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Novel Writing: Chick Lit

Draft, workshop, and learn to publish today's most marketable fiction

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Novel Writing: Chick Lit

WHEN 8 weeks, Tuesdays, September 23 - December 2, 6:45-9:45 pm

WHERE New York (Soho)

LEVEL General/Intermediate

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

Course Details

What makes a novel chick lit? Why isn't it considered literature? Or romance? (Why do these categories exist, anyway?) Does chick lit have to end in marriage? Does the main character need to buy shoes at some point? In this class, we'll be answering all these questions and more as you write your own novel -- one that stems from your particular sensibility and experience, and has your distinctive voice.

Chick lit novels are intimate and informal. They can be easy to relate to, comforting, entertaining, and funny. They can also be intelligent, sad, touching and thought provoking. Chick lit is often a form of masked memoir -- veiled fictionalizations of the author's own experiences. If you're a woman with a story to tell, this class will help you get it out there. 

In this class, you will learn how to:

  • Create a protagonist that may or may not be based on you
  • Structure your narrative so that it is more than just a bad date story
  • Find your protagonist's voice
  • Write realistic dialogue (just because someone actually said it doesn't make it interesting)
  • Avoid chick lit cliches (gay best friend, anyone?)
  • Find the time to actually write the darn thing

    *Students do not need to have any pages already written, as this class will take you through the writing process from the beginning.

    This class will also feature guest lecturer Mollie Glick, an agent with The Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc.

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (2,000 words or less).

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Instructor Bio

Brenda Janowitz's Courses

Brenda Janowitz
A native New Yorker, Brenda Janowitz has had a flair for all things dramatic since she played the title role in her third grade production of Really Rosie. When asked by her grandmother if the experience made her want to be an actress when she grew up, Brenda responded, "An actress? No. A writer, maybe."

Brenda graduated from Cornell University and Hofstra Law School. After law school, she worked at a large law firm in Manhattan and later clerked for a federal judge in Brooklyn. Her first novel, Scot on the Rocks (How I Survived My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding With My Dignity Ever-So-Slightly Intact) is out on bookshelves now. For more info on Brenda, visit her website at www.brendajanowitz.com.

Testimonials


Brenda was amazing. Her lectures were interesting, animated, and well prepared. Brenda is an outstanding teacher. Thanks to her guidance and encouragement, I am finally writing my novel. -- Liz Borod Wright

"Brenda was wonderful -- thorough, fair, upbeat, and insightful. She gently instructed the students to give and receive critique in a useful and helpful manner." -- Maria Dantos

"Brenda is informative, insightful, and very encouraging. She really pushes her students to do the best, and definitely made me a more thoughtful writer. She's just the best!" -- Irina Gonzalez

"Brenda provided valuable insight. The course was informative and more helpful than I had ever imagined!" -- Merritt C. Patterson

"Brenda's positive energy inspired me to be part of the chick lit genre. Within hours of her seminar I started my own novel. I signed up for Brenda's class because I know she'll keep me going!" -- Carol Anne Fricke

"Brenda was poised, intelligent, confident, well-rounded, and knowledgeable about her subject matter. She gave interesting exercises to inspire us and answered questions in a thoughtful, considerate manner. Thanks!" -- Heather Zschock

"Attending Brenda's class was a fantastic opportunity. I was absolutely surprised at Brenda's forthcoming advice and with her desire to help us succeed in this endeavor." -- Carolina Baker

"Brenda is a highly entertaining instructor whose first-hand experience makes the content of the class all the more interesting." -- Elizabeth Gooch, Facts on File

"I can't say enough about all Brenda has done to inspire and help me with my book project. I've gone further than I ever thought I'd be able to!" -- Jami Kelly

"I never would have started writing my own novel if I hadn't taken this class with Brenda." -- Kristen Sardis

"Brenda was sensational! Her knowledge, course preparation, and willingness to share her secrets were all invaluable to a first time author. She is a great coach and mentor. What a motivator!" -- Jami Kelmenson

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