Story Structure for the Novel

WRITING X 413.1E

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.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Online
Live Online
Starting at $720.00
As few as 10 weeks
3.0

What you will learn.

  • 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.

Fall 2024 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Enrollment Closed
See Details
Instructor: Caroline Leavitt
399416
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

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 live class meetings. 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 October 16, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Truth is the Arrow Mercy is the Bow: A DIY Manual for the construction of Stories by Steve Almond
(Optional) Refuse to be Done: how to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell

Winter 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Saturday 10:00AM - 11:00AM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 04, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Caroline Leavitt
400635
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required. 

This course is held via a combination of required video teleconference meetings and asynchronous instruction on Canvas. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time – please check the meeting schedule below for exact dates. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 22, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Truth is the Arrow Mercy is the Bow: A DIY Manual for the construction of Stories by Steve Almond
(Optional) Refuse to be Done: how to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Sat Jan 11, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Jan 18, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Jan 25, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 1, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 8, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 15, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 22, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Mar 1, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Mar 8, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Mar 15, 2025
10:00AM PT - 11:00AM PT
Remote Classroom

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
Ready to start
your future?
By signing up, you agree to UCLA Extension’s Privacy Policy.

vector icon of building

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Learn More

vector icon of building

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Lifelong Learning

See More