Novel Writing 101
Taught by: Tom Bromley
So, you want to learn some novel writing basics ? In this free course, author and ghostwriter Tom Bromley will introduce you to all the essential steps you'll need to take before you start writing your novel's first draft.
With practical exercises in every lesson, this course will guide you through the planning stages of your novel and teach you essential elements of novel writing, including:
- Creating characters and choosing your point of view
- Bringing your setting to life
- Building enough of a structure to draft your manuscript
- Developing your unique voice as a writer
Sign up and get your first lesson right away.
Brought to you by Tom Bromley
As an editor and publisher, Tom has worked on several hundred titles, again including many prize-winners and international bestsellers.
10-day writing and publishing courses
Learn in quick five-minute lessons
Lessons are sent to your inbox each morning
Continue learning
People who enjoyed this course also looked at the following:
Stop Procrastinating! Build a Solid Writing Routine
This 10-part course will reveal researched-backed, actionable tips to help you face down your procrastination gremlins and find a solid writing routine.
Taught by Prolifiko
How to Write a Business Book
So you want to write a business book? In this free 10-part course, publishing partner Alison Jones will show you how to structure and write your book.
Taught by Alison Jones
How to Turn Your Cookbook Idea into a Reality
Bring your cookbook to life in this free course from Laura Gladwin, the editor behind books by Heston Blumenthal, Ferran Adrià and Rene Redzepi.
Taught by Laura Gladwin
The Non-Sexy Business of Writing Non-Fiction
This free Reedsy Learning course explains the mistakes to avoid, the questions to ask yourself, and how to stay motivated when writing non-fiction.
Taught by Azul Terronez
The Ten Commandments of Writing YA Novels
Editor Kate Angelella reveals her 10 Commandments for Writing Young Adult fiction in this free course from Reedsy Learning.
Taught by Kate Angelella
How to Craft a Killer Short Story
Learn the art of the short story in this 10-part course from literary editor Laura Mae Isaacman.
Taught by Laura Mae Isaacman
NEW VIDEO COURSE
How to Write a Novel
Join Tom Bromley for a writing masterclass and finish your first draft in 3 months. Learn more →
Summer Quarter
- Student Login Username Password Remember my password --> Submit Forgotten Username/Password New Student Account Setup Existing Student Account Setup ? Close This form is for current or former Stanford Continuing Studies students who do NOT already have a student login. Click here if you already have a student login account and have forgotten your username or password.
- Join Email List Sign up
CREATIVE WRITING AT STANFORD
Whether you’re just beginning to write or putting the finishing touches on your first novel, our on-campus and online writing courses offer expert instruction, individual attention, and supportive feedback at all levels, in all genres of creative writing. Most of the instructors in our program have established careers as novelists, journalists, playwrights, and screenwriters. Many have served as fellows in Stanford’s prestigious Stegner Creative Writing Program. Choose from writing courses in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, memoir, magazine writing, travel writing, the short story and more. Stanford Continuing Studies offers writing workshops and online and on-campus writing courses, so you can choose the format that best fits your schedule.
FEATURED CREATIVE WRITING COURSES
Establishing a Creative Writing Practice
Novel Workshop for Manuscripts in Progress: Plot and Structure
Getting Started in Creative Nonfiction: A Ticket to the Truth
Poetry Workshop: Finding Inspiration in Life’s Contradictions
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Open to all adults.
- No admission requirements.
- Engaging courses.
- New courses added every quarter.
- Experience the Stanford campus in person or online.
HOW TO REGISTER
The fastest and easiest way to register for courses is online. You may browse through the website, add courses to your cart, and then complete the online registration process . If you already know which courses you want to register for, you may go to View Cart and begin registration.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Ready to write a novel? Join Tom Bromley's immersive course on Reedsy Learning. Get 20hrs+ of masterclasses, weekly webinars, and join our writing community.
Explore the art of creative writing with acclaimed novelist Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, in her online class.
In Write Your First Novel, you’ll learn to break down your creative endeavor into components and you’ll discover a process that will allow you to do what few have done: produce and complete a full-length work of fiction in the form of a 50,000-word novel.
With practical exercises in every lesson, this course will guide you through the planning stages of your novel and teach you essential elements of novel writing, including: Creating characters and choosing your point of view. Bringing your setting to life. Building enough of a structure to draft your manuscript.
The Novel Writing Certificate is a comprehensive six-course series designed to guide you from the first spark of an idea to the completion of a novel-length manuscript. The program begins with a course dedicated to refining your novel concept, establishing your creative process, and cultivating a regular writing routine.
CREATIVE WRITING AT STANFORD. Whether you’re just beginning to write or putting the finishing touches on your first novel, our on-campus and online writing courses offer expert instruction, individual attention, and supportive feedback at all levels, in all genres of creative writing.