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--under the guidance of a novelist who knows what he's doing--to get your novel finished. If you stick with the pace of the class, you will have a finished first draft of your novel by the end of class. 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 need the edge to write that novel (and make it sellable), this is the class for you.

For the first six weeks, you'll get a lesson at the beginning of each class on writing an outline, writing characters, tone, theme, dialogue, etc.

In this class, you can expect to learn:

• How to write a perfect outline, and how to know when to change it.
• How to create strong characters and motivation for them
• What you want your novel's tone to be, and how to create it (and make sure it remains throughout)
• The secret behind perfect dialogue
• How to discover (or impose) the theme of your novel, and how to carry that theme as a throughline for 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 (including work history), and a fiction writing sample that should not exceed 2,000 words.

Instructor Bio

David Israel's Courses

David K. Israel is the author of the recent novel Behind Everyman. He is a frequent contributor to mental_floss magazine and his writings have been published in The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. David is also an accomplished songwriter and composer. His works have been commissioned by Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, and The American Symphony Orchestra.

Testimonials

David is the only catalyst you'll need to finish your novel. He's supportive and unflinching, and is an impeccable listener. I'd always been able to start novels, but under his guidance I finally finished one. Stop rationalizing your life away and take his class. -- Becky Hayes, casting director

"Not only is David a great writer, he's an inspirational teacher as well. With his encouragement I finished the first draft of my novel." -- Mike Welch, producer

"By the end of this class, I had three hundred pages of a novel that I hadn't had before, and a whole new appreciation for how much time I'd been wasting not writing. No regrets!" -- Vanessa McGee

"David is incredible. His comments are at once encouraging and constructive without being unduly flattering. He's a writer's writer who really helped me tell the story I wanted to tell. Great guy." -- Chris Rogers

"David was excellent -- a true professional. He was able to point out flaws in writing styles plus constructively critique without ruffling feathers. He also created a true writer's circle. I will definitely continue on with him." -- Stephanie Cox