I W.R.I.T.E: How to Write a Novel with E.J. Kitchens
A Comprehensive One-Year Guide to Writing and Self-Editing
In this video-driven, self-paced course, you will learn to
- Construct sound plots
- Create beloved characters
- Design intriguing settings
- Seamlessly interweave plot, character, setting, goals, and all the other story elements into stories your audience will love
- Improve your writing at the word and paragraph level
- Self-edit
- Fight writers block and create healthy habits to actually finish your first novel and many more after that
- Successfully prepare for publishing - whether traditional or indie
***Please note that this is the beta-version of the course. I am still learning about course creation, and while the content is great, I plan to "pretty it up" with re-recorded videos, typo fixes, and professional-looking workbooks rather than simple word docs. This means that the course is cheaper now than it will be when I get it all fixed up!***
Have you ever read a novel or watched a movie and thought, “I can do better than that!”
Or maybe you started a novel only to realize you didn’t know where to go or how to finish it?
Maybe you’ve always been a daydreamer and would love to get the stories in your head to print, but you don’t think you can, that only “special” people can actually create books and other art?
If any of those describe you, then we have something in common. I'm an award-nominated fantasy author with over 1 million words in print, but I once thought I could never be a writer. Becoming an astronaut seemed more feasible that becoming an author! You see, there were two very important things I didn't understand: 1) We're all creators, made in the image of a Creator God, so it's far more reasonable to believe that I could create worthwhile and enjoyable works than not; 2) writing is a skill, which means it can be learned and I shouldn't expect to be able to sit down and write a masterpiece without first studying how that's done. All authors--like all actors and painters and athletes--started as nons, as non-authors (or non-actors or non-painters or non-athletes). But then they started writing and started studying the craft of writing, and kept at it, and became authors.
So that's why I created this course, to help creatives develop their skill and enjoy the learning process. (And I just like teaching and talking about great books and movies and being around other writers. And some of you might be the author of those great books I'm talking about in the future. Don't forget that when things get hard.)
So if those describe you, then this course is for you.
What do we cover in the class?
The course is outlined according to the acronym I. W.R.I.T.E. I admit I am not a fan of acronyms, but this one came to me out of the blue, and I realized it was very useful, so we’re going with it. Twice, actually. Once for story elements and once for the actual writing. We’ll also look at what readers want in a story so you can create stories with a premise that captures reader interest. There will be assignments throughout the course to help you learn the techniques of great writing, and you'll write a short story (around 20,000 words) and a book proposal. You will also read two books over the course of the class to strengthen your grammar and writing: Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English (Fourth Edition) by Patricia T. O'Conner (in the fall) and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Rennie Brown and Dave King (in the spring).
As a note, this is a more practical than literary class. My background is science, though I've had a couple of English literature classes and a creative writing class. My bent, as a former lab instructor, and my background and experience lend themselves to a practical course. I appreciate literature and respect literary criticism, but I'm a self-published author. I talk more about how to sell books than about literary criticism and the philosophies of 18th-century poets (I don't actually talk these, to be honest). So if you're looking for something literary and esoteric, this class isn't for you. If you want practical training from someone whose books sell to the "average reader" rather than just an elite few, then this class is for you.
Writing is hard. Writing is fun. But it’s always worth it to be able to say “I write.”
Module 1: Story Elements and Knowing Your Reader
I: Introduction Introduction to writing a novel.
I: Ideas Where do we get ideas and how do we decide which ones to use?
W: World The story world (setting) is more than just the place the action happens but influences everything that happens.
R: Readers What do readers expect and want? Learn about genre, tone, book length, story hook, and blurb.
I: "I" (Characters) Who is telling the story? Characters and Point-of-View.
T: Trouble The all-important goals and conflict that drive your story.
E: Events (Plot) What happens in your story? Should you outline or discovery write?
Module 2: Midpoint
Midpoint: Review, Q&A, and book proposals (even if you're not seeking traditional publishing, writing a book proposal will help you become a better author).
Module 3: Going Deeper into Story and Words
I: Introduction to great writing. Description.
W: Words or not? Show/don’t tell.
R: Rhythm. Writing scene and sequel.
I: Interest. Capture reader interest with a great first line, a middle that doesn’t sag, and a satisfying ending.
T: Talk. Dialogue and action beats.
E: Editing. Self-editing and the different types of editing.
Module 4: The End.
Wrap up. What being an author is like, jobs for writers, how to get published, how to avoid scams, and references for future study. You'll turn in the final book proposal and short story.
Assignments
Assignments are optional for the self-paced course but highly recommended as they help you analyze the books you read for story elements and good writing technique and so learn from them. You will also work on developing a short story (approximately 20,000 words) throughout the course and will use what you learn to create a book proposal. For the instructor-led option, you will be expected to complete assignments so I can give feedback (a very valuable portion of the class as I am a copyeditor and novelist and love to help authors improve rather than me simply fix mistakes for them).
The story will be a retelling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" story. Why? Because having a framework eases the burden of starting everything from scratch. Retellings and fan fiction are how many of us started out. Retellings are very flexible, however, so you can do a lot with the idea.
I recommend you also read two books over the course of the class to strengthen your grammar and writing: Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English (Fourth Edition) by Patricia T. O'Conner (in the first half) and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Rennie Brown and Dave King (second half - this one does half a little language, if I remember rightly, but is a commonly recommended book).
Who is this class for?
This class is for anyone who wants to write fiction for teens and up. The qualities that make a book specifically for children and middle graders, however, are not covered, but you can still learn story basics through this course.
What are the details of the course?
Teacher: Elizabeth Kitchens, author and copyeditor
Length: 50 weeks, with about 30 lessons and 20 weeks designed to help you create a good writing routine
Format: Online
Equipment required: Computer with word processor, internet connection
Books recommended: Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English (Fourth Edition) by Patricia T. O'Conner (in the first half) and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Rennie Brown and Dave King (in the second half)
That’s the class summary. If you’re still with me, you may be wondering about me and why I am teaching the course and what experience I have in writing and teaching. Again, I’m Elizabeth (E.J. Kitchens), and I’m a freelance copyeditor, author of clean YA fantasy novels, a writing instructor, and more (whatever is currently paying the bills!). I come from a family of writers but didn’t discover my own love of writing until I was twenty-six. Consequently, I have a science background and have taught college microbiology labs and community college biology courses. I enjoy teaching and writing and helping others with their writing.
If you want to check out my writing, you can find my books on my website here: https://www.ejkitchens.com.
See you in the course!
About the Instructor
E.J. Kitchens (Elizabeth) loves tales of romance, adventure, and happily-ever-afters and strives to write such tales herself. She writes fantasy for those who love clean adventure-romance stories with compelling characters and rich worldbuilding. She lives in Alabama and loves reading, watching black-and-white movies, being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and her church family. You can learn more about her books at her website (https://www.ejkitchens.com).
Course curriculum
Module 1: Story Elements and Knowing Your Reader
I: Introduction Introduction to writing a novel.
I: Ideas Where do we get ideas and how do we decide which ones to use?
W: World The story world (setting) is more than just the place the action happens but influences everything that happens.
R: Readers What do readers expect and want? Learn about genre, tone, book length, story hook, and blurb.
I: "I" (Characters) Who is telling the story? Characters and Point-of-View.
T: Trouble The all-important goals and conflict that drive your story.
E: Events (Plot) What happens in your story? Should you outline or discovery write?
E: Editing Evaluating Feedback and Developmental Editing
Module 2: Midpoint and Review
Midpoint Synopsis, Blurbs, Book Proposals
Module 3: Going Deeper into Story and Words
I: Introduction to great writing Description, Style, and Voice
W: Words or not? 1 Show/don’t tell.
W: Words or not? 2 Show/don’t tell.
R: Rhythm Rhythm, pacing, repetition, and describing character action
I: Interest Capture reader interest with a great first line, a middle that doesn’t sag, and a satisfying ending.
T: Talk Dialog and action beats.
E: Editing Self-editing and the different types of editing.
Module 4: The End.
Wrap up. Review. Overview of publishing and references for future study.
Final Final tips and complete short story due.
Plus regular Reading, Writing, and Catching Up Weeks to give you focused time on writing or on developing your best writing environment and schedule.
Plus bonus content! Including recordings of live Q&As with students
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1Module 1: I. W.R.I.T.E. - Story Elements and Knowing and Your Reader
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2Midpoint: Q&A and Book Proposals
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3Module 3: I. W.R.I.T.E. - Going Deeper into Story and Words
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4Module 4: The End