Start planning your novel this Fall with our Nuts and Bolts of Novel Planning class series! The series is comprised of two four-week classes–Character, and Story Beats–that will help make the blank page less scary by giving you a concrete structure to follow while planning your novel. You will work through, in a digestible and logical fashion, all of the components necessary to create an outline to guide you in drafting your manuscript.

In the first class, Character, we will begin by focusing on your premise and the major building blocks of a story to consider straight out of the gate. Then we explore point of view and how to tell the narrative to achieve your desired goal. We’ll spend time getting to the heart of who your characters are and what they want. And focus on how to create antagonists who best serve the story as well as how to round out your cast with side characters.

In the second class, Story Beats, we dig into plot, starting with what makes a solid beginning and a stellar ending—pieces you must be considering from the outset. Then we define and look at the major plot points or story beats that make up a novel. We will explore the different structure models and methods and offer the tools you need to plot to your comfort level, be it a five-page synopsis or a chapter-by-chapter outline.

Register and take the first steps for your novel today:

• The Nuts and Bolts of Novel Planning: Character with Lori Goldstein, starting 10/2
• The Nuts and Bolts of Novel Planning: Story Beats with Lori Goldstein, starting 10/30