How To Write A Novel
Part One
Starting Points
Written And Tutored By Phil Busby
How To Write A Novel - Part One - Starting Points
Suitable for all levels of writers
Do you dream of writing a novel but don’t know where to start?
Or have you lost your way with one you’ve been working on?
If this is you, you’re in right place. This four-module course will help you to set off on the right track or help to bring you back to it.
The Course
The first module looks at the core idea for your novel. You’ll think about where and when your novel is set, identify what type of story it is and work out what your main story will be.
In the second module you start to think about who’ll read your novel and learn why it’s important to know this. You’ll find out what a protagonist is and if you can have more than one. You’ll then think about what sort of research you’ll need to do before you start writing.
Module three discusses genres and why you need to identify the genre you are writing for, how genre differs from story type, and you’ll find out if having a unique story is a help or hindrance to getting published.
The final module is all about getting you to write like a pro: where and when you’ll write, what sort of equipment you’ll need, and the software options available to you. You’ll look at the stages of development your novel will go through and the kit you’ll need for each stage. You’ll also think about what sort of writer you are - a plotter or panster (writing by the seat of your pants).
Please Note: This is the first course in our series of six on How To Write A Novel. If you feel you have already done this sort of preparation then click here to find out more about the rest of the series.
Exercises And Assignments
Throughout the course you have eleven exercises to work through to help you prepare for writing your novel. At the end of modules three and four there are assignments to complete which you submit for constructive feedback from your tutor.
Course Outcomes
Once you complete your course you will be ready to start writing your novel. You’ll know where and when you will write, understand the requirements of the publishing industry and how your novel will fit into it. You will also have made plenty of decisions including: where and when your novel will be set, who your main protagonist will be, and what the main story line will be. This will give you a strong foundation on which to build your novel and the confidence to get it finished.
Included With Your Course
For the duration of your course you will have access to The Writers Bureau's Writers' Community and free Zoom sessions where you can meet other writers and ask questions.
Trial Period And Time Limit
You have your course on seven-day trial and four months from the date you enrol to send in your assignments. Your course materials are available as soon as your payment has been successful.
No Qualifications Required To Enrol
If you want to write a novel, or have lost your way with one you are writing, then this course is for you. It is suitable for all levels of writers including beginners. No previous experience or qualifications are required.
Enrol Today
There are no fixed start dates so you can begin straight away. So, enrol today to get started on making your novel writing dream a reality.
Or have you lost your way with one you’ve been working on?
If this is you, you’re in right place. This four-module course will help you to set off on the right track or help to bring you back to it.
The Course
The first module looks at the core idea for your novel. You’ll think about where and when your novel is set, identify what type of story it is and work out what your main story will be.
In the second module you start to think about who’ll read your novel and learn why it’s important to know this. You’ll find out what a protagonist is and if you can have more than one. You’ll then think about what sort of research you’ll need to do before you start writing.
Module three discusses genres and why you need to identify the genre you are writing for, how genre differs from story type, and you’ll find out if having a unique story is a help or hindrance to getting published.
The final module is all about getting you to write like a pro: where and when you’ll write, what sort of equipment you’ll need, and the software options available to you. You’ll look at the stages of development your novel will go through and the kit you’ll need for each stage. You’ll also think about what sort of writer you are - a plotter or panster (writing by the seat of your pants).
Please Note: This is the first course in our series of six on How To Write A Novel. If you feel you have already done this sort of preparation then click here to find out more about the rest of the series.
Exercises And Assignments
Throughout the course you have eleven exercises to work through to help you prepare for writing your novel. At the end of modules three and four there are assignments to complete which you submit for constructive feedback from your tutor.
Course Outcomes
Once you complete your course you will be ready to start writing your novel. You’ll know where and when you will write, understand the requirements of the publishing industry and how your novel will fit into it. You will also have made plenty of decisions including: where and when your novel will be set, who your main protagonist will be, and what the main story line will be. This will give you a strong foundation on which to build your novel and the confidence to get it finished.
Included With Your Course
For the duration of your course you will have access to The Writers Bureau's Writers' Community and free Zoom sessions where you can meet other writers and ask questions.
Trial Period And Time Limit
You have your course on seven-day trial and four months from the date you enrol to send in your assignments. Your course materials are available as soon as your payment has been successful.
No Qualifications Required To Enrol
If you want to write a novel, or have lost your way with one you are writing, then this course is for you. It is suitable for all levels of writers including beginners. No previous experience or qualifications are required.
Enrol Today
There are no fixed start dates so you can begin straight away. So, enrol today to get started on making your novel writing dream a reality.
Course Tutor
Phil Busby
A playwright, singer-songwriter and author, Phil works in course development for The Writers Bureau, Manchester. Originally a psychiatric nurse, he studied Theatre at Dartington College of Arts before working across Europe for ten years as a performer, writer and workshop leader. Phil is a co-founder of Budding Writers.
Course curriculum
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Welcome to your How To Write A Novel - Part One - Starting Points
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WB's Writers' Community
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Totum Student Discount Card – UK Students Only
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Discounted Writing Magazine Subscription For WB Students
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Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
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How To Get The Most Out of Your Course - Study Tips
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How To Download Your Course Modules
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Introduction - welcome - a few things to think about before you start.
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Module One - The Core Idea: where and when your novel is set, exercise one, 13 types of stories, exercise two, your core idea, exercise three: preparation for your novel.
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Module Two - Your Audience: who reads what, exercises four & five, the protaganist explained, exercises six & seven: preparation for your novel, research, the story world, specialist fields, exercise eight: preparation for your novel.
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Module Three - Does Your Idea Have Legs: genre, how genre differs from story type, exercise nine, same again with a twist - how original does your story have to be?
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Assignment One
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About this course
- £99.00
- 2 Tutor-marked Assignments
- 7-Day Trial
- Time Limit: 4 months
Start your novel off on the right foot by enrolling now!
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
1. The Writers Bureau Pledge: For the fees quoted The Writers Bureau will supply the full course and all the services described on our website.
2. Course Cancellation: If you wish to cancel your course you must let us know within 7-days of enrolling on your course for a full refund providing you have not submitted an assignment. Submission of an assignment commits you to the course. Course cancellations after the initial trial period are at The Writers Bureau’s discretion and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
3. Time Limit: This agreement lasts for four months. If you wish to extend your studies beyond this time, an extra charge will be made for administration, assessment of assignments, access to the online course materials and community.
4. Copyright: This course is protected by copyright. You agree not to copy, reproduce or broadcast the course or part of the course and not to allow any other person to read or use the course or any portion of it nor offer it for re-sale in any way whatsoever.
5. The Writers Bureau’s Rights: The Writers Bureau reserves the right to refuse to accept any applications for enrolment. We also reserve the right to discontinue the course or tuition for any student if they become abusive in any way.
6. Writers' Bureau Community and Zoom sessions: You agree to abide by the guidelines set out here when you participate in the community and Zoom sessions,
7. Your Data Rights: The Writers Bureau do not share your information with any other person or organisation except as required by UK law. All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent unauthorised access to this information. This safeguard may require you to provide additional forms of identity should you wish to obtain information about your account details. You can have the information The Writers Bureau holds corrected or deleted at any time. Please address your requests and/or queries to our offices in Manchester.
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