You Can Write a Novel!
A step-by-step guide to completing your story idea
Hello Readers (and Writers)!
In a recent survey, some of you indicated you’d be interested in some paid subscriber-only writing coaching and workshopping content. I decided to start by making my How to Write and Publish a Novel and How to Write a Nonfiction Proposal courses available for free to my paid subscribers here through this course landing page.
The How to Write and Publish a Novel course is suitable for adults or high school students who’d like coaching to plan, draft, revise, and prepare a 50k word novel for publication. I’ll walk you through it step by step with video tutorials, assigned companion reading, and weekly goals such that you can finish the work over 35 weeks. You can read reviews from previous students here or here, and I’d love to help encourage you along on your writing journey.
HOW TO WRITE AND PUBLISH A NOVEL
Overview
This course teaches students all the skills needed to write, workshop, revise, and submit a novel for traditional publication. Whatever your skill level – beginner or experienced – you should be able to learn and apply these concepts and improve your novel writing skills.
During the course, you will:
learn about the basic elements of story: character, setting, plot, conflict, dialogue, and subplots.
use a variation of The Snowflake Method to develop story structure and a novel synopsis.
plan, outline, and draft a 50,000 word novel.
research virtual writers’ groups to give and receive feedback on your writing.
complete at least one set of revisions on your novel.
become familiar with the publication process and the business aspect of writing.
prepare your manuscript to be submitted to literary agents.
plan a virtual or live launch party to share your work with your family and friends!
Bring to class:
1. All notes, creative work, and drafts.
2. Pens or pencils.
3. Journal.
4. Textbook
Assigned Work designed to help you complete your novel:
1. Complete the required reading and exercises in the course text WRITING FICTION FOR DUMMIES, by: Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy (2010 edition). DM or email me for access to the course workbook: NaNoWriMo Novelist Workbook.
2. Complete the required homework assignments.
3. Write a 50K+ novel according to the schedule. Determine to put in the work. You can do this!
4. Consider joining a virtual critique group to give and receive feedback on your written work.
5. Journal at least 15 minutes and read at least 30 minutes in a “Twaddle-free” book five days each week.