Have you always dreamed of becoming a published novelist and seeing your work in print? This one-day intensive online lecture format course, taught by accomplished and published novelist Gretchen McNeil with significant commercial success and industry experience, distills the comprehensive fundamentals of extended narrative fiction into essential, immediately practical concepts and techniques. Learn the foundational craft elements that transform an initial story idea into a fully realized, compelling novel that engages readers from opening to conclusion. McNeil covers essential strategies and methodologies for creating compelling storylines with meaningful arcs, developing memorable characters that readers invest in emotionally and care deeply about, managing complex narrative structures and viewpoints, and sustaining reader engagement and interest across hundreds of pages. The course synthesizes valuable industry knowledge about what editors, agents, and publishers actively seek in debut fiction and contemporary novels across various genres and market segments.
Please Note: This course uses a lecture-based instructional format with some interactive in-class components and discussion. Due to the seminar structure and time limitations, not all participants will have the opportunity to present their creative work for detailed instructor feedback and critique.
Topics Covered Include:
- Conceptualizing and developing compelling novel ideas with commercial and literary merit
- Creating multidimensional, authentic characters with realistic motivations and emotional depth
- Structuring narrative arcs and story pacing that sustain reader interest and emotional investment
- Building tension, conflict, and stakes progressively throughout extended narratives
- Dialogue craftsmanship and developing an authentic character voice
- Revision, refinement, and editing strategies for completed manuscript development and polish
- Understanding market positioning and genre conventions in contemporary publishing
