Organised by The Guardian
This comprehensive online programme will give you the technical skills, creative inspiration and personal support to write your first novel.
Finding the headspace to nurture and accomplish a creative project can be difficult, particularly in the chaos of our current moment. As any seasoned writer will tell you, writing a novel for the first time is a challenge – but it can be done, with the right blend of stamina, skill and inspiration.
If you’re looking to develop your idea for a novel, or you’ve already started writing one, this six-week online programme with award-winning novelist Ross Raisin – featuring an innovative mix of live workshops, a supportive discussion forum and one-to-one tuition – will furnish you with the structure, confidence and technique you need to get writing. And be fearless about what you can achieve long after the course ends.
Over six consecutive, high-impact weeks, you and other aspiring writers will learn how to craft your story page by page, covering everything from creating vivid characters, and writing sharp dialogue, to drafting and editing.
Each Wednesday evening, Ross will explore a key aspect of writing through nuanced analysis and practical activities in live workshops, giving you feedback and advice throughout, as well as an exercise to keep you going through the week. On top of that, the course includes a personalised tuition session with Ross, during which he will discuss up to 3,000 words of your writing on a bespoke, one-to-one basis.
Taught sessions are complimented by a dedicated Slack workspace, owned by you and your fellow writers and moderated by the Guardian Masterclasses team, where you will experience constructive discussions and exchange work with your peers. Stretching your capacity for giving and receiving productive feedback will not only equip you with a deeper understanding of the art of fiction, but also means you will leave the course with a unique and supportive writing community to guide you in your next steps.
If you’ve got an idea for a novel, or have already started drafting one, this inspiring programme for writers embarking on their first major work will empower you with a new creative direction, as well as a toolkit of skills to unlock your true potential - and pursue the book you know you’re capable of writing.