Intro to Novel Writing Workshop
Start your novel-writing journey with this engaging introductory workshop designed to give you the tools, techniques and confidence to begin. Whether you're nurturing a fresh idea or refining an early draft, this course will help you shape your concept and build strong foundations for long-form storytelling.
You’ll explore the three core pillars of novel writing: developing and researching your idea, creating compelling characters, and mastering the key elements of story structure. Through practical writing exercises and guided discussions, you’ll bring your ideas to life and gain clarity on how to move from premise to polished plan.
Course Content
- Developing Your Idea & World-Building: Planning your novel from premise to synopsis, understanding genre conventions, researching effectively, and establishing a vivid sense of place.
- Creating Compelling Characters: Building three-dimensional characters, crafting authentic dialogue, shaping character arcs, and developing internal and external conflict.
- Story Structure & Narrative Drive: Strengthening your opening chapters, shaping plot and obstacles, and maintaining momentum throughout your manuscript.
- Building a Writing Practice: Setting achievable writing goals, discovering productive habits, and using tools and resources to sustain your creativity.
Schedule & Pricing
- One-day workshop (3 hours)
- Fee: $99
- Limited to 12 participants
Additional Information
- Recommended reading and resources will be provided during the session.
Details
You will learn
- Develop and research a strong novel idea with effective world-building
- Create compelling characters with authentic voice and conflict
- Understand story structure and maintain narrative drive
You will get
- Practical writing exercises and guided feedback
- Expert tips on planning and structuring your novel
- Recommended resources to support your writing practice
Appropriate for
Aspiring and emerging writers, well-read beginners, and individuals pursuing careers in publishing, media or professional writing.
Preparation
What to bring
- Notebook
- Pen
- Your story ideas or draft notes (optional)
What to wear
Casual
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Intro to Novel Writing Workshop
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