Also our next short course on offer is for those of you who are interested in writing a novel and taking up the NaNoWriMo (novel in a month) challenge. For our students, there is likely to be an inhouse (free) NaNoWriMo group, led by Sherryl and me (mainly me), so keep your eyes on the bulletin boards.
In the meantime, here's the PR about the short course from Bruno:
Would you believe me if I told you....
...that you could write 50 thousand words in a month
...that you’ve been secretly (deliciously) holding this ambition to write your novel
...that you dare not even acknowledge it to yourself.
Go on...let the ambition unfurl.
COME JOIN US for
Write a novel in a Month short course
Teacher: Margaret McCarthy
Dates: Saturday 23 October for 6 weeks
Day & Time: Information and sign-up session before first class 9.30am (free)
Saturday mornings 10.00 – 12.30pm
Cost: $240
Venue: Footscray Nicholson Campus VU, VenU Restaurant
The class is very close to public transport at Footscray and Seddon, and although the restaurant won't be running, we will have coffee and tea. If you have any trouble finding the class on the day, call the teacher on 0400 316 431.
Texts/materials The book "No Plot No Problem" will be available for sale ($25). Bring writing materials – a large note book and pens. If you have a laptop, bring it along.
Novel in a Month is inspired by NaNoWriMo, an international writing competition to write 50,000 words (a novel draft) in a month. Participants with any level of writing experience, including first-time writers, can take part. This short course is for anyone who wants to have a go. Go to www.nanowrimo.org
Why do this class? You will write and finish the first draft of a novel!
Many things prevent people from writing. Novel in July offers a way around lack of experience, writer’s block and perfectionism. As long as you meet your word count, you can’t fail. Novel in July keeps you writing—not re-drafting, stopping or editing.
Can’t I just take the challenge at home? Yes, you can. But writing with a class greatly improves your chances of meeting the total: about 12% of those working alone complete the challenge whereas for those in a class up to 80% succeed!
What if I’ve started a novel already? Although our July class allows you to continue with an existing writing project or begin something fresh, our November class encourages new work. However, it’s best to talk to the teacher to discuss what you’d like to do – that’s what we’re here for!.
What do you have to do? Come to class for discussion, support and writing strategies; then write your quota every day. By 30 November, you will have completed your novel, be ready to debrief and celebrate.
About the teacher
Margaret McCarthy is a published poet and writer teaching in Melbourne’s west. Her poetry collection Night Crossing is being published in November 2010, and her manuscript “Entitlement” was short-listed for the Harper Collins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development 2006. She holds a MA in Creative Writing from Melbourne University. This is her third Novel in a Month challenge.
Find out about
- Ideas about writing novels
- Plot
- Character
- Setting
- Writing to deadline
- Writing forward without looking back
- Problem solving
This Course is run by Professional Writing & Editing (PWE) TAFE, Victoria University.
Apply direct through the Creative Industries website at http://creativeindustries.vu.edu.au
