Novel Writing 2: The First Draft

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 2: The First Draft is the second of three courses in a novel writing series. It is not compulsory for students to have done Novel Writing 1, as long as they have a novel proposal and are confident that they are ready to begin writing a first draft.  

In Novel Writing 1, students develop their ideas and work on building the world of that novel and in this second course, Novel Writing 2, students will aim to write a first draft of their novel (which can then be worked on in Novel Writing 3: The Rewrite).   

Novel Writing 2 course will, first, encourage you to set your writing goals and begin to keep a log of your work. Through writing exercises and tutor feedback, you will develop a story arc and plot points, 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. It is important for you to get words on the page, and therefore the focus of the course will be on encouraging you to commit to writing a certain number of words per week. Each unit therefore offers advice and encouragement and the chance to discuss problems with the tutor and group.  

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 - Beginning – the set-up and the inciting incident.  
• Unit 2 - Story arc – the journey – the turning points.  
• Unit 3 - Plot – back story – first turning point / plot point 1.  
• Unit 4 - Structure and Scenes – Everything is going well (or is it?).  
• Unit 5 - Commitment, temptation and worthy antagonists – the Midpoint.  
• Unit 6 - Suffering / desire / surrender.  
• Unit 7 - Want / Need / Reframing Desire.  
• Unit 8 - The Ending / Returning Home.  
• Unit 9 - Resolutions and Going Back to the Beginning.  

Learning Outcomes 

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

1. Set realistic writing goals and regularly keep a log of their work.  
2. Identify and utilise a wide range of creative techniques and strategies.  
3. Critically reflect on their own creative output and writing process.  
4. Demonstrate an understanding of structure, plotting, character development, scenes and settings.  

Assessments 

1. First draft plan (300 words) 20%.  
2. A reflective commentary (1500) 80%.  

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.