroughly through your work, and provides insightful and informative sessions to discuss the feedback, and is always available and contactable for further help. I couldn't recommend Ross enough, he has been so supportive in my academic writing. Thank you Ross.

—Jessica

Ross is outstanding. Professional, efficient and has a brilliant way with explaining complex writing and grammar issues in a clear and simple way.

—Alice

Ross has been incredibly helpful and professional. I asked for his help because even though I am a published author, I have been suffering from writer's block for several years. After a couple of weeks of tutoring my confidence has been restored and I am writing again. I highly recommend him.

—Judy

Ross has guided me in my ambition to write my first novel. It is a work in progress and he continues to help me as I develop my style and creative skills. He has a natural ability to impart knowledge and his enthusiasm and obvious love of language translates easily into increased confidence and motivation in his student.

—Deborah

About Ross Turner

Ross Turner works as a creative and critical writer, editor, and private tutor. He is currently completing his practice-led creative writing PhD at York St John University, with a focus on short story cycles. Previously, he attended the University of Gloucestershire, and achieved his BA (Hons) in Creative Writing, for which he was awarded the Francis Close Hall Creative Writing Prize for the highest dissertation mark, and his MA in Creative and Critical Writing, for which he was awarded a postgraduate bursary from the UoG Annual Fund for Excellence, and the Tutors’ Prize for outstanding academic achievement, achieving the highest aggregate mark on the course.

Ross continues to publish creative, critical, and academic work. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of Superlative—The Literary Journal, which published quality, innovative work by emerging short story writers, in order to promote new, developing authors and the art of the short story to readers worldwide.

He is a professional member of the National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE), where he attends regular writing conferences and has access to the latest writing in education materials. He enjoys educating, guest lectures on creative writing courses at colleges and universities, and has numerous education and training qualifications.

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