How to structure your novel: A weekend workshop

Learn how to navigate the journey from initial concept to completed first draft, with award-winning novelist Ed Docx

There’s no denying that writing a novel is a serious challenge – but the whole process is easier if your story has a clear and workable structure. During this unique masterclass with award-winning novelist Ed Docx, you’ll learn how to fine-tune the framework for your story, and navigate the testing journey from initial concept to completed first draft.

Using his vast reserves of experience and enthusiasm, Ed will teach you the defining mechanics of plot, character, style and point-of-view. Plus, you’ll learn how to ensure that you understand the architecture of how stories work so that you can plan ahead and make the right fixes where they are needed. During the course, you’ll learn tools and techniques that can be put into practice instantly. If you’ve got an idea for a novel you want to write, don’t miss out on this remarkable masterclass. Book your place now and let Ed teach you how to transform your concept into a cohesive and truly compelling novel.

Course content

• The mechanics of writing
• How to structure a story from start to finish
• Developing your ideas – and finding focus for your story
• Ensuring the key turning points and moments of conflict in your story are in the right place
• The main things you need to know about voice and dialogue
• Finding the point-of-view that works for you
• Characterisation – how to design a cast
• Advice on how to be critical about your own work – and make it the best it can possibly be
• Working lessons from great authors
• Writing techniques that can be put into practice instantly
• Q&A and discussion

This course is for you if…

• You have a firm idea for a story you want to write, but have had little or no technical training
• You’ve started work on a novel, and want advice on how to structure your work and make it more compelling for readers
• You have a great idea for a story, but are unsure how to develop it into a well-structured novel

Tutor profile

Ed Docx is an author, journalist and experienced creative writing tutor. His 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