WRITING COURSE: The Nuts and Bolts of the Novel - Audrey Niffinger

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Random House have let us know about a two day writing course taught by renowned Audrey Niffenegger held at the Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells between the 12th and 13th of April 2013 with applications to attend closing on 3rd April 2013.

Here's the details:"If you’ve started your novel but aren’t sure how to progress then this two-day course will give you the impetus you need to move forward. Two of the key elements of novel-writing are structure and characters. Structure is sometimes referred to as plot, but Audrey Niffenegger prefers to talk about structure or architecture to give a sense of building things, as it’s about how the parts of the book relate and support each other.

This is the first time that bestselling author and experienced creative writing teacher Audrey Niffenegger has ever taught in the UK.
Friday 12th April
10am - Tea, coffee, pastries
Introductions. Discussion of what each student is working on and an overview of the class schedule.
Discussion of structure in the novel: What is possible? What is easy to achieve? How do you develop structure as you write?

1pm - Lunch

2pm - Continue to discuss structure using the example of The Great Gatsby (copies will be sent out prior to the course)
Discuss fluidity vs. rigidity in writing. How do you tear something down and repurpose its parts? How do you control the rate of reveal?

Tea and coffee will be served at approximately 3pm

5pm - Conclusions for the day

5.30pm - Finish
Followed by an optional drinks reception with Audrey


Saturday 13th April
10am - Tea, coffee, pastries
Characters: What makes a memorable character? How do you build relationships? How do you get a character up-and-running? Work on character questionnaires.

1pm - Lunch

2pm - Discussion of morning’s exercise
How does character tie in with structure?
Tea and coffee will be served at approximately 3pm

3.30pm - Q & A: what novel writing issues are you most concerned about?

5pm - Conclusions for the course

5.30pm - Finish

For more information and costs on attending please visit here.