Plotting Your Novel Short Courses
Novels need plots like cars need engines. This is a course for people In the process of writing a novel or preparing to write a novel, who are ready to think generally about how their story should be told, or who have specific problems with their plot that they want to solve. Whatever kind of novel you're writing - whether it's literary or genre - the way you handle the plot will determine how satisfying the reading experience is.
After completing this course you should understand the importance and function of plot, know what to consider when plotting your own novel, and be aware of the common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid. The course will also present some tools to help you in the plotting process, and give you the opportunity to consider specific plot problems of your own in the light of the material discussed.
She is currently completing a PhD in Creative Writing with an Arts & Humanities Research Council award. Her first novel, Foolish Lessons in Life and Love, was published by Little, Brown in 2010. She is currently working on her second novel.
After completing this course you should understand the importance and function of plot, know what to consider when plotting your own novel, and be aware of the common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid. The course will also present some tools to help you in the plotting process, and give you the opportunity to consider specific plot problems of your own in the light of the material discussed.
Course Information
| Start Date | Start Time | Duration | Cost | Course Code | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 3 November 2012 | 10:00-16:00 | 1 day workshop | £290.00 | CE1208 | Enrollment Closed |
Tutor Info
Penny Rudge attended the City University Certificate in Novel-Writing in 2004/5. She has a BA in English Literature from Downing College, Cambridge, and an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London, where she won the Random House Fellowship Prize.She is currently completing a PhD in Creative Writing with an Arts & Humanities Research Council award. Her first novel, Foolish Lessons in Life and Love, was published by Little, Brown in 2010. She is currently working on her second novel.
Eligibility
This course is aimed at people engaged in writing a novel, or preparing to write a novel.English Requirements
Applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English for discussion and application of the materials on the day.What will I learn?
Topics covered during this one-day course will include:
• what is plot and why do I need it?
• common mistakes that new (and not-so-new) writers make.
• what do I need to consider when plotting my novel?
• tools & techniques that can help me keep control of my plot.
What will I take away:
• More confidence about structuring the plot in your novel.
• Further understanding of what you need to do to avoid common plot problems.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching:This one-day course will be split into morning and afternoon sessions, with an hour's break for lunch.
The morning sessions will cover the basics of plot, looking at academic and published examples of plot, how it differs from 'story,' and how it inter-relates with other elements of novel craft, eg character. There will also be a session on 'how plots go wrong' leading into a discussion of common plot problems.
In the afternoon the focus will be on managing your plot. This will cover things to consider before you start your novel, while you are writing it, and when you are editing it, and will lead to a set of tools that can help you to manage your plot.
Throughout the day there will be a combination of teacher presentation, class discussion and small group work.
Assessment:
The course will be informally assessed via participation in class exercise, discussion and group contribution.
Recommended Reading
All examples and tools will be fully explained in the session. However, if you wish to prepare in advance, the following are recommended:
'How Not to Write a Novel' by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman
'Story' by Robert McKee
'The Seven Basic Plots' by Christopher Booker