NOVEL WORKSHOP

Course Description

What does it mean to imagine—and sustain—a story over hundreds of pages? This course invites students into the complex and rewarding process of novel writing, focusing not only on narrative technique but also on the deeper questions novels ask of both writer and reader: How do stories shape our understanding of self, other, and the world? What kinds of truths can a novel uncover? Through a mix of generative exercises, peer workshops, and instructor feedback, we'll explore the core elements of long-form fiction: narrative momentum, characterization, point of view, voice, world-building, dialogue, and scene construction. We’ll also tackle big-picture questions—like how to find your novel’s structure, how to stay connected to your story over time, and how to balance creativity with discipline. This course emphasizes process over perfection. You’ll experiment with different approaches to outlining (or not outlining), discover strategies for sustaining both your inspiration and your readers’ curiosity, and begin to understand revision as a creative act in itself. By the end of the term, students will have generated significant new material, developed a clearer vision for their novel, and crafted a polished opening chapter or scene.