Develop a solid premise and sketch out your story's structure with the goal of completing a six-page detailed synopsis that you can use to complete a draft of your novel.
Develop a compelling premise and moral argument for your novel
Identify key elements of your novel's story structure
Craft a compelling conclusion to your story
Write a detailed synopsis you can use as a map to your final draft
About this course:
Many aspiring novelists write with the hope that inspiration will come. The result is time wasted on a flabby novel with no clear shape and a sagging pace. On the other hand, story structure gives your novel a skeleton; it forms the bones of your story. And just as adding flesh and clothing to a body makes that body more unique, so does any creative addition the writer makes to his or her basic structure. This course teaches you how to build that skeleton, from a solid premise line to building the moral argument of your novel. You ensure that your novel has what story structure guru John Truby calls the "seven key steps," and you learn how reversals and reveals, as well as character wants and needs, can drive your story to a satisfying conclusion. Exercises are worksheets which focus on structural elements such as character ghosts, story world and more. By the end of the course, you have in hand a six-page synopsis that works.
Optional live meetings will be held on Zoom Saturdays, 10 - 11 a.m. PT. Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required class meetings, however, there are optional course meetings for this particular class. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after April 24, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Wired for Story
by Lisa Cron
TEn Speed Press
ISBN 978-1607742456
The Anatomy of Story
by John Truby
Faber and Faber
ISBN 978-0865479937
(Optional)
Refuse to be Done: how to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts
by Matt Bell
Optional live meetings will be held on Zoom Saturdays, 10 - 11 a.m. PT. Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required class meetings, however, there are optional course meetings for this particular class. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after July 17, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Wired for Story
by Lisa Cron
TEn Speed Press
ISBN 978-1607742456
The Anatomy of Story
by John Truby
Faber and Faber
ISBN 978-0865479937
(Optional)
Refuse to be Done: how to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts
by Matt Bell
Soho Press Paperback
ISBN 9781641293419
Contact Us
Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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