What every author wishes they knew before they started their first novel
As a billion abandoned manuscripts attest, there's a lot more to writing a novel than just typing up a good idea. Simply knowing where to start can be a challenge, and as with any big commitment, family, friends and the internet will be full of well-intentioned but confusing advice on what to do next. Award-winning novelist David Almond can lead you out of this maze of perplexity and get you to work on your opus.
This inspiring large-scale seminar from one of the UK's most industrious writers offers a simple guide to the ground-floor realities of writing. As well as practical tips on the foundations of good writing and storytelling, and good writing, the event addresses some of the most common stumbling blocks for new novelists. Exploring topics such as how to find and nurture inspiration, how to make room for writing in your schedule, and the conventional wisdoms it's best to ignore, this event will make your labour of love a lot less laborious.
Course description
This is a large-scale event designed for new writers to learn more about the practicalities of the writing process, and how to approach the sometimes intimidating task of drafting a novel. Tutor David Almond (Skellig) offers supportive advice and practical instruction on a range of topics including:
- Finding inspiration
- Taking the plunge: how to get started
- The essence of a good story
- The fundamentals of readable writing
- Making time to write: how to shuffle your life
- Advice for writers… that you'd be better off ignoring
This course is for you if…
- You have an idea for a novel but don't know how to go about writing it
- You want to write a novel but haven't yet decided on a plot or structure
- You've made a previous attempt to write a novel but found it difficult to integrate the process into your daily life
- You're confident about the creative side of writing, but concerned about practicalities of planning and discipline
Please note that this event is aimed at writers at the very beginning of their careers. For courses suited to more advanced writers, please see here.
Tutor profile
David Almond is the author of Skellig, My Name is Mina, The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean, Clay, The Boy Who Swam With Piranhas, and many other novels, stories and plays. His work has been translated into over 40 languages, and has been widely adapted for stage and screen. His many awards include the Hans Christian Andersen Award 2010, the world's most prestigious prize for children's authors. A highly experienced and inspirational writing tutor, he has run many courses for the Arvon Foundation and is now Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
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Details
Date: Monday 28 July 2014
Times: 6.30pm-9.30pm
Venue: The Guardian, 90 York Way, King's Cross, London N1 9GU
Price:£49 (includes VAT, booking fee and refreshments)
Event capacity: 100
Dress code: There is no dress code for Masterclasses. Please dress however you feel comfortable.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 7 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.