Get started on your novel with David Almond

Actions Panel

Get started on your novel with David Almond

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Monday, July 28, 2014 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

As a billion abandoned manuscripts attest, there's a lot more to writing a novel than just typing up a good idea. Simply knowing where to start can be a challenge, and as with any big commitment, family, friends and the internet will be full of well-intentioned but confusing advice on what to do next. Award-winning novelist David Almond can lead you out of this maze of perplexity and get you to work on your opus.

This inspiring large-scale seminar from one of the UK's most industrious writers offers a simple guide to the ground-floor realities of writing. As well as practical tips on the foundations of good writing and storytelling, and good writing, the event addresses some of the most common stumbling blocks for new novelists. Exploring topics such as how to find and nurture inspiration, how to make room for writing in your schedule, and the conventional wisdoms it's best to ignore, this event will make your labour of love a lot less laborious.

Course description

This is a large-scale event designed for new writers to learn more about the practicalities of the writing process, and how to approach the sometimes intimidating task of drafting a novel. Tutor David Almond (Skellig) offers supportive advice and practical instruction on a range of topics including:

  • Finding inspiration
  • Taking the plunge: how to get started
  • The essence of a good story
  • The fundamentals of readable writing
  • Making time to write: how to shuffle your life
  • Advice for writers… that you'd be better off ignoring

This course is for you if…

  • You have an idea for a novel but don't know how to go about writing it
  • You want to write a novel but haven't yet decided on a plot or structure
  • You've made a previous attempt to write a novel but found it difficult to integrate the process into your daily life
  • You're confident about the creative side of writing, but concerned about practicalities of planning and discipline

Please note that this event is aimed at writers at the very beginning of their careers. For courses suited to more advanced writers, please see here.

Tutor profile

David Almond is the author of Skellig, My Name is Mina, The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean, Clay, The Boy Who Swam With Piranhas, and many other novels, stories and plays. His work has been translated into over 40 languages, and has been widely adapted for stage and screen. His many awards include the Hans Christian Andersen Award 2010, the world's most prestigious prize for children's authors. A highly experienced and inspirational writing tutor, he has run many courses for the Arvon Foundation and is now Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

Sales Ended