Novel Writing: Developing Characters, Settings and Plot - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Have you always wanted to write a novel? Whether you’ve got a great idea but aren’t sure how to begin or have an unfinished manuscript gathering dust under your bed, this practical and playful course will offer exercises and advice to get your novel underway. The course will suit both the beginner, and those with more experience, who are interested in honing a novel or who are seeking fresh inspiration. Through a series of practical, playful exercises and published examples, you will gain a crucial understanding of essential writing elements, such as character, setting, and plot, and start writing or revising your novel with excitement and confidence. You’ll embark on a journey of novel writing, designed to inspire and guide new and experienced writers in developing the skills and confidence to bring your stories to life. With supportive guidance, you’ll delve into the fundamentals of storytelling and craft, discovering the tools you need to shape your own narrative. During this course, you will: • Explore essential aspects of novel writing, including character development, crafting vivid scenes, structure, pacing, and plot. • Put these skills into practise through a series of creative writing exercises. • Better understand your unique writing ‘voice’ and the story you want to tell. • Develop a clearer understanding of your own unique writing ‘voice’ and the story that you want to tell. • Reflect on your personal motivations and intentions as a writer to help define your project’s direction. • Engage in constructive feedback sessions to gain insight into how your writing resonates with others. • Learn about the habits, techniques, and routines that can support a sustainable writing practice. Through this course, you’ll gain practical experience, inspiration, and a stronger sense of direction to continue developing your novel with renewed focus and clarity. On this course you’ll gain invaluable tools to develop your unique writing style, along with techniques to bring clarity, focus, and excitement to your novel. With each session, you’ll deepen your understanding of the craft, from creating compelling characters and atmospheric settings to building plot momentum and writing dynamic scenes. Through guided exercises, feedback, and supportive discussions, you’ll build confidence in your storytelling and refine your narrative skills. By the end of the course, you’ll leave with a toolkit of strategies to continue writing, a deeper connection to your own creative voice, and a solid foundation to carry your novel forward toward completion. You’ll know where you will want to head next with your writing and have the skills and confidence to carry on. You will also have a network of fellow writers and potential collaborators with whom you can progress your work further. Tutor profile: Megan Taylor is the author of five novels, How We Were Lost (placed second in The Yeovil Prize), The Dawning, The Lives of Ghosts, We Wait, and most recently, The Therapist’s Daughter, a psychological thriller released from Bloodhound Books in 2024. She's also had a short story collection published, The Woman Under the Ground, and her short fiction can be found in a variety of other places including These Seven, which formed part of Nottingham’s successful bid to become a UNESCO City of Literature, Weird Horror Magazine, and GONE: An Anthology of Crime Stories. Her short story, The Grandchildren, is recently available as a chapbook single from Nightjar Press, and in addition to her fiction, her reading list recommending 7 Eerie Crime novels is featured on CrimeReads. Megan has an MA, with Distinction in Creative Writing (Novel route) from Manchester Metropolitan University. She has been running Creative Writing workshops and courses for over a decade.

What's included in the price?

You will be studying creative writing in a UNESCO City of Literature, and be based in the School of Arts and Humanities on the City Campus. You will find modern teaching spaces and quiet study environments to develop your ideas and writing. You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing. During the sessions you’ll be taught the basics of structuring your story, with tasks and activities to complete with support from the tutor. This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus. You will receive 15 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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