Join my online classroom in January 2025 and start writing a novel over five weekly sessions. These live, interactive online classes will introduce you to the art of novel writing, and allow you to learn the skills necessary to imagine, plan, begin and sustain your novel.
The course is taught by me, Helen Cross, an award-winning novelist, short story writer and audio dramatist (www.helencross.net). I have written four novels including My Summer of Love which became a BAFTA Award-winning film staring Emily Blunt and Spilt Milk Black Coffee, also optioned for movie development.
Course Content:
On this course we will look at how novels work, consider how to structure the arc of a novel-length story, learn how to sustain tension in plot, how to build convincing characters with deep engaging motivations, and explore how to write convincing dialogue. We will also consider how the publishing industry works and share how to engage with literary and movie agents to market and sell your novel.
Each week we will consider a different aspect of novel writing and there will be set homework to push you forward before the next class. Students with be encouraged to share their work with the group.
Prior to the class you will be sent a Reading List of novels to inspire and educate you about the form. We will discuss and learn from these novels in the class.
This is a good course for those who have not yet written a novel and would like to master the foundation skills of novel writing to begin their story. No prior writing experience or knowledge of creative writing is necessary for this course.
I am also running a more advanced novel writing course, which may be more suitable for you if you have already written a novel, or have completed an MA in Creative Writing. This course is called MAKE YOUR NOVEL GREAT IN FIVE WEEKS and will also run in January/February 2025.
Feedback from 2023/4 podcast writing course participants:
‘I really enjoyed your input and exercises, and I greatly appreciated your enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge.’ Participant on the February 2024 course
‘I loved every minute of our course.’ Participant on the February 2024 course
‘Thank you for running the sessions, I feel like it’s reignited the writer in me.’ Participant on the February 2024 course.
‘Straight, insightful, practical guidance.’ Participant on the February 2024 course.
‘It was terrific the way it was all broken down with homework and worksheets added.’ Participant on the February 2022 course
‘Excellent throughout.’ Participant on the February 2022 course
’I enjoyed hearing about Helen’s practical advice, and the week on structure was excellent.’ Participant on the February 2022 course .