novel writing workshop online

Gotham Writers

Novel ii first draft—part 1.

Novel II First Draft, Part 1 is a 10-week workshop, which includes lectures and worksheets. The focus is on writing the first draft of a novel. The prerequisite is Fiction I , or the equivalent; Level II courses work best when students know the fundamentals.   Farther down, you can view a syllabus for this course.

The Novel First Draft classes work differently than other 10-week Workshops; they are devoted to powering through the first draft of a novel rather than critiquing. If you prefer to receive critiques on your novel, then take Novel Critique .

Gotham has two separate programs for Novel First Draft—Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 should be taken first. If, after Part 1, you wish to continue working on your first draft, then take Part 2.

A novel is a world into which a reader disappears for hours or days at a time, navigating through time and space and human psychology. We live with the characters, be they a glamorous bootlegger living the high life, or a mixed-up teenager on hiatus from prep school, or a pair of runaway twins who branch into separate lives over the decades.

Writing a novel is a long haul—a steep climb over hundreds of pages that must work as a unified and engrossing whole. Here you’ll learn the specialized techniques of novel writing and how to market your work.

As Toni Morrison says: If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.

After ten years of struggling, I finally feel that finishing this novel is within my grasp!

Adele Gardner

Fiction I encompasses short stories and novels. After Level I, students have a choice of Short Fiction Writing II (focusing on short stories), or Novel II Critique or Novel II First Draft (focusing on novels).

If you’re working on “genre” fiction, you may take either a Fiction/Novel course or one of our genre courses: Science Fiction & Fantasy , Romance , Mystery .

If you’re working on a YA novel, you may take a Fiction/Novel or “genre” course, or you may take a Children’s Book course, where the full spectrum of children’s books will be covered.

Upcoming Classes

• Starts Saturday, April 1 Zoom , 2pm – 5pm ET 10-Week Workshop Divya Sood
• Starts Monday, April 10 Zoom , 6:30pm – 9:30pm ET 10-Week Workshop Scott Alexander Hess
• Starts Tuesday, April 11 Zoom , 10am – 1pm ET 10-Week Workshop Susan Breen
• Starts Wednesday, April 19 Online , anytime 10-Week Workshop Katherine Taylor
• Class Full. Join wait list. Starts Wednesday, March 15 Online , anytime 10-Week Workshop Meghan Kenny

Registration fee $25, paid once per term

To register for a 10-Week course, you need to pay in full to guarantee your place in class. Or you can pay a $95 deposit plus a $25 registration fee (total $120) to temporarily hold your place, but tuition must be paid in full 10 business days before your class starts or you risk losing your spot.

Anytime, week-long sessions

Tuition: $419 (returning students: $389)

Tour an Online Class

Real-time videoconference

Tour a Zoom Class

The aim of this course is to power through a large portion (or all) of your first draft without stopping for feedback or self-doubt. You get craft and inspirational information, weekly worksheets, and a support group, but there is no critiquing of student work (aside from teacher feedback on your worksheets). Course components:      Lectures      Worksheets (to help develop your novel)      Weekly word-count goals

Gotham has two separate programs for Novel First Draft—Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 should be taken first. If, after Part 1, you wish to continue working on your First Draft, then take Part 2. New York City/Zoom classes The syllabus varies from teacher to teacher, term to term. Many topics will be similar to those covered in the Online classes.

Online classes  Each lecture contains two sections: craft information and inspirational advice. 

Week 1 Fuel/Sticking to It:   Finding the white-hot idea that will keep you fueled. Techniques for staying the course. 

Week 2 Protagonist/Psychological Barriers:   Creating a protagonist’s desire and dimension. Ways to “show” the protagonist. How to break through your psychological barriers.

Week 3 Beginning/Don’t Look Back:   Structure. Outlines. Sketching your Beginning. How to keep moving forward no matter what.  

Week 4 POV & Voice/Reading:   Finding the right point of view. Reasons to read while writing. Types of things to read.

Week 5 Middle/Brainstorming:   Strategies for creating a rising action. Sketching your Middle. The art of brainstorming. 

Week 6  Cast & Subplots/The World Around You:   Figuring out your cast. Subplots. Drawing ideas and inspiration from the world around you. 

Week 7  World/Love of Language:   Creating the specific world of your novel. Relishing and enlivening your language. 

Week 8  Scenes/Patience & Surprise:   Elements of a good scene. Allowing the patience for letting things unfold. Finding the surprises of discovery.

Week 9  Protagonist II/The World Inside You:   Finding and revealing the protagonist’s past. Discovering the protagonist’s evolution. Drawing ideas and inspiration from what is inside you.

Week 10  End/What’s Next?:   Climax and resolution. Sketching your End. Finishing the first draft. Revision. Friends and feedback.

Note: Content may vary among individual classes.

Divya Sood is the author of the novels Find Someone to Love and Nights Like This (both Riverdale Avenue Books). Her short stories have won the New Jersey Arts and Letters First Prize for Short Fiction and appeared in The Masters Review.  She   has taught at Rutgers University and Southern New Hampshire University. She holds a BA from Rutgers University and an MA in English from New York University. 

Katherine Taylor

Katherine Taylor is the author of the novels Valley Fever  and Rules For Saying Goodbye (both Farrar, Straus, and Giroux). Her essays and short stories have appeared in Elle , the New York Times , the Los Angeles Times , Ploughshares, ZYZZYVA, Southwest Review, Town and Country, Prairie Schooner , and Shenandoah . She holds a BA from USC and an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.

Meghan Kenny

Meghan Kenny is the author of the novel The Driest Season (W.W. Norton & Company), a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel, and  the short story collection Love Is No Small Thing (LSU Press). Her short stories have appeared in Kenyon Review, Iowa Review, Gettysburg Review, Cincinnati Review, Hobart,  and Pleiades . She has taught at Boise State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Franklin & Marshall College. She holds a BA from Kenyon College and an MFA in Fiction from Boise State University.

Scott Alexander Hess

Scott Alexander Hess is the author of five novels, including Skyscraper , a Lambda Literary Award Finalist, The Butcher's Sons , named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015 (both Lethe Press), and a pair of novellas The Root of Everything & Lightning (Rebel Satori Press). His work has appeared in HuffPost, Genre Magazine, The Fix,  and  Thema Literary Review . He co-wrote “Tom in America,” an award-winning short film, and curates Hot Lit, an LGBTQ+ themed monthly newsletter. He holds a BJ from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MFA in Fiction from The New School.

Susan Breen

Susan Breen is the author of the Maggie Dove mystery series, originally published by Penguin Random House/Alibi and rereleased by Under the Oak Press, as well as the novel The Fiction Class  (Plume/Headline Review UK). Her short stories have appeared in American Literary Review , the Chattahoochee Review , Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine , and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine , as well as the anthologies Best American Nonrequired Reading  and Murder Most Diabolical . She holds a BA from the University of Rochester and an MA in Economics from Columbia University.

is the author of the novels Find Someone to Love and Nights Like This (both Riverdale Avenue Books). Her short stories have won the New Jersey Arts and Letters First Prize for Short Fiction and appeared in The Masters Review.  She   has taught at Rutgers University and Southern New Hampshire University. She holds a BA from Rutgers University and an MA in English from New York University. 

is the author of the novels Valley Fever  and Rules For Saying Goodbye (both Farrar, Straus, and Giroux). Her essays and short stories have appeared in Elle , the New York Times , the Los Angeles Times , Ploughshares, ZYZZYVA, Southwest Review, Town and Country, Prairie Schooner , and Shenandoah . She holds a BA from USC and an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.

is the author of the novel The Driest Season (W.W. Norton & Company), a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel, and  the short story collection Love Is No Small Thing (LSU Press). Her short stories have appeared in Kenyon Review, Iowa Review, Gettysburg Review, Cincinnati Review, Hobart,  and Pleiades . She has taught at Boise State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Franklin & Marshall College. She holds a BA from Kenyon College and an MFA in Fiction from Boise State University.

is the author of five novels, including Skyscraper , a Lambda Literary Award Finalist, The Butcher's Sons , named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015 (both Lethe Press), and a pair of novellas The Root of Everything & Lightning (Rebel Satori Press). His work has appeared in HuffPost, Genre Magazine, The Fix,  and  Thema Literary Review . He co-wrote “Tom in America,” an award-winning short film, and curates Hot Lit, an LGBTQ+ themed monthly newsletter. He holds a BJ from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MFA in Fiction from The New School.

is the author of the Maggie Dove mystery series, originally published by Penguin Random House/Alibi and rereleased by Under the Oak Press, as well as the novel The Fiction Class   (Plume/Headline Review UK). Her short stories have appeared in American Literary Review , the Chattahoochee Review , Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine , and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine , as well as the anthologies Best American Nonrequired Reading  and Murder Most Diabolical . She holds a BA from the University of Rochester and an MA in Economics from Columbia University.

Related Courses

Fiction writing i.

The fascinating craft of fiction—literary, commercial, or genre.

Novel II Critique

An advanced dive into the world of novels—literary, commercial, or genre.

Reading Fiction

Analyzing short stories and novels from a writer’s perspective.

Online Writing Classes

• Scriptwriting
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• Professional Development

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Online classes draw together writers from across the globe . Our Online writing classes offer the same quality of instruction as our NYC classes, and, as much as possible, our Online classes replicate the experience of being together in a classroom with a teacher and fellow students.

The classes do not take place in "real time," (with the exception of an optional weekly one-hour chat session). You can participate in class any time, day or night, but the classes advance week-by-week, and certain things should be accomplished within that seven-day time period.

You can take an Online writing class from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an Internet connection. The majority of our Online students are located in the U.S. but we also draw students from practically every country in the world, which is part of what makes the Online classes so interesting.

Aside from the convenience of time and location, you have a record of everything that transpires in class, which you can print out and keep for future reference. (The material is written, not video.)

Class size is limited, so that all students get personal attention:

• Level I 10-week Workshops, 6-week Classes, Intensives – maximum 16 students
• Level II 10-week Workshops (and Level III Fiction) – maximum 14 students
• Selling Seminars – maximum 25 students
• Level III 10-week Workshops (excepting Fiction) – 6 students

Explore our catalogue of writing courses . And here you will find information on Gotham's various class formats and our teaching philosophy .

You can see how our Online writing classes work in two ways:

You can take a video tour just below.

Or, take a self-guided tour of any of the following courses. All Gotham Online courses work in a similar way.

Fiction Writing I (10-week Workshop) Screenwriting I (10-week Workshop) Feature Article Writing I (10-week Workshop) Creative Writing 101 (6-week Class) Hit Send: Publishing Short Nonfiction (4-week Seminar)

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Take a world-class creative writing course from home to achieve your ambition to create, write, and complete a full-length novel.

Get your words flowing with the online writing courses created by a Booker Prize-listed author,  Louise Dean . Whether you’re writing for adults, young adults or a children’s book, we will help you come up with a big idea for the book only you can write. Becoming a published author is all about storytelling, so we put storytelling first so that you can write with confidence.

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Writing Course Success Stories at The Novelry

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Becky Hunter

Atlantic imprint Corvus has signed  One Moment , the ‘heart-wrenching and uplifting’ debut novel by Becky Hunter.

US rights were sold to Grand Central, Hachette, in a significant six-figure two-book pre-empt while German rights have gone to Droemer Knaur in a four-way auction. Publishing director Sarah Hodgson at Corvus acquired UK and Commonwealth rights as part of a two-book deal.

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‘Wonderfully assured.’  The Times ‘Pass the tissues...’   Evening Standard ‘Beautifully written.’   The Sun ‘Prepare for heartbreak.’   Woman & Home ‘Brilliant.’  Bella

Lucy Barker

Fourth Estate has scooped the debut novel The Other Side of Mrs Wood from  Lucy Barker in a ‘significant’ two-book deal. US rights were sold to HarperCollins, which will publish in June 2023. 

Katie Bowden, editorial director, said, ‘ The Other Side of Mrs Wood  is one of the warmest, wisest, funniest novels I have ever read. Lucy Barker is a refreshingly original new voice in the historical fiction market and we are thrilled that she has chosen to make Fourth Estate her publishing home.’ 

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For Your Complete Writing Journey

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced writer our comprehensive courses will help you create, write, edit and complete a book with inspirational step-by-step lessons. Learn page-turning storytelling skills and insider fiction writing techniques. 

Create and develop a great idea for a story you ’re excited to write before you put pen to paper. Write with daily guidance and supportive coaching to get that novel done! Edit your novel with the guidance of our editorial team to take a first draft to last draft. From a solid base to a smooth finish, from the idea to   The End , we are with you every step of the way. 

Enjoy live online writing classes and dedicated personal coaching. You’ll be writing with a team of bestselling authors and editors from the major publishing houses at your side. 

Time to refresh your writing life? We’ll bring the joy. Happy writing guaranteed.

Our 3-stage program begins with the Classic Course  to come up with the idea for your novel and build the world of your story. We’ll show you the secret sauce of the all-time bestselling classics of fiction for a big story, boldly told. Next, with our Ninety Day Novel Course   you’ll discover the master strokes to help you power through writing a first draft. Finally, on the Big Edit Course , you’ll work with professional editors to polish that manuscript to publishing standards. Find the plan that ’ s just right for you.

Stay-On-Track Coaching

In-person, one-to-one, coaching. Your writing coach will help you land your story.  You will be working with a successful established writer currently published, who has hit the bestseller lists or won awards. As a team, our writing coaches have experience across all the different genres of fiction from romance to science fiction. You’ll be in safe hands to fast-track your writing.

Coaching 

Reach your creative writing goals with one-to-one sessions devoted to  you  and  your story.  The development of your story happens within a relationship of trust and expertise. Think of it as once-in-a-lifetime apprenticeship.

Your writing coach will  help you navigate the writing process  so you can make the right choices at the right time for your story.

When it comes to editing your novel, you’ll work with an experienced editor from a major publishing house. Your editor will help you craft a stand-out pitch and deliver a story that will excite prospective literary agents for success in the current publishing market.

Writing Classes and Community

Thrive within a creative community. You’ll find yourself warmly welcomed into a safe and supportive space. Drop into weekly classes online, and enjoy the company of other writers. Join special writing classes tackling specific issues by fiction genre, with a smaller writing class size to allow you to get to know your fellow writers. Enjoy sessions with famous authors and publishing industry professionals to get the inside track on the fiction market.

Explore our vast collection of creative writing resources with a library of recorded masterclasses with the big names of fiction like Meg Rosoff, Paula Hawkins, Sophie Kinsella, David Nicholls, Jessie Burton, Tess Gerritsen, Val McDermid, Kristin Hannah and so many more. 

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When you join The Novelry you improve your chances of getting published with personal introductions not to just  one  literary agency or  one  publisher, but a range of the very best. Our online writing course s are highly regarded by world-class literary agencies. Leading literary agents look forward to receiving engaging and interesting stories from our fiction writers in recognition of the exceptional standards of our writing course graduates.

Our  literary agencies  in New York and London represent bestselling and award-winning authors like Philip Pullman, Michael Ondaatje, Marilynne Robinson, Madeleine Miller, Celeste Ng, Richard Osman, Paula Hawkins, Liane Moriarty, Tess Gerritsen, Andrew Sean Greer and many more famous authors.

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“From the initial idea for my novel to the point of getting agent representation, The Novelry were on hand with support and advice. The dream was always to get an agent and so to receive interest from several was mind-blowing – to have Madeleine Milburn within that list was more than I could have hoped for. I’m thrilled!”

—Carla Jenkins

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These are the online creative writing courses brought to you by writers. Many of our editors are also published authors.  Our team have written and published many books, edited hundreds of bestsellers and worked with all the major publishers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Between us, we have been nominated for major literary accolades and awards. Our writing has featured in hundreds of online publications and been reviewed by the most prestigious newspapers. Our books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists and have been selected by famous reading groups like The Richard and Judy Book Club and Oprah’s Book Club.

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Our collaborative working process ensures each and every writer gets broad-based advice from authors and editors of diverse backgrounds with experience in all genres of fiction. Unlike other courses , we won’t ‘workshop’ your novel or offer it up for peer-group critique at first draft. We keep you and your story safe during development. We know how precious and vulnerable a story is in its early stages. Our positive coaching method keeps writers writing in the direction of what ’ s great about their story and we carefully consider how to help writers deliver their story to its full potential.

We meet weekly to discuss our writers’ stories. We don’t leave your success to chance.

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We love good writing. We get a kick out of each and every Cinderella story when it comes to our writers’ success stories. But we make sure to celebrate each and every milestone you achieve.

There’s so much joy at The Novelry. Beyond the weekly writing classes and exciting online events, we hold annual parties in the UK and the USA for our fiction writers to meet up and raise a glass to each other. We’re behind each and every one of you, and will help you promote your writing, getting behind you and your book launch as a community on social media with shares, tweets, re-tweets, posts and announcements. Your good news is great news to us. Welcome home writers.

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You can book a 15-minute chat with us to talk about which course might be right for you using the chat button at the top of every page.

For those keen to completely refresh their writing life or write fiction with a view to becoming a published author, we recommend our most popular program  The Finished Novel Course . You can take our three-stage program at your own pace over one or two years. Sign up while places remain.  

‘From the initial idea for my novel to the point of getting agent representation, The Novelry were on hand with support and advice. The dream was always to get an agent and so to receive interest from several was mind-blowing – to have Madeleine Milburn within that list was more than I could have hoped for. I’m thrilled!’

—Carla Jenkins secured a two-book publishing contract with Trapeze, an imprint of major publishing house, Orion.

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Upcoming Online Novel Writing Courses

January courses, writing cross genre, with nicole hardy.

On March 9th at 10 AM, Writers.com instructor Nicole Hardy will lead a workshop on writing cross genre at independent publisher Chin Music Press. Using Chin Music Press’s title, A Commonplace Book Of Pie by Kate Lebo, Nicole will demonstrate how poets can write nonfiction, novelists can tackle screenplays, graphic novelist can compose short stories, or any combination of writing in a…

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Poetry , Short Story , Stage and Broadcast

March Courses

Crafting the poetry novel for young adults, with kelly bingham.

Only 3 seats left!

Even if you’ve never written poetry before, you can begin the rewarding process of crafting a poetry novel for Young Adults. Is there a market for novels written in verse? Are they well received? Yes, there is, and yes, they are!

Fiction , Novel , Poetry

Discover Your Writing Niche

With gloria kempton.

Fiction or nonfiction? Article, short story, or how-to book? Do you want to write for children, teens, adults? There is a type of writing that is best suited for you, and the discovery process can be an adventure.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Short Story

Let It Rip: The Art of Writing Fiery Prose

With giulietta nardone.

You'll write prose that gets folks so hot and bothered they won't be able to put it down, even if it isn't about sex.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Short Story

Write Your Picture Book!

Picture books have changed greatly over the last few decades, and the market is wide open for fresh ideas. Join us in this six-week intensive where we’ll take that idea of yours and turn it into a manuscript!

Fiction , Novel , Short Story

How to Firm Up the “Mushy Middle” of Any Story

With jeff lyons.

Ensure a strong middle throughline for any story. Say goodbye to the "mushy middle," and hello to stories that work.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Memoir , Novel , Short Story , Stage and Broadcast

April Courses

The next fifty pages of the novel, with sandra novack.

So now that you have your opening novel pages, what next? Get detailed, constructive feedback on your work-in-progress, wherever you're at in writing it.

Fiction , Novel

Untie the Tropes: Write In-Depth YA Protagonists

With elisa bonnin.

Do you want to write YA, but you're terrified of teenagers? Learn how to write authentic teen characters without tropes in this generative YA course.

Writing with Consistency and Courage

With tamara dean.

What makes a successful writer? It's not talent, craft, or even the right connections—it's consistency and courage.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Live Workshop , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Poetry , Short Story

Getting Started Marketing Your Work

Solve the mystery of marketing and get your work out there in front of readers in this 4-week online class taught by Instructor Gloria Kempton.

A Writerly Life: Develop a Writing Routine that Works for You

With shelby hinte.

What does a writer's life look like? Build a productive writing habit in this course for writers of all backgrounds.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Poetry , Short Story

May Courses

The hero’s journey for storytellers.

Structure your story and give it meaning with Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Memoir , Novel

Anatomy of a Premise Line: How to Use Story and Premise Development for Writing Success

The premise line is the only reliable tool that can tell you, BEFORE you start writing, whether or not your story will “work.” In this class participants will learn how to master the process of premise line development—the essential first step in any book or screenplay’s development process.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Memoir , Novel , Stage and Broadcast

July Courses

Starting to write.

For those who want to kick start their writing into high gear.

Unscheduled Courses

These online writing classes don’t currently have a next session on our calendar, but will soon. If you see a course you’re interested in, use the “I’m Interested” button to let us know, and we’ll follow up with you when the course is on our calendar next.

Want to reach us or our instructors with questions about our online writing courses? Contact us at [email protected] , or visit the contact form .

(Live Workshop) Get Clear on Your Story and Voice

With nadia colburn.

What is your story about? What is your voice? Whether you write poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, hone your writing in this 3 hour workshop.

(Live Workshop) Revising the Novel: Take Your First Draft to the Next Level

With donna levin.

Ready to start revising your novel? Get rolling in this in-depth webinar.

Fiction , Live Workshop , Novel

(Live Workshop) Writing Beginnings and Endings

With sarah aronson.

How do you write a story that's compelling to start and satisfying to finish? Sarah Aronson explains in this comprehensive one-day workshop.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Live Workshop , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Short Story

(Live Workshop) Writing from a Strong Sense of Place: A Generative Workshop

With jacquelyn stolos.

Develop powerful and realistic settings in this generative three-hour workshop, with Jacquelyn Stolos.

Fiction , Live Workshop , Novel , Short Story , Stage and Broadcast

*Private Class | Create Story Characters Using the Enneagram

In-depth character development using an ancient personality study of human motivation--the Enneagram.

Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Novel , Short Story

*Private Class | Shadow Writing

Your unconscious can drive your writing or block it. Gloria Kempton will guide you in coaxing your shadow out of hiding.

Creative Nonfiction , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Short Story

*Private Class | The Anti-Hero’s Journey for Storytellers

Throughout her writing career, Gloria Kempton has met many anti-heroes. In this course, you’ll receive feedback on your story antagonists.

Accessing Your Writer’s Voice

Voice: What is it and how do you find yours? Instructor Gloria Kempton offers feedback on assignments in this 3-week online class.

Beyond Formula: Writing Love Scenes With Spirit, Passion, Grit And Character Truth

With anya achtenberg.

Write about love beyond trite sentiment and shallow fictions. Work down to the real thing: deep, powerful, destructive, exalted, fundamental.

Fiction , Novel , Short Story , Stage and Broadcast

Block Buster: Turbocharge Your Creativity with Breakneck Writing

With gretchen clark.

Banish writer's block, unearth fresh ideas, and sharpen your storytelling ability with the practice of fast, timed writing.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Short Story , Stage and Broadcast

Boost Your Imagination and Reap the Literary Rewards

It happens to all of us: life gets in the way and our creativity falters. Get back on track with this four-week creativity boosting class!

Character Transformation Workshop: How to Write Stories that Emotionally Resonate

Learn how to write emotionally resonant journeys that stick with the reader, using the power of character transformation.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Memoir , Novel , Short Story , Stage and Broadcast

Crafting a Story or Novel Chapter Using Forward-Moving Tension

How do writers tell stories with tension, action, and emotion? Learn how to write forward-moving tension in this 5 week fiction course.

Crafting the Poetry Novel: Advanced Workshop

Want to make headway on your poetry novel? This workshop offers the structure and resources to get it done, with instructor Kelly Bingham.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Memoir , Novel , Poetry

Crafting the Romance Novel

With jeanne de vita.

More than happily ever after. Writing a romance novel is about more than just telling the story of how two characters meet, fall in love, and ride off into the sunset of happily ever after. A romance novel follows the same structure as powerful novels in other genres and employs the building blocks of great…

De Novo: How to Build Your Own Fantasy or Sci-Fi World

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Get That Novel Finished! Tools and Inspiration to Complete Your First Draft

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Get Your Book Done Intensive! 4 Weeks to Measurable Progress

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Introduction to Writing Genre Fiction

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Kickstart Your Novel

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Make Your Prose Sing

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Manuscript Review for Children’s Writers: Summer Edition

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Writing Tips Oasis

13 of the Best Online Novel Writing Courses

By Madalina Olteanu

If you’re looking for a list of the best online novel writing courses, the following compilation has been put together especially for you.

1. Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing

Founded in 2015, MasterClass is a platform which encompasses online courses in a wide range of fields, from writing to culinary arts. These courses are available at any given time for every person who wants to learn using this method. As the MasterClass community is inclusive, they invite all individuals with disabilities to reach them, so that they can figure out ways of accommodating them better.

In terms of writing, MasterClass provides courses taught by several public figures – for instance, if you’re a fan of The Handmaid’s Tales, you can apply for Margaret Atwood’s online series of creative writing lessons. Point of View Case Studies and Structuring your Novel: Layered Narratives and Other Variations are just two of the titles you will find in her list of videos. At the same time, you can opt for writing courses from Dan Brown, Neil Gaiman, or even Joyce Carol Oates.

Two passes with access to all classes cost $208. To find out more, you can contact them here .

2. Write a Bestselling Novel in 15 Steps (Writing Mastery)

This course is taught by Jessica Brody, an award-winning writing instructor and a bestselling author who has published her novels in more than 23 countries. Furthermore, she has collaborated several times with Disney Press in order to develop and write novels based on well-known Disney properties.

In short, this course will allow you to learn how to plot a novel in 15 steps, to understand what makes a novel successful, to determine the weak points of your manuscript, to discover the secret storytelling code present in every great story, and to obtain a deeper understanding of story and plot structure, among others.

The full price is €99.99, but it may change during periods when discounts are applied – for instance, it is now available for €18.99. It includes 3 hours and a half of on-demand videos, 2 articles, 6 downloadable resources, unlimited access for life, and a few more. There is no date displayed, so it’s safe to assume that you can take this course whenever you want to on the Udemy platform. You can learn more here .

3. Novel Writing Workshop

Taught by Steve Alcorn, this Novel Writing Workshop is also available on Udemy. If you choose to complete it, you will learn how to turn your idea into a novel, to create a successful premise, to construct your novel in three acts, to explore viewpoint, voice, and tense, and to discover dramatic elements, among many others.

It doesn’t matter if you’re only an aspiring writer or if you’re already experienced in the field – as long as you want to improve your skills, this workshop is for you. It will cover a broad range of topics, which includes character building, setting, conflict, mystery, suspense, and dialogue.

With 10 hours of on-demand videos, 48 downloadable resources, and a few other others, this course has a full price of €194.99. However, if you hurry, you may still be able to purchase it at €19.99. To learn more, click here .

4. Write a Novel Outline from Scratch (Novel Writing Success)

This course will be led by Andrew Butcher, a writer whose books have often been ranked as #1 on both Amazon and other online eBook stores. Also available on Udemy, the workshop already has more than 5750 enrolled students so far.

In terms of benefits, it will help you learn how to weave plot lines, to create complex characters, to write an entire novel from scratch, to create vivid story locations, and to write your draft faster, among many others. Your level of experience in the writing field is irrelevant, as this course is meant to improve your skills regardless.

The full price is €19.99, and you have a 30-day guarantee that you will get your money back if it doesn’t satisfy you. If you choose to enroll, you will get 2 hours and a half of on-demand videos, 1 hour and a half of on-demand audio, 37 downloadable resources, and a few more. To learn more, you can search for information here .

5. The Complete Novel

Brought to you by The Novelry, this course is led by Louise Dean, an award-winning and Booker Prize longlisted author of four novels. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she will teach you everything you need to know in order to manage writing a successful novel.

Her lessons are provided via text and video, and they will help you learn about essential writing habits, about constructing strong characters, and about ways to unleash your imagination, to name a few. Lastly, you will also receive feedback regarding your first draft from the other writers, as you will become a part of a community which provides online support 24/7.

You can start this course anytime for the price of $499/£399 – this involves downloads, plotting spreadsheets, texts, materials, and more. For an extra £14.99 you can also obtain membership, and for £75/45 minutes you can speak directly with Louise. If you have any questions, you can further inquire here .

6. 6-Week Online Novel Workshop: A Path to Publishing

This 6-week course is taught online by Jana Casale, a writer who has a BFA in Fiction from Emerson College, as well as an MSt in Creative Writing from Oxford. The classes are programmed during May 5 – June 9, and they’re going to be held every Tuesday, between 8-10 p.m. ET/5-7 p.m. PT. Each class involves 8 students at most.

The main focus of the course will be writing, and each participant will have to bring two beginning chapters of their novel, so that they can receive feedback from their colleagues. In terms of advantages, you will leave this course with an understanding of both the process of selling a novel and of the concept of a long narrative, with strong first pages (or even chapters), and with a 10% discount on all future Catapult classes, among others.

The price required is $395. To ask any questions, click here .

7. The Online Novel Generator: Twelve Weeks to a Full Draft

Also provided through the Catapult online platform, this course’s instructor is Jennifer Close, a bestselling author and a graduate of Boston College. Even more, Jennifer also has an MFA in Fiction Writing from the New School, and has gained 8 years of experience in teaching Creative Writing at George Washington University.

Her sessions will take place every Wednesday between May 6 – July 22, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET/from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. PT. It will involve the understanding of the mechanics which are used to write a novel, as well as single writer workshops. If you want to sign up, you can only do so as long as you already have a few pages of work-in-progress available for submission (genres and writing styles don’t matter).

The price for this course is $1,199 – to find out more, try to reach the Catapult team here .

8. Novel First Draft | Level II

A 10-week class provided by the Gotham Writers, Part 1 of Novel First Draft is held through Zoom conference on April 15, as well as online on April 22 and May 13. As of the latter, the instructor will be Katherine Taylor, the author of two novels and the holder of a MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.

The aim of the workshop is that of powering through the first draft of your novel by learning about successful techniques of novel writing. Even more, you will also gain information about how to market your work.

The full price for the online class is $409 ($379 for returning students). The registration fee is $25, and you have to pay it once per term. If you have any questions, you can further inquire here .

9. Writing a Novel (Online)

Provided by Faber Academy, Writing a Novel is an advanced course of fiction which is going to take place between September 23, 2020 and April 29, 2021.

It is divided into 13 sessions which require 5-7 hours of weekly study in order to be able to complete the tasks and to make progress on your novel. Some of the topics you will discuss are voice, viewpoint, structure, character, description, using scenes, revising, editing , and the publishing process. The tutor will provide each participant with one-on-one feedback, audio notes, recordable Zoom tutorials, and more.

Since the deadline for applications is on 19 August at midnight, you still have plenty of time to make a decision. The full price of the course is £2,500. To learn more, you can contact the team here .

10. Advanced Novel Writing

Advanced Novel Writing is a workshop provided by Writer’s Digest University. It includes five three-week sessions, and for each of them you will have to submit 10,000 words for review – the first ones are due 10 days after the class begins. Your instructor will be either Mark Spencer or Terri Valentine, depending on the period you choose.

Mainly, you will learn how to write 200 pages of your novel, to properly make the revisions needed before publication, and you will find out useful tips on writing and improving your work. Even more, your writings will be critiqued and you will receive valuable feedback from the instructor as well.

This course is ideal for people who have already started working on their projects, whether they’re novelists, writers who wish to make progress towards publication, or students. There are three different periods for which you can enroll: the first one starts on April 23, the second one starts on May 21, and the third one, on June 18. The full price is $799.99 – to learn more, you can contact them using the information displayed here .

11. Build Your Novel Scene by Scene

Led by Mark Spencer, this workshop is also provided by the Writer’s Digest University. It consists of twelve sessions which will unfold between April 30 and July 24, between May 28 and August 21, or between June 25 and September 18, depending on which period you prefer.

To name a few examples, the second session will involve the fundamentals of scene writing, determining your novel’s perspective, and developing your characters, while session nine will consist of the importance and function of the climax scene, raising the stakes for your protagonist, and of tips and tricks for writing your climax scene. You will learn how to develop and improve your ideas, as well as useful techniques for outlining your novel, among others. Therefore, this course is appropriate for people who want to write a novel, but who aren’t prepared to do it yet.

In terms of costs, you will have to pay $599.99 to enroll. To find out more, you can contact the team here .

12. Starting to Write Your Novel

Held between May 14 and June 25, Starting to Write Your Novel is an online workshop provided by Curtis Brown Creative and conducted by Anna Davis, the author of five successful novels, as well as a former teacher of Creative Writing at the University of Manchester.

If you want to start writing a novel, but you’re not sure how to do it yet, this course will allow you to gain practical support with the basics. In short, it involves weekly teaching modules, resources and notes, dedicated teaching videos, writing tasks, and a student forum where you can receive feedback from both your peers and an expert CBC editor.

The full price for the course is £225, but you can also pay an extra £125 for a 500-word report on the quality of your work. If the description doesn’t include information you would like to know, you can ask them about it here .

13. Write Your Book: Start Strong and Get It Done

Taught by Jennie Nash, this course is provided through the CreativeLive platform to writers who either can’t manage to start their novel, or who can’t find a proper end for it.

As the founder of Author Accelerator, which is a strategic book coaching service, she is able to help you make use of your creativity in a way that will allow you to create a strong framework. In short, you will learn how to define your narrator’s voice, to design your characters, plot, and story structure, to decide on your perspective regarding human nature, and a few more. With 21 video lessons in HD, over 5 hours of class content, exclusive bonus content, and lifetime access, you will gain both the skills and the confidence to finish your novel successfully.

The full price is $99, but, if you hurry, you may be able to get it for $59. To find out more, contact the CreativeLive team here .

I am a content writer from Romania. My projects involve non-fiction writing, academic writing, product reviews, as well as technical writing. Although I have a personal preference for articles regarding social issues and human rights, I can provide content on any other topic.

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Write Your First Novel

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About this Course

WRITE YOUR FIRST NOVEL

From Inc.com - The 30 Most Popular Online Courses of 2020 "Write Your First Novel" made the list at #15 https://lnkd.in/gZqscmn If you’ve ever had the dream, the desire or even just a vague notion that you would like to write a novel, this course is for you. Whether you are a full-time student, have a full-time job, a family to take care of or all of the above, you can do it. Really! And I will help you get there. In this Course, you will write your first novel. Many people say they have often thought about writing a novel and are planning to do it someday, but very few ever actually do. However, in this course, you will do it. You will learn how to form a basic idea, any idea, into a structure and discipline that will allow you to create, write and complete a fully-realized novel ready to submit for publication. If you have any concerns regarding the protection of your original work, Coursera's privacy policy protects the learner's IP and you are indeed the sole owners of your work. Here is a link to a trailer for the course. To view the trailer, please copy and paste the link into your browser. https://vimeo.com/385761391/c5e7f873cf Learner review: "It was a great experience, I really enjoyed it." In Write Your First Novel, you’ll learn to break down your creative endeavor into components and you’ll discover a process that will allow you to do what few have done: produce and complete a full-length work of fiction in the form of a 50,000-word novel. Learner Review: "You teach storytelling like no other teacher. I cannot put in words how much I appreciate it. This daily writing, and the product that comes with it, have been a great mental support during the pandemic time. Art is a support for life, as Stephen King said, and thanks to you I experienced it first-hand during this time. I think I will keep writing 500 words per night for the rest of my life. I owe it to you. You taught me how to write a novel, and it works every time. Huge thanks, and wishing you all the best." I am a proponent of experiential learning (also known as active learning). My lectures are short and to the point, designed in a step-by-step process essential to your success as a writer. I will guide you, I will show you how to get there, hopefully I will inspire you. You will learn through your own activity - which is writing! I firmly believe that the only way to become a writer is to write, write, write! Learner review: "As a published author, I took this course to relearn the skills. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every lecture and quiz. This course was very, very helpful and the videos were very well executed. Cheers!" Writing fiction is a truly beautiful thing. Putting your own words on a page to tell a story which enters your readers minds and allows them to share the thoughts, emotions and lives of your characters is a very satisfying, rewarding experience. Learner review: "BEST TEACHER EVER! LOVE THE COURSE."

No experience necessary, just a passionate desire to write a novel.

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

What you will learn

You will learn how to write and complete a full-length novel of 50,000 words. You will have a finished manuscript in hand at the end of the course.

Skills you will gain

• Creative Writing
• Novel Writing
• Story Telling

David Wheeler

Michigan State University

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.

One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week one: creating the idea for your novel.

In Week One you will create a concept for your original novel, your own Intellectual Property (IP). You will write up a pitch document, post it and review the pitches of five of your peers. You will also create a Logline and a Dramatic Question for your novel, post those documents, review the work of five of your peers and revise your own work with the feedback you get from your peers

Week Two: Create your character profiles and outline Chapter One

In Week Two you will create profiles for your major characters and write up an outline for the first chapter of your novel.

Week Three: Write Chapter One

In Week Three you will begin writing your novel.

Week Four: Write Chapter Two

In Week Four you will write the second chapter of your novel.

Week Five: Write Chapter Three

In Week Five you will write the third chapter of your novel.

Week Six: Write Chapter Four

In Week six you will write the fourth chapter of your novel.

Week Seven: Write Chapter Five

In Week Seven you will write the fifth chapter of your novel.

Week Eight: Write Chapter Six

In Week Eight you will write the sixth chapter of your novel.

Week Nine: Write Chapter Seven

In Week Nine you will write the seventh chapter of your novel.

Week Ten: Table Read Chapters One to Seven

In Week Ten, you have the week off from writing. This week, you will get together with a few friends and read Act One, the first seven chapters of your novel,

Week Eleven: Write Chapter Eight

In Week Eleven you will write the eighth chapter of your novel.

Week Twelve: Write Chapter Nine

In Week Twelve you will write the ninth chapter of your novel.

Week Thirteen: Write Chapter Ten

In Week Thirteen you will write the tenth chapter of your novel.

Week Fourteen: Write Chapter Eleven

In Week Fourteen you will write the eleventh chapter of your novel.

Week Fifteen: Write Chapter Twelve

In Week Fifteen you will write the twelfth chapter of your novel.

Week Sixteen: Write Chapter Thirteen

In Week Sixteen you will write the thirteenth chapter of your novel.

Week Seventeen: Write Chapter Fourteen

In Week Seventeen you will write the fourteenth chapter of your novel.

Week Eighteen: Table Read Chapters Eight to Fourteen

In Week Eighteen, you have another week off from writing. This week, you will again get together with a few friends and read chapters Eight through Fourteen, Act Two of your novel.

Week Nineteen: Write Chapter Fifteen

In Week Nineteen you will begin the final Act of Your Novel

Week Twenty: Write Chapter Sixteen

In Week Twenty you will write the sixteenth chapter of your novel.

Week Twenty-One: Write Chapter Seventeen

In Week Twenty-One you will write the seventeenth chapter of your novel.

Week Twenty-Two: Write Chapter Eighteen

In Week Twenty-Two you will write the eighteenth chapter of your novel.

Week Twenty-Three: Write Chapter Nineteen

In Week Twenty-Three you will write the nineteenth chapter of your novel.

Week Twenty-Four: Write Chapter Twenty

In Week Twenty-Four you will write the final chapter of your novel.

Week Twenty-Five: Table Read Chapters Fifteen to Twenty

In Week Twenty-Five you will take another week off from writing and table read the final act of your novel.

Week Twenty-Six: Submit Your Finished Novel

In Week-Twenty Six you will submit your completed, polished novel. You will also write a prologue for your novel and a synopsis to submit to agents.

• 5 stars 65.86%
• 4 stars 14.85%
• 3 stars 6.02%
• 2 stars 3.61%
• 1 star 9.63%

TOP REVIEWS FROM WRITE YOUR FIRST NOVEL

Self discipline was of course a necessity, but I was given the tools I needed to write a full-length, 50,000-word novel. Thank you, Professor Wheeler!

I have learned a lot from this course. This course has proved to be very useful for us.

This course has helped me complete my novel. I am very thankful to David Wheeler for guiding me through it and each and every person that has read and gave feed back. I hope you all are successful.

I loved this course. It helped me write a wonderful novel titled King Aiko The Japanese - the first and last king in Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.

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The Writing Cooperative

Mar 9, 2020

Member-only

Book Business

5 online reputable writing workshops, renowned teachers with hundreds of classes to choose from.

The demand for good writers is growing nearly as fast (or faster) than some engineering jobs. In the next ten years, content writing jobs will grow 11 percent and technical writing jobs will grow 8 percent .

The need for creative writing is also on the rise — millennials out-read older generations . And thanks to streaming, original and scripted TV show airing has doubled since 2010.

To take advantage of this massive job growth and succeed as a creative, you must master your craft. To master your craft, you must invest in your craft. Invest time, energy, focus, and if you can — money.

When I decided to attend writing workshops, I learned quickly that not all workshops are of great quality. In a workshop, high-quality feedback and instruction are essential. If it’s not quality, you cannot improve your writing chops as quickly.

So, I’m sharing this list of reputable, quality workshops that you can attend online. I’ve attended some, and for the ones I haven’t attended, I spoke to (or found testimonials from) excellent writers that can verify program reputations. This list includes a range of prices, from free to nearly $1,000.

I have no affiliation with these workshops (except as a paying student).

1. Gotham Writers Workshops

Gotham Writers Workshops are famous in New York for excellent quality. Many instructors have MFAs and published work. You can take classes in-person in New York, but Gotham offers many classes online. I learned about Gotham through a Penguin/Random House author and friend .

What you can study : Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more

Price : $400–600

2. Masterclass

I signed up for Masterclass solely to take The Art of the Short Story with Joyce Carol Oates . There were lessons on character, structure, and Oates critiques two short stories. I also took Malcolm Gladwell’s course on non-fiction. Both courses were of excellent quality. With a yearly subscription, you can take all the writing classes which feature many famous, well-respected writers. The only con of Masterclass is that you cannot get feedback from the instructor.

What you can study : Short stories, fiction, screenwriting, comedy, and more

Price : $15/month, billed annually

3. NYU Professional Pathways

I’m currently taking an advanced fiction workshop in NYU’s Professional Pathways program. The quality of both instructor and student feedback is incredible and the workshop is modeled after a typical MFA workshop. Many (if not all) instructors are professors in MFA programs. Many of these courses are available online.

What you can study : Fiction, poetry, journalism, screenwriting, and more

Price : $400–700

4. UCLA Extension

A friend, and a retired journalist of 20 years, recommended UCLA Extension to me. He spoke to the quality of not only the program’s instructors but also the students admitted. Many of their workshops are available online. Note that it’s helpful to select “show only available courses” when browsing (see top-right corner below).

They’ve got several programs that vary in price, or you can check out their YouTube channel — full of professional (and free!) writing tips.

What you can study : Fiction, non-fiction, YA fiction, poetry, and more

Price : $575–700, or the free YouTube channel above

5. Scribophile

Scibophile is an online writing community where you can get detailed critiques of your work and give detailed critiques. I’m just starting with Scribophile, but I plan to use it for beta readers and feedback on my short stories. If you visit the site, they have testimonials from successful, published authors (see below).

What you can study : So far, it seems more like a community for beta readers and excellent critique than for genre-specific courses (but I’ll add to this as I learn more).

Price : Free subscription, $9/month premium subscription, $65/year premium subscription

Invest in your craft

When you invest in your craft, you invest in yourself. The best thing I’ve done for my career as a writer is: Learn about writing from quality sources. And remember — these investments don’t just improve your craft, they strengthen your professional contacts and connections.

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