Course Syllabus

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.

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

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.

Assessment Guide

Assessment	Points
Your Novel	15 points
Lesson 1 Assignment	5 points
Lesson 1 Exam	10 points
Lesson 2 Assignment	5 points
Lesson 2 Exam	10 points
Lesson 3 Assignment	10 points
Lesson 3 Exam	9 points
Lesson 4 Exam	9 points
Lesson 5 Assignment	10 points
Lesson 5 Exam	10 points
Lesson 6 Exam	10 points
Lesson 7 Assignment	5 points
Lesson 7 Exam	5 points
Lesson 8 Assignment	10 points
Lesson 8 Exam	10 points
Lesson 9 Assignment	10 points
Lesson 9 Exam	9 points
Lesson 10 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 10 Exam	10 points
Lesson 11 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 11 Exam	10 points
Lesson 12 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 12 Exam	10 points
Lesson 13 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 13 Exam	10 points
Lesson 14 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 14 Exam	10 points
Lesson 15 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 15 Exam	9 points
Lesson 16 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 16 Exam	10 points
Lesson 17 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 17 Exam	10 points
Lesson 18 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 18 Exam	9 points
Lesson 19 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 19 Exam	10 points
Lesson 20 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 20 Exam	8 points
Lesson 21 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 21 Exam	10 points
Lesson 22 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 22 Exam	10 points
Assignment 23A	10 points
Lesson 23 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 23 Exam	10 points
Lesson 24 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 24 Exam	10 points
Lesson 25 Assignment	20 points
Lesson 25 Exam	8 points
Final Assignment	20 points
Lesson 26 Assignment	25 points