The Writing a Novel course has been an excellent experience — not only fostering professional development, but also expanding my writing community.
The lessons have a strong focus on elevating craft through writing exercises and discussion of readings, supplemented by consistent, meaningful feedback from peers and mentors. As a writer who has typically worked in short fiction and poetry, the expansive scope of a novel was simultaneously exciting and intimidating. The lessons have sharpened my skills to a point where I feel comfortable working in the form.
Conversations on writing practice have also been incredibly helpful. Tutors and guests have shared indispensable advice on how to carve out time for our novels, as most participants have commitments that make it difficult to prioritise writing. This has given me the clarity to spend as much time as I can with the novel, allowing me to finish a full draft and work towards editing.
Moreover, writing a first novel can be a vulnerable experience , leaving writers filled with self-doubt and worry. Sharing a process that is often so solitary and interior with a group has allowed friendship and connection to blossom. I am fascinated by everyone’s novels-in-progress and I am excited to see where this journey takes us beyond the course.
2024 Scholarship applications are now open for Writing a Novel courses commencing midyear in Sydney, Melbourne and Online, as well as for the new intensive program Writing the Speculative Fiction Novel.