Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a time commitment is involved in taking a Novel Generator class?
On average, depending on the weekly assignments as well as the individual writer’s commitment level, a Novel Generator class typically requires about 5 to 15 hours of time in addition to class meeting time. This level of class is for committed writers who are dedicated to doing the work to produce pages in the company of a supportive community all striving toward similar goals. While the class creates an environment that feeds a writer’s creativity, productivity, and community, ultimately it’s up to the writer to engage deeply with their own project in a way that advances it forward. In other words, we can help create optimal conditions for a writer to write, but the act of writing is still firmly up to the writer, of course.
How do I know if I’m ready for an Intensive writing program?
Trust yourself. If you are prepared to commit to your craft and your project for 6 months or more, you’re likely ready. If you’ve spent a while going it alone or joining various writing groups and classes but haven’t made the progress you wished for, then it’s highly likely you’d benefit from the structured support of an Intensive writing class. The Intensives experience is often described as a gratifying challenge.
Why is there a price difference between the regular Novel Generator and the Young Adult/Romance/Mystery & Thriller Novel Generators?
While all our generators are designed around the same principles of generative writing and pushing writers toward a full draft, the genre-specific novel generators have additional elements beyond the standard Novel Generator. First, the class size is smaller, which makes a difference in individualized attention. Second, genre novel generator students get at least one individual agent meeting upon completion of the course. This helps the writer understand the manuscript submissions process a little more along with gaining some tips on how to position their work when striving toward publication. Finally, writers will get to work with teaching artists who have a proven track record in their specific genre. Specialized experts can be beneficial for writers who are already clear on their genre focus and want to gain an understanding of the foundational expectations, techniques, and norms within a genre/category of the publishing world–even if a writer ultimately chooses to defy those norms.
Can I still take the Young Adult, Romance, or Mystery/Thriller Novel Generator if I’m not 100% certain if my novel fits within one of those genres?
Yes! Even if you’re not absolutely sure or if your novel’s direction changes (which can happen!), you’ll still get a lot out of the generator program. The ultimate goal is to push toward a complete draft in the company of supportive and committed writers. All our generators aim for this purpose. Genre-focused generators have the added benefit of smaller class size, an agent meeting, and deeper exposure to genre-specific techniques. Yet they aren’t so limited that a writer’s shift in course should not impact their overall progress and learning.
Can I take more than one Novel Generator in my writing career, even at the same time?
Yes. It’s a LOT of work to take simultaneous Intensive classes, but it is possible. It all depends on each writer’s personal schedule and commitment level, and of course, budgets.
Do I need to take a Novel Generator class before I take a Novel Incubator class?
No. If you’ve already completed a full novel manuscript on your own and feel ready to dive into the Novel Incubator, then you should feel free to apply to that program.
I have a “complete” but very rough draft of my novel. Should I take a Novel Generator or Novel Incubator program?
That’s totally up to you. Some writers who’ve completed many manuscript pages might take the Novel Generator to push to the finish line. They might also take a generator to better understand technique and craft, especially if they don’t have formal education in creative writing. Some writers feel they already know enough to dive into the Incubator program with both feet and tackle revisions. At GrubStreet, you as the writer direct your own learning process. Do what feels right for you. As long as you’re writing, it’s hard to go wrong.
Scholarships and Funding FAQs
How are scholarships determined?
Funding is determined by need and merit. Please remember that as a nonprofit our funding is always more limited than we’d like, and being declined for a scholarship does not mean your writing itself was not strong. We are continuously fundraising for more and more scholarships to support more writers every year. And we appreciate when our community spreads the word about our mission and work to those who might support us in any way they can.
If I apply for a scholarship but don’t receive funding, can I still be accepted into the program?
Yes. Funding decisions are separate from class admission. So a student can still be accepted into the program if they did not receive a scholarship.
Can I transfer my scholarship from one program to another?
Unfortunately, no. Each program has its own scholarship budget. If you receive a scholarship for one class, it typically cannot be transferred to another. When in doubt, reach out to [email protected] to discuss specific situations.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. Please remember that payment plans are scheduled to span the first 30 to 60 days of enrollment. So tuition needs to be fully paid within that time frame.