How to Write a Novel: Structure & Outline

Description

In this course, you will learn:

• The components of a strong novel outline and writing strategy.
• The interplay between character and conflict dynamics.
• How to use the architecture of storey structure to create a storey.
• A look at some of the most prevalent plot flaws.
• How to move from outlining to draught writing

Syllabus:

1. Introduction to the course.
2. Writing as layers of decision-making. What outlines can look like (narrative, point form, pictorial, etc.).
3. What an opening can accomplish: first sentence, first paragraph, first page.
4. How to build character. What are the main elements that will keep a reader’s interest in a character for the length of an entire novel?
5. Conflict and antagonism. Without conflict a story has no forward momentum. We’ll discuss the three levels of antagonism that your protagonist should face.
6. World-building. Whether the learner is working on science fiction, historical fiction, or contemporary literary fiction, creating a rich, vivid, and credible world will be key to holding the reader’s interest.
7. We’ll apply the lessons of character to an understanding of the motion of story. Last week we sketched our character; this week we’ll animate that character.
8. The internal journey and its accompanying concepts: belief systems, and making the internal and external stories work in tandem.
9. Transformation of character, and the analysis of various kinds of structure (forwards, backwards, spiral, etc.) with concrete examples.
10. Scene design in depth: the components of a scene, scene analysis tools, deconstructing and rewriting scenes.
11. The three-act structure, from screenplay to novel.
12. Common problems in Acts II and III. Structural analysis tools and how to use them.
13. The relationship between reading and writing.
14. Endings and how to get there.
15. Producing a workable writing plan that fits your life and schedule.
16. Dealing with writer’s block and procrastination.
17. How to work from the outline, and how to deal with setbacks.
18. Treating writing like a job.