Creative writing fiction course: First novel, first draft

This course explores the elements of fiction, and how to manage your ideas to begin drafting your novel.

Each class is delivered as if it was a live online class to help you focus on having time to write.

By the end of the course I hope you will:

Have explored the craft of writing and the elements of fiction to improve your confidence in your first draft.
Have established a sense of momentum when writing your first novel so that you carry on after the course is finished.
Be making writing part of your everyday life.

Session 0: Intro

A quick, free, intro to the course so you know what you’re getting into!

Session 1: Character

Meeting your main character in action, identifying their character traits and beginning to see their emotional arc.

Session 2: From concept to plot

Creating a story from a spark or moment of inspiration, how your main character drives the plot and making notes on how your story will develop, starting your outline (if you want one) and developing your writing process.

Session 3: More characters

Writing antagonists, best friends, families, mentors, and minor characters with an essential part to play in your story.

Session 4: Plot; beginning, middle, end.

Writing to examine how plot happens when characters make decisions and looking at the the beginning, middle and end of your story.

Session 5: Settings and objects

Looking at the role setting and objects will play in your story, looking beyond the obvious to evoke a sense of place.

Session 6: Endings and beginnings

Working out how to get readers engrossed from page one, what they need to know to become involved in your story, using prologues and framing devices to introduce your story.

Session 7: Perspective and tone

Playing with perspective and the impact it can have on a story, experimenting with word choices and choosing the instinctive voice.

Session 8

A cheeky free extra. Editing, making revisions, getting feedback, reflecting on story and writing, setting goals and providing your own accountability, next steps.

Previous students of London Writing School workshops kindly said:

"Thank you, love your sessions xxx"

"Thank you very much for your invaluable support"

"I cannot tell you how useful I found it. My writing had dried up and it got the juices flowing again."

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