Class Description
First drafts of novels are often messy, expansive, and daunting. Too much critique too early can stall momentum, while writing in isolation can leave you feeling stuck. This class strikes a balance, offering a supportive, structured environment where you'll generate new material, deepen your understanding of the novel-writing process, and keep moving forward.
Each week, we'll examine examples from contemporary fiction and complete targeted writing exercises focused on essential elements of craft, including characterization, the protagonist's desire, plot and structure, point of view, voice, and dialogue. We'll also share excerpts of our works-in-progress in both large- and small-group discussions. Rather than line editing or intensive critique, feedback will center on what's taking shape, what's resonating, and where the story wants to go next, helping you build confidence while maintaining momentum.
Near the end of the course, you'll select an excerpt from your novel to workshop, giving you the opportunity to receive deeper feedback on a pivotal section of your manuscript. In our final session, writers may submit up to twenty pages of their novel for a detailed written critique from the instructor.
Writers of all genres are welcome.
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 using Zoom videoconferencing. After registering, a yellow Resources tab will appear in this section containing a link to join class. Please note that you will need to be logged into view the Resources tab.
Zoom Participation:
In our experience, the intimate nature of a writing workshop benefits from on-camera participation. Students are of course welcome to turn their camera off whenever they need to, but it is a community norm for cameras to be on most of the time. You can learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
You can enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the screen. If you'd like to access the transcript after class, please make sure to let your instructor ahead of time that you'd like a copy.