Novel Planning Essentials

Class Description

This course will help make the blank page less scary by giving you a concrete structure to follow to plan your novel. Each week will focus on one element of the novel plan, with each new piece building on the previous one. In this way, you will work through, in a digestible and logical fashion, all of the components necessary to create an outline to guide you in drafting your manuscript. We’ll begin by focusing on your premise, spend time getting to the heart of who your characters are and what they want. We’ll then explore point of view and how to use world building to enhance your story regardless of genre. We dig into plot structure, exploring the different methods, and provide the tools you need to plot to your comfort level, be it a five-page synopsis or a chapter-by-chapter outline. We round out the course with a focus on beginnings, endings, and scene structure, finishing with a look at revision methods. Each week you will have the chance to submit work to the class and instructor for feedback. At the end of this course, you will have all of the building blocks you need to complete your novel outline and lay the foundation for your novel.

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.