Take your novel from concept to completion with this exclusive series of non-credit online courses! Designed by award-wining professors Annabel Lyon and Nancy Lee from UBC’s School of Creative Writing, these courses provide you with the essential skills and confidence to bring your story to life.
Open to anyone, these three courses focus on the craft of novel writing, equipping you with the tools to turn your idea into a polished, finished book.
Format: Online, asynchronous, non-credit.
Audience: Open to anyone.
Duration: Six weeks each, 4-6 hours per week.
Cost: $419 CAD / $299 USD (approx.) per course.
Course 1: Structure & Outline
Learn the fundamentals of story structure complete a detailed, scene-by-scene outline of your novel idea.
Outlining is a crucial step in the novel writing process. It fuels creativity and prepares the writer to stay on track and avoid common pitfalls.
Through hands-on weekly exercises with a focus on craft and process, as well as insights from the real-world practices of accomplished authors, this course explores the core elements of fiction writing necessary to build an outline. You will learn the fundamentals of character development, world-building and the basics of storytelling architecture. You’ll work intensively on your own creative project and hone your outline through targeted assignments and discussion with fellow writers.
This course was entirely successful in getting me to develop my ideas into a full scene-by-scene outline which I am now using to write the first draft of a novel. I am particularly thankful for the instruction on structure, detailing of major turning points in a classic three-act plot, and advice on creating and sticking to a writing plan.
Course 2: Writing the Draft
Move from outline to draft writing with crucial craft lessons on scene design, dialogue, character development and plot.
The essential fiction craft toolbox for writers struggling with the common hurdles of first drafts.
You will develop essential storytelling skills through engaging writing exercises, concrete examples from published novels, and insightful discussions with fellow writers. Strengthen your craft by creating memorable characters, designing compelling scenes, managing complex plots, and writing rich, layered dialogue.
This course offers an exclusive opportunity to learn from award-winning authors, whether you are beginning your novel draft or nearing the end. Gain insider knowledge, proven techniques, and expert guidance to elevate your writing and bring your story to life.
My writing has been jump-started by this course. I was worried about being able to bring my story to fruition, and now I know why! With the tools provided, and Nancy and Annabel’s gentle exploration of various pitfalls, together with humor and insight, I now have the means to finish my novel.
Course 3: Edit & Revise
Discover story analysis strategies and rewriting tools. Develop a concrete plan for creating a more accomplished draft and explore what it takes to attract agents, editors and readers.
Experienced writers understand that novels improve incrementally with each draft. This course teaches the skills of revision and the attention to detail it takes to make a good story great.
Explore the editorial process from macro to micro. Refine critical skills and craft a personalized rewriting plan through an in-depth exploration of a novel’s three essential journeys—internal, external, and aesthetic—down to precise prose choices.
Through self-evaluation and meaningful discussions with fellow writers, you will build an autonomous writing practice and discover a community of peers familiar with the challenges and aspirations of novel writing.