The Plot Thickens- Vocamus Writers Workshops

The Plot Thickens 1 & 2 APRIL 21st/MAY 5th
By Peter Szabo
Have a story idea but aren’t sure how to shape it into a complete plot? This two-part,
hands-on workshop is designed for writers who want clear, practical guidance on how to
turn their ideas into a plot that works. You’ll learn the foundations of storytelling—
theme, setting, point of view, and genre—along with how to define your main characters’
goals, challenges, and stakes. You’ll use these foundations to create a simple, flexible
plot outline and understand what makes story arcs and scenes work. You’ll apply
everything to your own short story through guided exercises, with assignments reviewed
in Part 2 (attending both sessions is strongly recommended).
Prerequisite: Bring a story idea.

The 2026 Vocamus Writers Workshops: a series of workshops inspired by community
and provided by local artists and editors for all writers at any stage of their craft.
The workshops are designed to:
•adopt or further with innovative tools and sources an even more consistent writing
practice
•help participants relate to and better understand the characteristics of diverse genres,
such as poetry and nonfiction
•understand the urgency of personal narratives in this day and age
•be more resourceful and creative when facing stagnation or the dreaded blank page
•discovering the intersectionality of diverse arts when adopting and improving a writing
practice
•create a plan to promote their work after finishing their manuscripts
*and the opportunity for all of the above to converge into your next piece of writing.
All the Vocamus Writers Community Workshops will be provided at Vocamus Press: In
the adjacent building of First Baptist Church, located on 255 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON
N1H 3V8
Registration details: Send an email to [email protected] to
register for the specific workshop that you are interested in participating before the
workshop’s unique registration deadline.
That’s all! Registration is PWYC ($15 suggested).
-To be paid at the time of the workshop. Please bring cash.-