Class Description
You’ve started out on a first novel draft—maybe you just have an idea, maybe you’ve written a few chapters, maybe you've written a lot, but have no idea how it all holds together—but you’re not sure where to go next. Which character should the novel follow? What type of narrator is best for the story you want to tell? What is point of view, anyway, and how do you know when you’re doing it right? No matter where you are in the drafting process, this class can help! Each week we will focus on one area of novel-specific craft –– such as character development, scene building, conflict, and narrative arc –– and generate new material each week through a series of prompts and exercises. Because the best way to learn to write a novel is to read novels, we will also read a novel together and discuss how it employs the skills that we're learning, and how to incorporate these same skills in our own writing. Lastly, we will offer each other feedback and support, not only on each other's writing, but on our writing process –– we'll check in each week about our struggles and victories, and discuss strategies to keep ourselves motivated, during class and after. You will come out of this course with a slew of new scenes, and the insight, inspiration, craft skills to complete your draft.
This class is classified as a survey, which means the focus is on introducing students to new topics and forms of writing, and generating new work. Though student work will be discussed, the emphasis is not on formal critique, but on learning, discussion, and writing exercises. At the end of the class, students will have the opportunity to submit one revised scene to the instructor for feedback, and recommendations on next steps. Please expect to devote 4-5 hours/week to this class.
Did you know that we have scholarships available for all GrubStreet classes? To apply, click the "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button in the top right corner of this page. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your scholarship application and await our Scholarship Committee's decision before registering for the class. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
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.