Novel 101 with Gretchen McNeil

Writing Pad

4.6 64 reviews

Kick off your novel-writing path with expert coaching from a published author. This course covers the building blocks of long-form fiction, including character development, story arcs, dialogue, and conflict. Whether you're self-driven or just starting out, you'll pick up the essential tools to shape compelling stories and bring your novel to life.

Beginner
Small class sizes Maximum class size is 9 people
18 and older
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Start Dates (3) $95/person

Sun. Nov 8th, 10:30am–1:30pm PT

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Tue. Feb 2nd, 5–8pm PT

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Tue. May 11th, 5–8pm PT

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Description

Have you always dreamed of becoming a published novelist and seeing your work in print? This one-day intensive online lecture format course, taught by accomplished and published novelist Gretchen McNeil with significant commercial success and industry experience, distills the comprehensive fundamentals of extended narrative fiction into essential, immediately practical concepts and techniques. Learn the foundational craft elements that transform an initial story idea into a fully realized, compelling novel that engages readers from opening to conclusion. McNeil covers essential strategies and methodologies for creating compelling storylines with meaningful arcs, developing memorable characters that readers invest in emotionally and care deeply about, managing complex narrative structures and viewpoints, and sustaining reader engagement and interest across hundreds of pages. The course synthesizes valuable industry knowledge about what editors, agents, and publishers actively seek in debut fiction and contemporary novels across various genres and market segments.

Please Note: This course uses a lecture-based instructional format with some interactive in-class components and discussion. Due to the seminar structure and time limitations, not all participants will have the opportunity to present their creative work for detailed instructor feedback and critique.

Topics Covered Include:

Conceptualizing and developing compelling novel ideas with commercial and literary merit
Creating multidimensional, authentic characters with realistic motivations and emotional depth
Structuring narrative arcs and story pacing that sustain reader interest and emotional investment
Building tension, conflict, and stakes progressively throughout extended narratives
Dialogue craftsmanship and developing an authentic character voice
Revision, refinement, and editing strategies for completed manuscript development and polish
Understanding market positioning and genre conventions in contemporary publishing

Remote Learning

This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.

Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.

Refund Policy

All sales are final and there are no refunds.

Credit may be offered based on class availability. If you can’t come to class, call or email us as far in advance as possible. We will do everything we can to fill your spot, but we can’t make any guarantees. Credit eligibility is not based upon your reason for being unable to attend a class; it is based upon the timing of your credit request and our ability to fill your spot. If we find someone to take your place, you will receive class credit minus a $25 processing fee for 1 day classes and $50 processing fee for long classes. In that case, your class credit will be good for a year from the original sign up date and will expire after that. Otherwise, you will forfeit your payment/payments.

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Reviews of Classes at Writing Pad (64)

(4.6-star rating across 64 reviews)

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Writing Pad classes offer a unique and enjoyable writing experienceith wtop-notch instructors, a safe and playful environment, and a focus on spontaneous writing exercises. You can expect to unleash your creativity and receive supportive feedback.

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Novel 101 with Gretchen McNeil