The Novel Studio

Program Overview

---

The Novel Studio is a comprehensive short course designed to equip aspiring novelists with the skills and knowledge needed to draft their novels and attract agent interest. Through workshops, masterclasses, and personalized feedback, students develop their ideas, refine their craft, and gain insights into the publishing industry. The program offers a supportive community environment and strong industry connections, providing students with valuable guidance and opportunities to navigate the path to publication.

Program Outline

---

Short Course: The Novel Studio

---

Degree Overview:

The Novel Studio is a short course designed to equip aspiring novelists with the skills and knowledge needed to draft their novels and attract agent interest.

---

Objectives:

• Enable students to develop their novel ideas and write the first draft
• Provide guidance on key aspects of craft, including plot structure, character development, and narrative voice
• Teach students how to revise and edit their work effectively
• Equip students with the tools to present their work to agents and publishers

---

Program Description:

This one-year, 30-week program meets twice a week for two hours each session. The curriculum is divided into six modules, each led by professional writers and editors. Module 1: Research and Development

• Focuses on planning, plotting, and researching a novel
• Creates time for students to develop their ideas within a supportive group setting
Module 2: Fictional Forms
• Encourages students to explore the structures of various literary and commercial novels
• Helps them situate their own work within a narrative framework
Module 3: Workshop One
• Provides support as students begin drafting their novels
• Guides them through the process of reviewing and critiquing each other's work
Module 4: Fictional Techniques
• Teaches students key aspects of craft, enabling them to apply these techniques to their own novels
Module 5: The Publishing Industry
• Familiarizes students with the publishing industry through visits from agents, authors, and editors
• Culminates in an end-of-year reading for invited industry guests
Module 6: Workshop Two
• Refines the skills learned in Workshop One with specific focus on revision and editing

---

Outline:

---

Content:

• Plot and structure
• Character development
• Narrative voice and style
• Revision and editing
• The publishing industry

---

Structure:

• 30 weeks, 2 sessions per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
• 6 modules

---

Course Schedule:

• Module 1: Research and Development
• Tuesdays
• Module 2: Fictional Forms
• Thursdays
• Module 3: Workshop One
• Tuesdays
• Module 4: Fictional Techniques
• Thursdays
• Module 5: The Publishing Industry
• Tuesdays
• Module 6: Workshop Two
• Thursdays

---

Modules:

• Research and Development:
• This module helps students develop their initial ideas and lay the foundation for their novels.
• It covers topics such as brainstorming, outlining, research techniques, and character development.
• Fictional Forms:
• This module guides students in exploring different narrative structures and literary styles.
• It examines the characteristics of various genres and helps students determine the best approach for their own work.
• Workshop One:
• This module provides students with practical guidance on drafting their novels.
• Through peer feedback and tutor support, students learn to develop their characters, refine their plots, and improve their writing.
• Fictional Techniques:
• This module equips students with essential storytelling techniques.
• It covers topics such as dialogue, description, point of view, and effective use of language.
• The Publishing Industry:
• This module gives students Einblick into the workings of the publishing industry.
• Guest speakers share their experiences, and students learn about the various paths to publication.
• Workshop Two:
• Building on the skills developed in Workshop One, this module focuses on revising and editing.
• Students receive feedback on their revised chapters and learn techniques to polish their manuscripts.

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

• Individual assignments
• Group work
• Portfolio of writing exercises
• Chapters of the novel-in-progress
• Blurb and covering letter for agents/publishers

---

Assessment Criteria:

• Originality and creativity
• Depth of character development
• Strength of plot and structure
• Quality of writing style
• Effectiveness of revision and editing

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• Group workshops
• Masterclasses
• Tutorials
• Guest lectures

---

Faculty:

• Emily Pedder, Course Director
• Rebekah Lattin-Rawstone, Novel Studio Tutor
• Kiare Ladner, Novel Studio Tutor

---

Unique Approaches:

• The Novel Studio offers a unique and comprehensive approach to novel writing.
• Students benefit from personalized feedback, industry insights, and a supportive community environment.
• The program emphasizes practical application of learned skills and offers valuable guidance for navigating the publishing industry.

---

Careers:

---

Potential Career Paths:

• Novelist
• Author
• Freelance writer
• Editor
• Literary agent
• Journalist
• Creative writing teacher

---

Career Opportunities:

• Publishing houses
• Literary agencies
• Media organizations
• Educational institutions
• Freelance writing and editing

---

Industry Connections:

• The Novel Studio has strong connections with the publishing industry, providing students with valuable access to agents, editors, and other professionals.
• Alumni of the course have gone on to achieve publishing success and establish themselves as respected authors.

---

Other:

• The Novel Studio offers a unique scholarship opportunity for talented writers from low-income households.
• The program also includes a competition for students to submit their work for consideration by a literary agent.
• The Novel Studio boasts an impressive publication record, with many alumni securing publishing deals for their novels.