online
online

Writing a Novel Online

w/ Pip Smith

For emerging novelists ready to dive in and make the commitment to complete a full manuscript, this rigorous course will guide you through the process of planning and beginning your novel, developing essential skills in writing and composition, as well as establishing a dedicated writing practice.

2 March – 28 September 2023

 $5,725 / $4,866.25 alumni

 


This is a past course.

Using a proven combination of targeted writing exercises, group discussions and carefully selected examples, the focus of this course will be on your own work, with the aim of ending the course with a substantial body of new writing, heading towards a complete first draft of your novel.

In the second half of the program you will continue to develop craft and technical skills required to turn a rough draft into a work of art. Using exercises focused on your own work, you’ll finish the course with a deep understanding of the novelist’s craft and how it applies to your own novel. These are lessons you can carry with you throughout your writing life.

Presented by Australia’s leading independent publishing house, Writing a Novel: Online is a targeted program specifically designed to help you find the focus you need to stay the distance and finish your manuscript draft throughout the year. During this time, your Course Director will provide you with:

Regular online classes covering everything from the first conception of an idea through to getting words on a page, narrative structure and style.

• Dedicated guidance from your experienced Course Director, as well as industry guests.

Personalised individual consultation on your project from your Course Director.

Support to progress your novel through classroom learning and close reading exercises. Outside of your workshops, you will be encouraged to devote as much time as possible between classes to writing.

• The ability to connect with fellow committed novelists, building a close-knit community of trusted readers.

• The opportunity to establish valuable industry connections with key insiders from the Australian publishing. There is no better way to get on the road to publication than to meet the people who know how to make that happen.

In addition to dedicated course work, students who complete Writing a Novel will be invited submit to the Faber Writing Anthology, a professionally edited and printed showcase of student work, sent out to leading literary agents and publishers in both Australia and the United Kingdom. During the course, you will meet with the literary editor who works on the anthology and have the chance to see an extract of your novel professionally edited.


Writers you'll be working with:

Pip Smith

Pip Smith is a writer of poetry, fiction, literary criticism and punk songs. She was named an SMH Best Young Novelist of 2018 for her debut novel, Half Wild, which was shortlisted for the 2018 Voss Literary award, the Davitt Award, and longlisted for an ABIA Best Debut Fiction award. Her first collection of poetry, Too Close…

Course outline

The course consists of 22 x online evening sessions (Thursday 7pm – 9pm AEDT) + 6 x half-day sessions (Saturdays 1.00pm to 4.00pm) + two additional evening sessions dedicated to the Faber Writing Anthology.

Session 1: Thursday 2 March
Introduction

Session 2: Thursday 9 March
The workshop process

Session 3: Thursday 16 March
Beginnings

Session 4: Saturday 18 March
Voice

Session 5: Thursday 23 March
Point of View

Session 6: Thursday 30 March
Tense

Session 7: Saturday 1 April
Guest author and introduction to dialogue

Session 8: Thursday 6 April
Dialogue – tension and subtext

COURSE BREAK

Session 9: Thursday 27 April
Dialogue exercises

Session 10: Thursday 4 May
Introspection

Session 11: Saturday 6 May
Place and setting

Session 12: Thursday 11 May
Introduction to character

Session 13: Thursday 18 May
Author guest and more on character

Session 14: Thursday 25 May
Establishing your writing practise

COURSE BREAK

Session 15: Thursday 20 July
Project check in and writing exercises

Session 16: Thursday 27 July
Pace

Session 17: Thursday 3 August
Introduction to plot and structure

Session 18: Saturday 5 August
Pattern and design in narrative

Session 19: Thursday 10 August
Backstory, time shifts and narrative time

Session 20: Thursday 17 August
Research, ethics and appropriation

Session 21: Saturday 19 August
Editing your work & guest editor

Session 22: Thursday 24 August
Editing processes & modelling exercise

Session 23: Thursday 31 August
Synopsis, blurbs & pitches

Session 24: Saturday 2 September
Reading your work – voice coach

Session 25: Thursday 7 September
Titles and covers

Session 26: Thursday 14 September
A&U editor guest – anthology Q&A

Session 27: Thursday 21 September
Literary agent guest

Session 28: Thursday 28 September
Final readings. Where to from here? Advice for completion.

Faber Writing Anthology sessions:

  •         Session 29: Meet the Editor in Residence
  •         Session 30: Meet the Faber UK Team

Please note the exact course content could be adjusted according to the experience and concerns of the group and availability of guest writers. The detail of the course is at the discretion of the Course Director and Faber Writing Academy at Allen & Unwin.

 

Praise for this course

“Signing up for Writing a Novel was the decision to take my novel seriously. Since completing the course I am well equipped to edit and publish my work. I recommend the course for anyone committed to their goal of writing and publishing a novel.”

“I loved doing the course Writing a Novel. I learnt so much, guided by our generous and skilled teacher Pip. The course was a bright spot each week during what turned out to be a crazy busy year. It gave me focus and direction. I learnt everything I hoped I would (and more of course, because you don’t know what you don’t know!).”

 

How to Apply

This is a past course.