50003 Introduction to Novel Writing

This is an introductory class in novel writing for students who have some background in fiction writing but who have yet to embark on writing a longer piece of work. Through a range of exemplary texts students firstly examine ideas about novel writing in a historical and cultural context; they then explore narrative strategies and ways to sustain the writing of a longer work of fiction by workshopping their own material. Experimental forms of the novel as well as more traditional narratives are considered. Students are expected to work consistently and intensively to produce the opening chapters or the short draft of a novel, 5,000 words in length, to be presented as a work-in-progress to the class. The emphasis is on process and consistency in output rather than on polished results. Students also develop their critical skills: reading and giving feedback on the final manuscript of another student is an important part of the assessment process. The intention is for students to end the semester with the confidence to continue writing longer fiction and the basis for a completed novel.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus