Start Your Novel

In this class you will have the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to take your novel idea and turn it into an outline and the first chapters of the novel. You will have the opportunity to learn to introduce your main characters and conflict without getting bogged down in detail. In addition, instruction will be given on how to introduce a story problem and the "universe" your protagonist or main character lives in. You will also have the opportunity to learn to continue moving the plot forward as the protagonist commits to his or her journey. Finally, instruction will be given on the necessary hooks to keep readers interested and foreshadowing the ending from the beginning.
You will learn the techniques for beginning a novel through reading sample chapters from the classic novel "The Great Gatsby," recognized as a great 20th century novel, and available free online. This novel will be used as a model in all of the novel writing courses.
In addition, students will participate in weekly writing exercises and chats to help in starting their novels.

Week 1: Getting ideas, difference between "short story scope" ideas and "novel scope ideas," deciding protagonist and main conflict, the genre of novel, and developing your idea into an outline.
Read: outline of "Great Gatsby"
Write: Your novel idea and novel outline

Week 2: Where to begin? Deciding the correct place in the story events to open your novel. Introducing the main characters, the protagonist and narrator, the usual universe, and the inciting event that starts the protagonist on his or her journey.
Read: The first chapter of "The Great Gatsby"
Write: Your Chapter 1/first pages of your novel

Week 3: How do I get the story started? Introducing minor characters, taking the protagonist into a new universe.
Read: chapter 2 of "The Great Gatsby"
Write: chapter 2/next pages of your novel

Week 4: How do I keep readers interested? Building the suspense and introducing new complications. Foreshadowing future events, committing the protagonist to a journey.
Read chapter 3 of "The Great Gatsby"
Write: chapter 3/next pages of your novel



Instructor: Stacia Ann

About The Instructor: Stacia Ann is an Linguistics Lecturer and Writing Instructor at the University of California. She has a doctorate of Education, Master's of Art in English/TESOL. This instructor has taught writing classes for over ten years. She also teaches academic writing and English as a Second Language at the University of the Pacific. A published author including works of short fiction and academic nonfiction including contest winning stories.