Course Details

You want to write a novel. So what's the big deal? Well, it's a huge task to take on by yourself. Self-imposed deadlines rarely work. And what's the actual writing process? Do you need an outline? What do you need to know about dialogue? How can you stop procrastinating?

Join 11 fellow writers in your pursuit of a completed first draft, under the guidance of a novelist who knows what she's doing. You'll learn the lost art of craft, the power of the outline, when to leave well enough alone, and how to turn your pages into a page-turner. If you stick with the pace of the class, you will finish the first draft of your novel in three months. If you need an edge to write that novel and make it saleable, this is the class for you.

In this class, you can expect to learn:

• How to write a perfect outline, and when to change it
• How to create strong characters
• How to create a tone and make it consistent throughout your novel
• The secret behind perfect dialogue
• How to discover the theme of your novel, and how to manifest that theme through the piece

By the end of class, students can expect to have:
The first draft of a novel

Admission requirements:
To apply, you must submit a letter of interest, which includes a brief work history, and a fiction writing sample that should not exceed 2,000 words.

• Your instructor's lectures are posted once a week: you can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience. Supplemental material-readings, examples, or handouts-may also be available.
• Students post completed assignments on the course bulletin board, where the class gives feedback. Students ask questions, share resources, and support each other, creating a conversation that continues all week.
• A regular chat time allows your class to converse as a group via instant message. Transcripts are available when you can't attend, or if you want to review the discussion. 
• Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.
  

Instructor Bio

Natasha Radojcic-Kane's Courses

Natasha Radojcic-Kane was born and raised in the former Yugoslavia. Her mother was a Bosnian feminist who told her that it was essential for a woman to have her own money and to know how to drive. As a result, Natasha is the first and only woman in her family (ah, the family, that endless source of fiction) to own and drive a car.
Natasha has published two novels, Homecoming, which won one of the highest literary awards in Italy, and You Don't Have to Live Here, both published by Random House. Her novels are in the process of being translated into eight languages. She has also published both short stories and nonfiction in The New York Times, Tin House, Boston Review, Rolling Stone (Italy), Daily Telegraph (Serbia), and several other magazines and newspapers worldwide. Natasha lives in NYC, but escapes to Vermont for sanity and snowboarding every weekend.

Testimonials

Natasha was terrific! I would recommend her class to anyone currently working on a novel. Novel writing can be a very lonely, isolating ontaking. Those looking for added structure, externally imposed deadlines, support, sympathy and a little kick in the butt, will love her class. Her comments were often very helpful and I appreciated her delivery of comments (even the not so positive ones). Her casual, humorous style made a sometimes difficult process more palatable and even fun! I never would've gotten as far as I've gotten on my novel without this course. The class was not just everything I hoped for, it was so much more! An added attraction has been continued contact with classmates. A handful of us have put together an informal virtual group to provide continuing critique and support for one another. The true testament is that I'll be enrolling in Natasha's next class to start on my next project. -- Corinne Westphal, former student