Focus On The Novel
Whether you write short fiction, nonfiction, memoir or poetry, chances are there is a novel yearning to get out. The idea of actually writing something as long and complex as a novel can seem overwhelming. You can set your novel free – by developing a plan with someone who has successfully negotiated this literary minefield.
Course level: Intermediate
Required Book: The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing compiled and edited by Meg Leder, Jack Hefron, and the Editors of Writer’s Digest
Workshop Length: 14 weeks
Tuition: $425.00 ($382.50 for VIP)
Start Date: View Focus On The Novel Course Schedule
Course Structure
This workshop will consist of seven two-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures (text based) and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment specifically related to your novel, which will be submitted to the instructor for private review at the end of the first week of the session. During the second week of each session, work will be posted for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing exercises.(2.8 CEUs)
You will learn:
- The components of a completely developed novel idea
- Character building and the selection of both your viewpoint character(s) and main characters
- Functions of setting, and how to use setting to generate plot
- To use dramatic and nondramatic scenes
- To keep readers holding on until the very end.
Who should take this course:
- Writers seeking to develop a suitable idea for their novel, create a working outline, and write and revise the opening chapters
- Aspiring novelists who want to a seasoned Published Author to help coach them on the beginning stage of writing a novel
- Graduates of Fundamentals of Fiction and/or other beginner / intermediate level courses
What our students are saying about this course:
I want to thank you for a great experience. From beginning to end the content (lectures, lecture supplements, discussions and instructions) of this workshop was impressive. I would like to point out that Instructor Barbara Rogan was a major part of it’s success.
She created a dynamic environment with:
- thought-provoking lecture discussions full of extra writing tips
- constructive personal feedback, as well as helpful suggestions on improvement of submitted assignements
- engaging participants – drawing us in, urging us on and expecting everyone of us to participate in discussing valuable writing topics.
Once again, thanks for a great adventure!
Very Best Regards,
Rikard Bergquist
Course Outline
Session One: From Concept to Novel Idea
- Novel genres & categories
- How is a novel different from a short story?
- Idea development using the “What If?” strategy
- Components of a completely developed novel idea
Writing Assignment: A narrative summary of the novel you’ll be working on in this workshop (maximum 750 words).
Session Two: Your Cast of Characters & Points of View
- Choosing your main character
- Character Building
- Selection of your viewpoint character(s) and POV
- Dialogue
Writing Assignment: Your cast of characters with a brief description of each one’s role in the story (maximum 500 words); A scene that shows at least two of your important characters interacting, using the techniques discussed in this session (maximum 500 words).
Session Three: Setting & Plot
- The function of setting
- Weaving setting description into your novel
- Using setting to generate plot ideas
- Six questions to help you plot your novel
Writing Assignment: A description of your setting and a brief explanation of how it functions in your novel; A working outline of your novel’s main plot elements (maximum 1,500 words).
Session Four: Scenes
- The function of scenes in a novel
- Review of dramatic and nondramatic scenes
- Narration
- How to break your novel into scenes
- Flashbacks
Writing Assignment: A pivotal scene, or series of connected scenes from your novel (maximum 1,500 words).
Session Five: The Opening Pages
- Narrative hooks
- The importance of the opening pages
- Where to begin
- Introducing your main character(s) and establishing the time and place of your story
Writing Assignment: The opening pages of your novel (maximum 3,000 words).
Session Six: A Plan for Finishing Your Novel
- A plan for completing the first draft
- Developing the complications
- Keeping the reader holding on until the very end
- Tying up all the loose threads
Writing Assignment: The next 3,000 words of your novel (or a revision of the first 3,000 words based on the feedback you’ve received).
Session Seven: Keep Writing
- Workshop wrap-up
Writing Assignment: The opening chapters of your novel, either picking up where you left off with the Session Six assignment, or starting from the beginning and incorporating revisions (maximum 6,000 words total).
