Led by novelist and musician Mat Osman, this course aims to demystify the process of writing your first novel. Heavy on practical tips and realistic timelines, the course takes you through every stage of fiction writing from plotting and story-telling through to characters and structure. The focus is on writing for pleasure and for self-improvement but there will be sections on agents, publishers and self-publishing.

• WEEK ONE: ON YOUR MARKS (THE SEVEN ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS)
• WEEK TWO: GET SET
• WEEK THREE: GO! (Character)
• WEEK FOUR: HITTING THE WALL (Structure and conflict)
• WEEK FIVE: THE FINISH LINE

After each session you will be given an exercise to work on for the next class, helping you to grow and build on what you are being taught as you progress through the course.

After five intensive weeks, you should have made a start on your novel, and have a good idea of your story, structure and schedule for completing your work.

2 bursary places are available for people who would like to attend, but the cost of the course is a barrier to entry. Please contact Ripley at ripley@opencitylondon.com to apply.

Image used is  from ‘The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner’ 1962.

This course will be delivered via online distance learning.

If you’d like to be notified about this course’s future running dates, please fill in this quick form. If you have any questions about the course, get in touch with shortcourses@opencitylondon.com.