Make 2026 your year – get the tools and support you need to complete the first draft of your novel, in Queensland Writers Centre's flagship program for emerging writers.

Year of the Novel returns in 2026 so you can follow through with your New Years' resolution to get that book out of your head and onto the page. Attend five full-day workshops throughout the year, each detailing the steps you need to take when writing the first draft of your novel. Hosted by author Karen Foxlee, 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 writing skillset and work to draft 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

10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 15 February 2026
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 19 April 2026
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 21 June 2026
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 30 August 2026
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 25 October 2026

Please note that participants are expected to attend all five course dates. Supplementary materials for any missed sessions will be provided at QWC's discretion.

Format

This is an intensive and collaborative five-part course with a focus on craft; it will be held in-person at Queensland Writers Centre. 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 and roundtable workshopping of works in progress.

Flexible payment plans are available for this course. Please contact Queensland Writers Centre at admin@qldwriters.org.au or call (07) 3842 9922.

About Karen

Karen Foxlee writes for both children and young adults. She has written nine award winning novels that are published around the world. Her novels include CBCA Honour Books Lenny's Book of Everything and Dragon Skin. Karen lives and writes in southeast Queensland.

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