Novel from Scratch: Getting Your Novel Idea Started

Even the longest novel with the widest scope begins with something small. An image? A question? A glimpse of a character or an incident? Those tiny seeds grow into characters, story, storyline, and, eventually, the prose of a novel. This ten-week class will take you from whatever that starting point is for you, through the process of working out the elements of a novel, and to drafting what might be some of your novel’s essential scenes. We’ll look at how to build character and how to shape the character’s journey. We’ll discuss the range of narrative perspectives and the many different ways to structure your story. Class sessions will involve discussion of excerpts from the work of Lisa Cron, Elizabeth George, Benjamin Percy, and others. You’ll also have ample time for writing exercises and for sharing your ideas and workshopping your emerging novel’s shape. Each writer will have the chance to receive feedback on a brief selection from their novel from the instructor.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.