Meet your instructors
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to complete "How to Write a Novel: Structure and Outline" to take this course?
No. As long as you are in the process of writing a novel, this course will be valuable to you. Of course, we strongly recommend starting with an outline, as your novel writing process will be much more efficient, but it’s not required.
Is this course related to an existing UBC writing class?
This is an entirely new course, created by instructors with years of experience teaching the art of fiction writing to undergraduate and graduate university students as well as members of the community.
What are the other courses in the series?
How to Write a Novel:Structure and Outline explores the core elements of fiction writing necessary to build an outline: a blueprint for a successful draft of your novel. How to Write a Novel: Edit and Revise, is suitable for students who have completed a full draft of their novel.
I have more questions about the course content!
Contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to answer!
Sample Course Material
What will it be like to take the course? Each week, we'll present video lessons created by UBC Creative Writing Professors Annabel Lyon & Nancy Lee, along with readings, video interviews with other authors, assignments and the opportunity to discuss your work with the other learners in the class.
Sample course material: "Troubleshooting Plot: Addressing Genre-Specific Challenges - Historical Fiction" (PDF)
Our instructors will also be available in a weekly video broadcast on Google Hangout, where they'll answer learner questions in a lively, interactive format.
Sample video lesson: From "The Active/Passive Time-line" in week two of the course. Nancy Lee describes how to troubleshoot an overly passive character.
Sample interview: Paula Hawkins
In this interview, Paula Hawkins, author of the multi-million copy bestseller The Girl on the Train, talks to Nancy & Annabel about the difficulty of endings for a thriller writer.
Sample video lesson: From "Why Should I Do Research?" in week four of the course.
In this lesson, Annabel Lyon discusses why research is important for fiction writers.