The First 50 Pages: 8 Weeks to Get Your Novel off the Ground
Turn your idea into a novel-in-progress.
Enroll in Course
Turn your idea into a captivating opening sequence.
Do you want to write a novel but aren't sure how to begin? Maybe you have a story to tell but don't yet have a clear understanding of plot, structure, and point of view. Maybe you have an idea for a great protagonist but aren't sure how to bring the character to life on the page. Maybe you read great novels and find yourself wondering, "How did the author do that?"
If this sounds like you, The First 50 Pages is for you. In this course designed for beginning novelists, you will learn the building blocks of narrative and start writing your novel.
Upon the completion of the course, you will have a clear idea of your novel's situation, an understanding of your protagonist and antagonist, and a clear point of view and setting for your story. You will also have a strong first chapter, a working scene list, and a plan for your book. Best of all, you will have the first 50 pages.
The course is taught by a New York Times bestselling novelist and veteran writing teacher.
There are no live classes, so you can complete the lessons on your own schedule.
Course Outline
- Week 1: The Heart of the Novel: Situation and Story -- Plus Secrets of Chapter One
- Week 2: It Starts With Character: Crafting a Compelling Protagonist and Worthy Antagonist
- Week 3: Point of View: Choosing the Voice & Distance of Your Narrative
- Week 4: Setting and Description: Giving Your Reader a Place to Land
- Week 5: Nail Your Genre: How Genre Influences Narrative Choices
- Week 6: Get Them Talking: How to Write Great Dialogue
- Week 7: How to Write Great Scenes: Understanding the Building Blocks of Story
- Week 8: The Shape of the Story: Plotting and Structuring Your Novel
WHAT YOU GET with THE FIRST FIFTY PAGES
Weekly Lessons and Assignments: Each week, you will receive video and written lessons, plus an assignment. You will have access to all lessons and assignments for six months, so if you miss a week or two, you can go back and catch up. Please note that you will not be submitting your assignments for review.
Discussion Forum: Throughout the course, you will be able to interact with the instructor through the discussion forum.
Clear progress: If you want to write a novel but aren't sure how to begin, this is the course for you! You will end the course with 50 written pages and a new confidence in your story.
Your Instructor
Michelle Richmond is the New York Times bestselling author of eight books of fiction. She has taught in the Masters of Fine Arts programs in creative writing at the University of San Francisco, California College of the Arts, and elsewhere. She has also designed and taught novel writing courses online for Stanford Continuing Studies. She is the founder and publisher of Fiction Attic Press.