Class

Beginning the Novel: Creating Compelling Fiction

Do you have a novel idea but feel unable to get started or keep going? This course is for you. Open to writers of all levels, through writing exercises, readings, and supportive critique sessions, we’ll explore the essential aspects of craft for beginning and planning a novel, including characterization, dialogue, pacing, plot, and point of view.

We’ll also discuss aspects of writing that help hook a reader—including when to reveal crucial information, and how to bring about the correct level of uncertainty in a reader’s mind. Hint: enough to fuel the question, “What happens next?” but not so much as to cause confusion about the story itself.

Each of the craft elements we discuss will be put into practice in your own first chapters, which you’ll have the opportunity to workshop in a gentle and constructive atmosphere. We’ll study techniques for creating compelling fiction from some masters of the form, and ways to create and keep your own writing routine. By the end of the course, each student will have one finished chapter that readers won’t be able to put down, a loose plan for the book, and the momentum and confidence required to keep going.

No class Nov 28.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Standard Time (CST); make sure you understand your time zone, and adjust accordingly

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.