Get intensive, individualized instruction as you rewrite your novel and set yourself up to prepare agents and publishers to turn your manuscript into a book you are proud to have written.
Give and get feedback from similarly motivated writers working at a very high level
Forge a collaborative writing community with classmates over 9 months of work
Complete a thorough rewrite of your book
Get feedback from a professional agent on your manuscript
About this course:
This dynamic and rigorous Master Class in Novel Writing is designed for those serious about revising and polishing their novels and getting published. The nine-month, 30-week structure allows for intensely individual instruction, peer critiques from a community of liked-minded, talented writers, and a focus on process and results. Each participant's unique voice is cultivated so that it remains true to the singular vision for his or her novel, while ongoing one-on-one mentoring by a professional novelist provides distinctly personal support. Workshops include discussion and implementation of the basic craft elements of writing including, but not limited to, developing structure, creating vibrant, memorable characters, setting and maintaining tone, creating scenes that further your theme, and the art of revision. Guest speakers (authors, agents, editors) share their insights on writing, publishing and staying balanced through the sometimes daunting process of it all. Master Class students' novel excerpts are submitted to an established agent for review and consideration at the completion of the course. Participants may withdraw their application anytime before acceptance.
COURSE FORMAT
This course is taught using a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction. For most of the course, students will engage with learning materials posted on Canvas, our online learning system, and interact with the instructor and other students using messaging tools. In addition, students will attend a weekend-long remote (live online) residency on Zoom in which attendance is required. For the schedule, click ‘See Details’ below.
Admission to this course is by application only and the selection process is competitive. It is recommended that students take intermediate-level courses prior to submitting their work. When this course is open for enrollment, click "See Details" for application guidelines and quarterly application deadlines.
This course includes a four-day, virtual residency, held live on Zoom from March 17-20, 2022, 9am-5pm PT. Internet access required.
No meeting November 27. A full novel manuscript submission is required.
Deadline for application is August 30, 2021, 9am PT. Restricted course; approval needed to enroll. Not eligible for any discounts. Enrollment limited to eight students. Visitors not permitted. No refund after enrollment.
Submission Guidelines for Master Class in Novel Writing
Please submit the following materials (Word Document or PDF only). The first document must contain: a one-page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous creative writing courses taken; a two-page synopsis of your work-in-progress; and an excerpt of one complete scene you feel is one of the best and accurately reflects your work-in-progress (no longer than 12 pages). In a separate document, you must also submit the full, completed first draft of your novel manuscript.
Note: Participants in this master class work only on the project submitted for admission. No exceptions. Each page should be numbered, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double spaced with 1-inch margins.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after August 30, 2021
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
