Novel Kickstart: Write (or rewrite) your first 50 pages

This is a class for people who want to write a novel but need a kick in the pants to get started, or are stuck starting over and over and want support to move forward.

In her classic lecture on novel writing, “That Crafty Feeling,” Zadie Smith said, “worrying over the first twenty pages is my way of working on the whole novel, my way of finding its structure, its plot, its characters.”

In my own novel writing, I believe the first 50 pages are key for deciding what kind of project it is—and making a big enough commitment that I want (need) to finish this particular novel and won’t set it aside.

In this 5-session, 10-week class, we’ll work on those first 50 pages. We’ll discuss how to turn an idea into opening pages and an outline, and we’ll spend time in and out of class generating our stories and writing the beginning of a first draft.

We’ll also discuss practical issues of process and craft: how to build—and keep—momentum; novel-writing craft and tools; ways to get financial support, time, and space to write; and the importance of having a writing community (or one good writing buddy).

Participants should have at least the germ of an idea for a novel. Those who have written more than 50 pages of a novel manuscript but are not sure the beginning is working are also welcome. All genres, audiences (adult, YA, middle-grade), and experience levels welcome. Having taken fiction classes or published short fiction in the past will be helpful, but is not necessary.

You’ll leave this class with

- An understanding of (and answers to some of) the craft questions a novelist needs to ask and answer in the beginning, such as questions related to premise, plot, point of view, setting, characters, timeline, and structure.
- The first 50 pages of a novel’s first draft.
- A plan for continuing to work on and finishing your novel.
- A supportive community of writers who are working on novels, just like you.

*NOTE: This course requires a brief application. Deadline for submissions is September 1st by 11:59pm ET.

DATES

Novel Kickstart: Write (or rewrite) your first 50 pages takes place Sundays September 13, September 27, October 11, October 25, and November 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern remotely online via Zoom. The course instructor will schedule a 30-minute one-on-one with each student for the week of November 15.

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Details: Sundays September 13, 27, October 11, 25, and November 15 from 1-3 PM. The course instructor will schedule a 30-minute one-on-one with each student.

‍Prerequisite: Experience in fiction writing classes is preferred, though exceptions may be made. Learners should have a solid idea for a novel and strong motivation to write!

‍Genre: Fiction

‍Level: All Levels

‍Format: Lecture and discussion

‍Location: This class takes place virtually online via Zoom

‍Size: Limited to 10 participants (including 1 scholarship). Please apply to a scholarship seat using the application form.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email programs@litcleveland.org.