Fiction Workshop II: Novel Writing, The First Chapters

Undergraduate / Graduate

Beginning a novel can be daunting, but this class aims to remove some of the mystery behind the process and get students started on that long journey into the unknown. We will examine the early stages of developing and writing a novel: choosing the POV and narrative voice, establishing the setting, developing the main characters and the dynamics between them, setting up the conflicts and seeding themes, choosing areas to research, etc. As a class we will read, break down, and discuss the openings of a handful of published novels as you work on your own opening chapters, which will be workshopped as part of the course. Students are expected to submit two opening chapters of a novel-in-progress (and a revision of one) as well read and critique chapters from your peers for workshop.