Novel II: The First Third

Class Description

Beginning a novel is immensely exciting. You have so much to say, such wonderful characters to explore, a situation that begs to be developed. But before you know it, you find yourself with loose threads, tangents, and characters who are becoming unrecognizable or simply disappearing before your eyes. What do you do?

In this class, we’ll discuss strategies for developing your novel so that the essential first third sets up what is to come. We will explore how structural underpinnings can guide you, and study indicators of direction such as point of view, characterization, setting, and voice in two short novels and a range of excerpts. We’ll also discuss ways of integrating backstory into the narrative without interrupting momentum. And all along, we will look at our own work; each student will have two opportunities to submit 25 pages to be workshopped in class. Authors whose work we may look at include Ian McEwan, Tessa Hadley, and Kiran Desai, among others.

Recommended for students with a full first draft of a novel, students who prefer to plan their work either before or as they write, and students who have taken this or a similar course, but who would like a more detailed workshopping experience of their early pages.

*Note: Class does not meet on Memorial Day, May 27th.

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.