Novel Writing Workshop

HOW TO WRITE YOUR NOVEL — FROM CONCEPT TO GETTING PUBLISHED

The BEST COURSE CHOICE for those with a book idea and a desire to get published!

In this lively and fun course, author and mentor Steve Alcorn shows you how to achieve success. During the past two decades, Steve has helped more than 30,000 aspiring writers structure their stories, and many are now in print. You can be next!

Books by your instructor, Steve Alcorn

Perhaps you've started already on your novel and have stalled out with “writer's block." Don't worry – we'll help you bust the block and get you writing again. Or you maybe you've finished your manuscript are shocked to find it simply lacks the pizzazz that'll put it on the bestseller list. No problem – we'll help you polish your manuscript 'til it shines!

Master Point of View

Get inside the heads of your characters and narrators by conveying their unique perspective. Learn to limit the scope of what each character sees and define the world for your reader. Using "Point of View," you can create horizons and funnel your readers' attention where you want it to be.

Use Dialogue that Engages

Not all dialogue is created equal. In this online course, you'll learn how to create cracking dialogue that can't be ignored. Here, you'll use dialogue to define character traits and perspectives. You'll also craft unique and definitive voices to match each persona.

Create Conflict, Mystery & Suspense

Unanswered questions are what keep readers interested. This section will show you how to develop lucid complexity, strategic foreshadowing, and fascinating relationships to entice readers to keep turning the pages.

Develop Structure and Pacing

Learn to save countless hours of revision by outlining plot points in the beginning. Write your novel using the tried and true "Three Act Structure" to control pacing and plot. The Three Act Structure gives your novel a polished and professional appeal, and you'll learn how to use it properly.

Be Your Own Editor

If you want your book to be taken seriously, you need a clean, compelling, error-free manuscript. This section will help you turn your draft into a polished and professional manuscript that agents are keen to read.

Get Published

These days it's not enough just to complete a novel. Every author needs a platform to sell their story. This section will outline the pros and cons of agents, and self-publishing / self-promotion, so you can choose the path that's best for you.

“My lifetime dream? Getting published. I don't need a 4-year Course!"

“It has been my life-long dream to become a published author but I had no idea where to start. I have an idea for a good book but needed guidance on how to write it. I took this course to get help, and I am truly impressed by the amount of information presented. I do not need to take a 4-year course on Creative Writing. I completed the course in a few months in my free time. I really loved the way Steve Alcorn presented the materials and the way he showed examples. Thank you Steve for this amazing course!" — Michelle Apolo

“I want to get published! But I don't know how…"

Thousands and thousands of successful authors started with no more than you: an idea and the drive to develop it into a page-turner. Your idea may be based in your own experiences or those of a relative or friend. Your book concept may be a complete flight of fancy, or a dramatization of a historic event. Maybe you'll write and publish a biography, an autobiography, fiction, non-fiction, romance, adventure, drama — it really doesn't matter WHAT kind of book you want to write, or what your book concept is. What matters is what you DO with your idea.

We break it down so you CAN write your novel

That's where our “Novel Writing Workshop" comes in. This fascinating workshop teaches you how to write a novel in six simple steps. We break down novel writing so YOU can do it successfully.

Our “Novel Writing Workshop" gives you lifetime access to 28 info-packed video lectures, and over five solid hours of knowledgeable instruction. You also become one in a community, all working hard to achieve the same goal: to write a novel and see it published. And you can browse and participate in all the discussions!

Learn novel writing in 6 simple steps

This is a lively and enjoyable course in which you will learn the ins-and-outs of not just the writing craft but the book trade, too. Hang on tight because you're going to learn all about both!

Step 1: You'll Plan your Novel

You'll learn the critical difference between a “plot" and a “story" and how to balance the two in your writing.

You'll see how-to (and how NOT to) examples of balancing plot and story from popular books and movies.

You'll discover the four Dramatic Elements that make EVERY great novel sizzle. And you'll learn to use any and all of them to increase the power of your writing.

Step 2: You'll Create Realistic Characters

You'll learn to recognize when a character lacks dimension and how to avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of poor character development.

Who's your Protagonist? What's his or her motivation? Don't skimp on this lesson — your protagonist is your main character.

You'll learn to put your Antagonist in conflict with your Protagonist. And you'll learn how to give him or her real dramatic power. And don't forget he or she needs a fatal flaw, too. You'll see…

Create an entire cast of characters to add dramatic interest, style, texture, flavor, and a sense of reality to your novel…and some comic relief, too.

Step 3: You'll Structure Your Story

You'll understand the “Three Act Structure" and see a graphic demonstration of the “dramatic curve" that underlies virtually all great writings, movies, and even story-telling.

You'll discover the three classic points to cover in “Act 1" to hook readers as soon as they've read the first few pages.

You'll learn the secret of keeping your readers engaged and excited as your novel become more deeply developed and filled with dramatic tension in “Act 2."

And you'll learn how to build to a dramatic, crashing conclusion in “Act 3". Our “big finish" technique makes reading your book an experience your readers will not forget…and which just might bring you critical acclaim!

Step 4: You'll Create Your Manuscript

You'll discover why professional writers repeat “Scene and Sequel" throughout their novels, and why you should, too.

No conflict? No novel. Learn why and how to create conflict three clever ways.

Learn how to keep your readers' suspense high without overdoing it.

Discover the subtleties of keeping readers glued by weaving mystery into your writing.

You'll learn to regulate the “pace" of your novel so it moves smoothly without dragging or hurrying unnecessarily.

Experiment with Viewpoint — learn three ways to present your tale's “view" so you can choose the right one in the right situation.

Learn to use Voice. Will you write with a light and airy voice, or a deep and resonant one?

There's much more in Step 4: You'll discover Tense — learn tools to write in past, present or future. Setting — learn how to make your readers actually “see" your novel's scenes. Learn about Dialogue — if your character's from Maine, can you give her a Down East accent? And you'll learn Beginnings and Endings: you need a strong start to your novel and a stronger end.

Step 5: You'll Learn to Polish your Manuscript

We'll teach you our “Write Big" technique that can turn a flat novel into a sparkling success.

And we'll teach you to “Write Well" — editing secrets that help you use the right words and language, and cut out the wrong ones.

Step 6: You'll Discover how to actually SELL Your Novel

We'll show you how to create the “collateral material" you need to promote and present your novel to publishers.

You'll receive our Manuscript Evaluation Checklist, your simple tool to make sure EVERYTHING'S ready for your publisher.

And you'll learn proven, insider secrets of how to actually get publishers to receive, review, and say “YES!" to publishing your novel!