The Novel

Writing a novel is often a marathon experience. The challenges are in starting; in keeping the faith; and, of course, in finishing.

During the weekend, you’ll get an overview of what it takes to complete a novel. You do not need to be working on a book to attend the workshop. Whether you're a beginning or established writer, you'll receive the information and the insights to get the words on the page.


“I think my biggest take-away was to put my head down and write--as regularly as I can, as much as I can…"
- Vivek

See more comments about The Novel below.

22 comments:

  1. “I found the workshop very energizing. I benefitted from the comments not just relating to my work, but to other people’s too… I didn’t really have expectations to start with, but went away feeling that my writing ambitions are achievable.”

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  2. “I can't recommend this course enough to aspiring novel writers. It's a wonderful mix of practical tips and tricks, hands-on writing and constructive feedback. It's taken me to a place where I not only know I can write that novel but I'm actually doing it!”

    “What did it feel like to get live feedback on my fiction writing? I was terrified by the whole idea. But the way it was done was extremely sensitive and well thought-out. The feedback I got was amazing and spurred me on to do even more writing that day. I feel helped by the feedback and energized by it; it's helped me define where my writing goes next.”

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  3. “Although I was initially daunted by the idea of sharing my work with the class, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed listening to my own contribution. It was also wonderful to listen to everyone’s work; this was a very special experience because everyone was involved and engaged in the process.”

    “I enjoyed the positive reinforcement and the experience of getting live feedback on my fiction wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. I was also satisfied because my text was deliberately designed to mislead the reader, and the feedback from the group confirmed that I had achieved my goal.”

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  4. “What was the highlight of the class? Discovering that the material reveals itself…. Writing talks back :) It was great to meet everyone and spend time with other creative people interested in the same thing.”

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  5. “I enjoyed how to let go of my inhibitions and the editor that lives in my head…. It was an encouraging learning experience. I am grateful to the safe environment that the instructor clearly worked hard to create.

    I am very happy I took a leap and went ahead and enrolled in this course.”

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  6. “I enjoyed the lively, inspiring guidance and involvement of the instructor; interaction with other class members; homework & it being read aloud— and feedback.”

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  7. “I learned the importance of studying your genre. Not judging the writing in the first place as it comes out—separating the writing process and the editing process and not trying to do both at once. It can be fun as well as daunting!

    These workshops are always stimulating—sometimes in ways you cannot quite put your finger on, you just feel the inspiration that you carry away with you.”

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  8. “An atmosphere of trust had been created during the first day. The first day really gave me energy and inspiration to write… I found the second day more tiring than the first.”

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  9. “I learned that only writing through will get you to the end, and that short sessions of freewriting will help with getting words on the page--and open up the writing mind.”

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  10. Susannah
    “It was very beneficial to me to be able to see that I'd actually achieved quite a lot already-- and to meet people who were totally passionate about writing. I'm not sure I've ever met such a large group of passionate, articulate and interesting people.”

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  11. Had a really enjoyable time on this 2-day workshop. The instructor goes out of her way to ensure everyone feels at ease - great informal and highly supportive atmosphere results in a thoroughly satisfying experience. Many thanks to all involved !”

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  12. “I learned how to work with loose and disconnected pieces towards a focused idea. I also realised that the part of the reason why I sometimes feel stuck is that I don’t have the perspective clear. It was a very safe and supportive environment that I enjoyed very much. I have learned so much this past year. I am looking forward to continuing learning and developing my writing in whatever form and shape that may be.”

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  13. “I learned what makes a novel work, how to create setting, a unique voice, and apply specific devices to create compelling characters. Lastly, but maybe most important, I learned about following my own literary intuition. The workshop gave me more insight into my own reasons for wanting to write. It felt good to be amongst peers and to hear about the struggles we all experience; it made me feel less isolated. I think the instructor a great teacher and particularly liked the way she helped us understand how the novel works. I also enjoyed hearing the different contributions.”

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  14. “It felt very inspiring to be in a room full of novelists.”

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  15. “It was really great to read all the work and to see real people interested in learning how to do this.”

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  16. “I am so jazzed from the workshop. I've taken many writing workshops in L.A., and none have left me with such a feeling of clarity and satisfaction. I love the handout, too, and have pored over it. My perspective has grown clearer on the art and craft of novel writing. Many nagging doubts have been assuaged. I see the road ahead and am unafraid. You've helped me sprint to whole new level of confidence. I learned is that I am not alone, or way off track, with my process. Many missing pieces in my puzzle of a somewhat messy process have been filled in: I now have more faith. I learned much more than I can possibly list here. Such a warm camaraderie, and no shortage of talent and commitment in that room; I find that deeply inspiring. I'm thrilled to have found you, and to join your long list of writing groupies.”

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  17. “First of all I would like to thank you for another amazing weekend that proved truly inspiring, even more so than the last workshop I attended. I've always felt I needed a more nurturing environment for talking about writing and what drove me and you've provided that for me, so thank you so much. I learned that I can have a focus on the characters and have them drive any plot I might set out to write. The questions that were raised in the group, and the suggestions you made about where this character could go were very helpful as a means of developing the character. I can now clearly see her moving through the spaces I have created, whereas before I was still a little lost. A writer once told me that the best writers never stop learning and growing, and that's really stuck with me, and I hope to continue learning. It's always a treat to be surrounded by people who feel the same way about writing the way I do. It's something I often feel missing when it comes to my original writing.”

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  18. “I feel re-committed to making the novel happen. It was great to hear everyone's very diverse writing voices and material that interested them. It makes one realise that writing is so individual and universal at the same time.”

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  19. “I learned that I can, and should, step out of my boundary and do more free writing. I particularly liked the idea of letting a character speak for him/herself, and the specific steps that can be taken to achieve that. The diversity of opinions, interests and styles was enriching. Reading how others use specific techniques made me more aware of how I write and how I can apply those techniques to my writing.”

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  20. “GOOD FUN...the most inspiring and amusing and knowledgeable teacher. I don’t know how she musters that special wonderful energy; it is a huge pleasure to be on the workshop.”

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  21. “I found it very helpful to spend time looking at what genre resonated with me as a novelist and why. I feel like I'm defiantly in the right place for my values and needs as a writer. I learned some good techniques and tools to start writing and get the creative process moving. I also enjoyed testing myself to write in different styles and am looking forward to experimenting with this more. There is so much value in writing something every day—even if it's just 5 minutes of messy uninhibited rambling. I'm a writer so I’d better just write!”

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  22. “I understood where to look for concrete examples that can help at certain stages—and how to build credible characters as well as a consistent conflict. It made me realize I'm ready for it; I have the capacity to dive into the chaos.”

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If you have taken this workshop, please send us your feedback here.