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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26Lessons
-
52Exams &
Assignments -
5,426Students
have taken this course -
22Hours
average time -
2.2CEUs
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.
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.
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.
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

Course Lessons
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:
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.
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