HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL

Dr Jo-Anne Richards, novelist and writing trainer

This course will introduce participants to the fundamental principles of writing fiction, from conception to execution . It will allow them to discover the process of creative fiction and how it works best . It would suit would- be and novice writers as well as more experienced practitioners hoping to be reminded of the basics, or who need a prompt to creativity . Each session will be run as a workshop-lecture, with discussion, advice and time given for writing . Feedback will be given to as many as time permits; by the end of the course every person will have received feedback . The course will cover the elements of story and how to develop a compelling narrative and characters, immersing the reader in dramatic scenes, using point of view to create a strong voice for character, and detail to make the prose exceptional.

SESSION TITLES

1.  The power of want: identify the hunger which underlies all story

2. The forces of antagonism: build literary conflict to keep us reading

3. A cascade of story: create immersive and dramatic scenes

4. A voice to draw us in: use point of view to bring readers and characters together

5. All about the detail: add vivid detail to take your writing above the ordinary