Online Class: Novel Writing 101

By committing to the steps outlined within this course, aspiring (and even experienced) novelists can find the structure they need to create a well-crafted manuscript, one they will be proud to shop to potential agents and publishers.

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26

Lessons
52

Exams &
Assignments
5,426

Students
have taken this course
22

Hours
average time
2.2

CEUs

Course Description

From character and plot-conflict development to infusing a unique style and specialized writing techniques, the steps to writing a novel--while not utterly impossible--do require a dedicated, disciplined approach.

While some creative types may balk at the idea of adhering to a framework, the truth is that following such guidelines actually frees up writers to focus on the genesis and flow of ideas as opposed to be bogged down by the myriad of format and publishing style particulars.

That is why we have provided you with insights into how, from start to finish, you can develop the varying elements of your novel: characters, plotlines, setting, tone, conflict, climax, and resolution/denouement. Labeled as dramatic construction, every novel ought to have a foundation in these basic principles.

Plus, we will help take you one step further by offering you the specifics as to what is required to submit your completed work to potential agents and publishers. With an end goal in mind, this will help inspire you to actually finish your novel. Once outfitted with both practical and creative writers' tools, there is no reason you can not successfully write a novel and get it published.

If indeed you are truly committed and willing to invest the necessary time and effort to put your literary skills to the test, there should be nothing, absolutely nothing, stopping you from producing memorable prose.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Mystery Writing

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Creative Writing Workshop

Course Motivation

Completely Online
Self-Paced
Printable Lessons
Full HD Video
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(5,198 votes)

Lesson 1: Definition of a Novel

This lesson describes the history of the novel, and the rewards and satisfaction of novel writing. Additional lesson topics: Word Count: How Long Should Your Novel Be? 30 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Your Novel
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Work Philosophy

This lesson explains the Dos and Don'ts about writing schedules and motivation. Additional lesson topics: How to Deal with Writer's Block 15 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Novel Writing Methods

This lesson explains the different forms, methods, and development for writing novels. 19 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Selecting a Specific Class

This lesson discusses short stories and novella writing. Additional lesson topics: 10 Greatest American Short Story Writers 9 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Selecting a Specific Genre

When considering the type of genre you ultimately want to write, it is most important that you objectively assess your strengths as a writer, the time you will be able to commit to the project, and the level of interest you have for specific subjects. 20 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Lesson discussions: Lesson 5 Poll: Choosing a Genre
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Selecting a Point of View (POV)

This lesson explains the four points of view an author can use. Additional lesson topics: Establishing the Right Point of View 10 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Lesson discussions: Lesson 6 Poll: Choosing a Point of View
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Manuscript Formatting

In order for your work to be viewed as professional, and worthy of acquisition by a potential publisher, your manuscript will also need to be produced in the acceptable official form. Additional lesson topics: Manuscript Style Guidelines 10 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Storyboarding

This lesson defines what a storyboard is, and how to make and use one in the novel-writing process. Additional lesson topics: Storyboarding; Storyboarding Software 20 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Synopsis Formation

This lesson explains what a synopsis is, and how to write one. 19 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Lesson discussions: Lesson 9 Poll: Writing a Synopsis
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Five Elements Involved in Fiction Writing

This lesson describes the five elements that are crucial to writing a novel. Additional lesson topics: Stephen King's Tips 30 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Building Character Development

This lesson explains the phases to go through as you develop your characters. 30 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Plot/Conflict Development

This lesson explains how to establish a plot and conflicts. 30 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: More on Plot

This lesson discusses the different types of plot structures. 30 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Setting and Theme

This lesson explores the different types of settings and themes, and the importance of ensuring that continuity carries throughout the novel. 30 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Style and Tone

In this lesson we discuss the style and tone of a novel and the difference between tone and mood. Additional lesson topics: Style and Tone 29 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: Climax Building

This lesson describes how to build tension that leads to a climax. 30 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video
Complete: Lesson 16 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Critical Scenes

This lesson defines critical scenes, and their placement within the novel. Additional lesson topics: Starting Your Research 30 Total Points

Lesson 17 Video
Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18: Cause & Effect

This lesson describes the cause-and-effect actions that are critical to a novel's plot. 29 Total Points

Lesson 18 Video
Complete: Lesson 18 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19: Dialogue

This lesson discusses the importance of dialogue, and how to make it realistic. 30 Total Points

Lesson 19 Video
Complete: Lesson 19 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam

Lesson 20: Illustrative Details/Exposition

This lesson discusses imagery, style, allusions, and symbolism in writing. Additional lesson topics: Modes of Writing 28 Total Points

Lesson 20 Video
Complete: Lesson 20 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 20 Exam

Lesson 21: Inclusion and Exclusion

This lesson explains the dos and dont's of adding too much clutter to your writing. Additional lesson topics: Thoughts on Writing 30 Total Points

Lesson 21 Video
Complete: Lesson 21 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 21 Exam

Lesson 22: Writing a Conclusion

This lesson explains the different ways to bring closure to your novel. Additional lesson topics: Conclusions; How to Write The Ending Of Your Novel 30 Total Points

Lesson 22 Video
Lesson discussions: Lesson 22 Poll: Satisfying Outcomes
Complete: Lesson 22 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 22 Exam

Lesson 23: Polishing of Prose

This lesson explains how to proofread your writing. Additional lesson topics: Writing Dates and Times; Proofreading Tips; Purple Prose 40 Total Points

Lesson 23 Video
Complete: Assignment 23A
Complete: Lesson 23 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 23 Exam

Lesson 24: Checklist of Questions

This lesson discusses how to remove clutter, and refine your manuscript. Additional lesson topics: Check List for Fiction Writers 30 Total Points

Lesson 24 Video
Complete: Lesson 24 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 24 Exam

Lesson 25: Publish or Perish: Getting Ready to Submit

This lesson discusses the different ways to submit your work for publishing. Additional lesson topics: Random House: What I Look For in a Rough Draft 28 Total Points

Lesson 25 Video
Lesson discussions: Lesson 25 Poll: Query Letter
Complete: Lesson 25 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 25 Exam

Lesson 26: Writing a Novel: Final Take Aways

Inspirational quotes by some well-known authors, why they write, and why people read novels. Additional lesson topics: Recompose Magazine Submissions 45 Total Points

Lesson 26 Video
Lesson discussions: Lesson 26 Poll: Favorite Quotes; Course Completion Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: Final Assignment
Complete: Lesson 26 Assignment

681

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define what a novel is.
Describe working philosophy.
Summarize novel writing methods.
Select a specific class to write about.
Select a specific genre to write about.
Select a Point of View (POV).
Summarize manuscript formatting.
Create a storyboard.
Define the synopsis.
Summarize five elements involved in fiction writing.
Describe building character development.
Describe plot/conflict development.
Summarize plot requirements.
Create the setting, theme, style and tone.
Create climax. Identify critical scenes. Recognize cause and effect.
Create proper dialog and illustrative details.
Write a conclusion. Edit and revise. Publish the work.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online

View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Course Title: Novel Writing 101

Course Number: 9770547

Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (5,198 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Category:

UniversalClass.com > Writing Help > Writing Creative Fiction

Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.

Last Updated: October 2022

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class

CEU Value: 2.2 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Dana Kristan

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Fee: $95.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

"Great course, challenging quizzes and assignments. The instructor is helpful and provides the right amount of guidance." -- Nicholas Y.
"The course helped fill in gaps in my knowledge about novels and novel-writing. I feel enabled to start drafting my first novel after completing this course." -- Lisa G.
"I appreciated the positive feedback from the instructor very much." -- Ronald C.
"The instructor was very pleasant individual and helpful as well!" -- Laura A.
"Two thumbs up!" -- Ralph C.
"Thoroughly enjoyed it." -- Hazel G.
"I loved this course! Thank you for offering it!" -- Laura G.
"Instructor was quite good." -- Rick H.
"The instructor must have been very open-minded to accept different avenues of the imagination and also to accept the "real slice of life" as she put it." -- Mary M.