Ref: SWE37469
On this course, you will learn the fundamental principles of novel writing as we explore the most important aspects of storytelling, plotting, structure, pace and style. You will discover how to approach the all-important opening chapter, how to choose tenses and viewpoints for different types of novel and how to find your own unique voice as a writer. We will also discuss some of the most common pitfalls in novel-writing and how to avoid them.
Through intensive teaching, exercises and discussion, you will discover essential techniques for turning your inspiration into well-crafted novels. You will learn what it is that agents and publishers are looking for and how to develop your skills further, as well as gaining an insight into the novelist's life. For each section of the course, the tutor will provide written course notes and worksheets.
There will also be an opportunity to get personal constructive feedback on your work in progress from your tutor; therefore, you are invited to bring a sample of your novel, a synopsis or an idea, if you would like to, for yourself and the tutor to look at together.
By the end of the course, you will know the vital ingredients that make a novel compelling for readers. You will understand the techniques that writers employ to achieve this and how to go about using these skills in your own fiction writing. You will have gained the confidence to start developing your own writing, towards becoming a professional published novelist.
The tutor will provide written course notes and worksheets.
Available from shop:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Rebecca is a best-selling novelist who has also worked for many years as a script writer and editor in the West End theatre. She has been teaching fiction writing for the past decade and has worked as an editor and coach with more than a hundred different novelists.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
If you’re looking to complete the first draft of a novel and learn about the publishing process. The two-year, part-time MA Creative Writing and Publishing is taught by professional authors and visiting industry professionals. Find out more
