Class Description
You’ve started a novel draft. Maybe you just have an idea, maybe you’ve written a few chapters, or maybe you’ve written a lot but aren’t sure how it all holds together. How does the heart of the story inform its plot? Which character should the story follow? What kind of narrator fits? What is point of view, anyway, and how do you know when you’re getting it right?
This class is designed for writers in the early stages of drafting. Each week, we’ll focus on a key element of novel craft, like character development, scene building, world-building, and plot development. You’ll generate new material through prompts and exercises, and we’ll offer each other feedback and support—not just on the writing itself, but also on the process. We’ll check in about struggles and victories, share strategies for staying motivated, and build momentum together.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of new scenes, along with the craft skills, insight, and energy to keep going and move toward completing your draft.
Driving to the center? For evening or weekend classes, we recommend SP+ Parking at 45 Binford Street for the most affordable parking around. It's about a 10-minute walk to GrubStreet and offers a flat rate of:
- $13 after 4pm Monday-Friday
- $9 all day Saturday-Sunday
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.
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 detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.