This is an in-person workshop that takes place at Inprint House. This workshop is now full. To be placed on a waitlist for the workshop, please add your information here.

Beginnings and Endings: The Fundamentals of Novel Writing

Over the next six weeks, we will be diving into the study of the literary novel, with special attention paid to the structure of beginnings and endings. Each week will focus on one of the key craft elements of novel writing, such as perspective, plot structure, scene crafting, and narrative pacing. In addition we will be analyzing various novel excerpts that demonstrate diverse approaches to crafting long-form fiction, with selections from Toni Morrison, Jenny Offil, Louise Erdrich, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Tommy Orange, and others.

Students will also engage in writing exercises and structured prompts designed to help develop their own novel projects, sharing work from their first and last pages. By layering these elements week by week, participants will leave the course with a stronger understanding of how to start, structure, and conclude a novel-length work. Peer and instructor feedback will provide valuable insight into the writing you create and refine throughout the course.