In this course, you will start with the most essential element for successfully completing a novel: setting personalized intentions, word count goals (daily, weekly, for the 6 weeks, and beyond), and assessing your current writing practice (or lack thereof). Beginning with an individualized plan will help you finish the novel, rather than starting with enthusiasm and ending in confusion or frustration. This course is in no way meant to be punitive–if you don’t finish a novel in 6 weeks, that really doesn’t matter. What matters is that you understand what you need to do to get it done at your own pace and with the support of a seasoned author and instructor and a nurturing writing community of other writers just like you doing what they love.
In this generative 6-week workshop, you will:
Generate a novel questionnaire to help get you started.
Outline your project and discover new writing methods.
Set goals for your writing—and stick to them.
Work on character development exercises.
Work through activities on setting and style.
Learn tips on building scenes and creating conflict.
Hone your dialogue practice with new techniques.
Discover methods for incorporating backstory, flashbacks, and transitions.
Learn actionable tips for next steps beyond the first draft such as crafting a query letter, finding an agent, and publishing.
Have access to weekly writing circles to write with other writers in class in real time via zoom.