Get the tools and support you need to complete the first draft of your novel, in this online edition of Queensland Writers Centre's flagship program.

Year of the Novel is here to help you finally reach your novel-writing goals. Attend 8 three-hour online workshops, each detailing the steps you need to take when writing the first draft of your novel. Hosted by acclaimed author Natasha Lester, in this course you’ll receive practical advice and inspiration so you can maintain your writing pace and finally write 'the end'.

You’ll also receive written feedback on 10 pages (up to 3,000 words) of your work-in-progress at a scheduled time during this course.

Learning outcomes

You will hone your writing skillset and work towards drafting a full-length novel through practical exercises, group discussions, critique sessions, and homework in the key areas listed below:

Develop your personal skills in the craft of narrative writing.
Learn techniques to pre-draft and generate ideas.
Structure your narrative on a macro and micro level.
Craft characters with goals and flaws.
Build your novel's world and setting.
Find your author voice and writing style.
Develop an appreciation for the business of writing and publishing.

Course dates

5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 6 April 2027
5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 20 April 2027
5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 4 May 2027
5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 18 May 2027
5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 1 June 2027
5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 15 June 2027
5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 29 June 2027
5:30pm – 8:30pm AEST, Tuesday 13 July 2027

Supplementary materials and 7-day access Replay recordings are available for any missed sessions.

Format

This is an intensive and collaborative eight-part course with a focus on craft; it will be held online via Zoom. It is a course designed for emerging writers but is suitable for dedicated writers of all levels and writing backgrounds to attend. Each session will combine explicit teaching of skills and techniques with interactive discussion and writing exercises. You are expected to be working on the first draft of a new novel throughout this course.

Flexible payment plans are available for this course. You can set up your payment plan during ticket checkout via Humanitix.

About Natasha

In the early 2000s, Natasha Lester made the move from marketing manager for Maybelline cosmetics to writing novels and she regrets nothing—except that she no longer gets free lipstick. She is now a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author whose books have been published all around the world. Her latest novel is The Chateau on Sunset.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info

Contact the host of Online Year of the Novel with Natasha Lester

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