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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: "What Goes on the First page?" (PDF)
Sample course assignment: "Character & World Building" (PDF)
Our instructors will respond to student work in a weekly video broadcast and hold office hours by Google Hangout, where they'll answer questions in a lively, interactive format.
Sample video lesson: Week 1, "Why Should I Outline?"
The instructors review some common questions, worries and misconceptions about outlining.
Sample interview: Esi Edugyan
In this interview, Esi Edugyan talks about using an outline for her second novel, and how it streamlined the process for her.
Sample video lesson: Week 3, "Introduction to Story Structure"
In this lesson, Nancy Lee discusses how external and internal story structures work together.
FAQ
Do I need to have started a novel to take this course?
No. However, you should have one or more novel ideas that you wish to work on during this course. We will ask you to start developing your idea right away.
What if I’m in the middle of a novel?
If you have already started a novel, or are having issues with a partially finished manuscript without an outline, this course can help you clarify your intentions and work out structural issues. We believe the process of outlining helps writers understand a work in progress in a way that simply ‘writing through’ cannot.
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: Writing the Draft provides an essential fiction craft toolbox for writers struggling with the common hurdles of first drafts. How to Write a Novel: Edit and Revise, builds comprehensive revision skills, as well as vital information about paths to publication.
I have more questions about the course content!
Contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to answer!
Image credit:
How to fix the credit crunch by Jason Rogers is licensed under CC BY 2.0.