Novel Writing 1: Beginning a Novel

Overview 

Many of us aspire to write a novel and we can carry around an idea for years without putting pen to paper, or fingers to keys! Some of us actually begin but it can be hard to maintain momentum and potentially great novels can go unfinished. Novel Writing 1: Beginning a Novel can be studied as a stand-alone course, but it is also the first of three courses in a novel writing series. This course will, first, encourage you to generate a number of potential novel ideas and then help you narrow it down to one. Through writing exercises and tutor feedback, you will develop a basic outline for your novel, while reflecting on your writing process. The course will introduce you to a range of writing techniques as well as strategies for plotting and structuring your novel. You will also learn how to write a synopsis.  
The second course will focus on completing a first draft and the third on the rewriting process. 

Programme 

The online content is delivered using Video PowerPoint lectures and external video content. Activities and discussion boards will be embedded throughout the units so the tutor can provide support and trickle feedback. A number of the activities will help the students to prepare for the assignments.  

• Unit 1 - Introduction.
  
• Unit 2 - Are you a planner or a pantser? 
• Unit 3 - Something happened to someone. 
• Unit 4 - Exploring other characters.
  
• Unit 5 - Plotting (or not plotting).
  
• Unit 6 - Scene building: place, setting, atmosphere. 
• Unit 7 - Point of view and tense. 
• Unit 8 - Writing your synopsis. Writing a first draft – some approaches. 

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this module, students should be able to:   

1. Identify and utilise a wide range of creative techniques and strategies. 
2. Produce a synopsis of the planned novel. 
3. Write a ‘scene’, chapter or section of the proposed novel. 
4. Begin to discuss their work and ideas and those of other writers in a constructively critical and reflective manner. 

Assessments 

1. Synopsis (500 words) 30%.
   
2. A draft of a sample chapter or scene (1500) 70%.

Reading Suggestions 

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.  

Entry Requirements 

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need? 

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.