Write Your Novel
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A work-in-progress course to help you write the story you want to tell.
The course provides a serious commitment whilst also being fun. This is for you: * if you have an idea for a story you want to explore, have written a few chapters, or completed a first draft you want to develop * if you struggle to find the time to write on your own or you benefit from working to deadlines To apply, you are invited to submit a one-page sample of prose, a brief outline of your idea, your writing experience to date and why you would like to do the course. |
On this course, you will:
Course Programme:
Weeks alternate between feedback sessions and the study of published texts with exercises that address craft issues that arise from the feedback sessions. Help ranges from ways to develop rich, evocative narrative to getting to grips with structure and making characters palpable, scenes immersive and dialogue moving. Examples of some of what is covered:
Close reading of published literature gives us valuable insight into methods and choices in terms of language structure, subject matter, personal revelation, the relationship which is created between the writer and the reader among many other aspects.
Advice will be given on how to read to inform your writing, and what to look out for.
Classes with Samantha are fun, relaxed and inspiring. Students learn quickly with lots of opportunity to share their writing.
- Learn how to structure your story and scenes
- Create characters your readers engage with
- Receive clear, in-depth explanations with lots of examples from published fiction
- Build your story and submit extracts for comment on a bi-weekly basis
- Participate in friendly feedback groups and apply your critical and editorial skills to your own work
- Receive verbal and written feedback, insightful critique, and encouragement from the tutor
Course Programme:
Weeks alternate between feedback sessions and the study of published texts with exercises that address craft issues that arise from the feedback sessions. Help ranges from ways to develop rich, evocative narrative to getting to grips with structure and making characters palpable, scenes immersive and dialogue moving. Examples of some of what is covered:
- Language, the Role of Images and the Senses
- Ideas and Where to Find Them
- Character, Relationship and Emotion
- Character, Psychological Depth and Viewpoint
- Dialogue and the Body
- Setting and Figurative language
- Plotting and Story Arc
- Narration, Voice and Tone
- Time and Pace
- Openings and Chapter Endings
- Sustaining Momentum and Raising the Stakes
- Exposition and Backstory
- Revising and Editing
Close reading of published literature gives us valuable insight into methods and choices in terms of language structure, subject matter, personal revelation, the relationship which is created between the writer and the reader among many other aspects.
Advice will be given on how to read to inform your writing, and what to look out for.
Classes with Samantha are fun, relaxed and inspiring. Students learn quickly with lots of opportunity to share their writing.
What Others Say:
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"I enjoyed Samantha’s novel writing course immensely. She is a brilliant teacher, full of creative techniques and ideas. She is both encouraging and fun and left me wanting more! If you are considering enrolling on one of her courses, don’t hesitate, whether you’re a beginner or further along, you won’t regret enlisting her help! Thanks Samantha." Joy, 2020. |
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" I have enjoyed ‘working out’ in the safe and stimulating online space Samantha has created in the Writing A Commercial Novel course. She gently facilitates the mysterious creative process with a range of writing exercises whilst introducing us newbies into some of her well practiced techniques for making a novel “work”. The learning set she facilitates with the use of breakout rooms and reading from work in progress maximises our learning. For someone hesitant to ‘put their (writing) head above the parapet’ the online environment works very well and I found I rapidly shed my self consciousness within this online group setting. I would recommend this approach if you, like me, are still considering whether to take the novel writing plunge...I’ll be back next term for more!" Dr Matthew E, 2020.