Kickstart your novel-writing journey in this engaging introductory workshop designed for aspiring writers. Whether you're dreaming of publishing your first book or simply want to explore long-form storytelling, this course provides practical tools and expert guidance to help you begin with confidence.
You’ll explore the three essential pillars of novel writing: developing and researching your idea, creating compelling characters, and mastering story structure. Through short excerpts, guided discussions and hands-on writing exercises, you’ll bring your ideas to life and gain clarity on your creative direction.
Learn how to shape your concept from premise to synopsis, build immersive worlds, craft authentic dialogue, and develop characters with meaningful internal and external conflicts. You’ll also discover techniques to maintain narrative drive and establish a sustainable, enjoyable writing practice.
Course Content
- Developing Your Idea & World-Building: Planning your novel, understanding genre conventions, researching effectively, and establishing a vivid sense of place.
- Creating Compelling Characters: Building three-dimensional characters, crafting strong character arcs, exploring point of view, and writing authentic dialogue.
- Story Structure & Writing Practice: Structuring your novel, strengthening your opening chapters, maintaining narrative momentum, and setting achievable writing goals.
Schedule & Pricing
- One-day workshop (3 hours)
- Location: 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
- Course fee: $109
Details
You will learn
- Develop and research a strong novel idea with effective world-building
- Create compelling characters with clear internal and external conflicts
- Apply key story structure techniques to maintain narrative drive
You will get
- Expert guidance from an experienced writing tutor
- Practical writing exercises and structured feedback
- Tools and strategies to build a sustainable writing practice
Appropriate for
Aspiring and emerging writers, well-read beginners, and individuals pursuing careers in publishing, media or professional writing.
Preparation
What to bring
- Notebook
- Pen
- Any existing story ideas or drafts (optional)
What to wear
Casual
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Novel Writing for Beginners
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