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How to plan your novel and enjoy the writing process

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, September 3, 2016 · 10am - 1pm 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

Learn how to structure a compelling story at this three-hour masterclass with award-winning author Ed Docx

Do you have lots of ideas for your novel? Notebooks full of scribbled storylines and dialogue? This masterclass will help you to transform your ideas into a cohesive and compelling story.

In the space of just three hours, award-winning author Ed Docx will teach you how to create a detailed plan for your novel and kickstart the writing process. You’ll discover the key things you need to know about plot, character and point-of-view, and learn writing techniques that can be put into practice instantly. You’ll also learn some key structural and problem-solving skills, enabling you to spend more time being creative and less time worrying about the mechanics of writing.

Content

  • Refining your ideas and finding a focus for your story
  • How to turn your idea for a novel into a detailed outline
  • Planning and structuring your story
  • Establishing a strong writing voice
  • The relationship between plot and character – and how to develop one without destroying the other
  • Finding the point-of-view that works for you
  • The basics of writing a scene with dialogue
  • Workable writing techniques that you can apply to your own work
  • How to solve problems with your story or narrative
  • Lessons from great authors
  • Q&A

Tutor profile

Ed Docx is an author, journalist and experienced creative writing tutor. He has taught many masterclasses at the Guardian, with one student describing his weekend course as ‘One of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve spent in an awfully long time, and hugely productive.’ Ed’s first novel, The Calligrapher, was published in 2003 – it was selected by the San Francisco Chronicle as a best book of the year and has now been translated into eight languages. In 2007, his second novel, Self Help, was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and went on to win the Geoffrey Faber prize. His third novel, The Devil’s Garden, was published in 2012. Find out more about Ed on his website.

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.

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