Advanced Novel Writing

The Advanced Novel Writing course invites students to take their creative writing to the next level through the sustained challenge of crafting a novel. Building on foundational storytelling skills, students will embark on a year-long journey that begins with concept development, detailed outlines, and rich character creation.

During the first semester, students will focus on planning and drafting. They will design outlines, develop characters, and set personalized word-count targets with the goal in completing a full manuscript draft.

In the second semester, the course shifts into a collaborative workshop. Students will refine their drafts through peer review and instructor guided editing. By May, each participant will have a polished manuscript ready for self-publication and sharing.

Whether aiming for 10,000 words or 50,000, students will be supported in setting ambitious yet realistic goals. No prior experience with long-form writing is required, but participants should be confident in typing independently and eager to commit to the creative process. Pre-requisite course needed is Novel Writing.

Students will:

• Creative Development: Explore advanced techniques in plotting, world-building, and character arcs.
• Personalized Goals: Choose word-count targets, from novella to full-length novel.
• Workshop Experience: Engage in constructive peer feedback and professional editing practices.
• Publication Ready: Complete the year with a self-published novel to celebrate your achievement.

• Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.
• High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.
• Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)
• Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm
• Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:
  1. Visit zoom.us/download.
  2. Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
  3. Open and run the installer on your computer.
  4. In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.
• Scanner: In this class, students frequently submit homework assignments by scanning pages from their workbooks. Students and/or their parents should have easy access to a scanner and the ability to use it.