Novel I

WRITING X 411.1

Start writing your novel in this workshop; guiding you through the building blocks of great books while teaching you essential tools for fiction writing.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Online
In Person
Live Online
Starting at $720.00
As few as 10 weeks
3.0

What you can learn.

  • Bring the story inside you onto the page with the guidance of a professional writer
  • Make weekly progress on the first chapter of your novel in a supportive, collaborative environment
  • Learn key elements of successful novels, including plot, structure, and point of view

About this course:

That novel is inside you waiting to emerge, but knowing how and where to start can be daunting. This course provides you with weekly assignments, group interaction and instructor feedback to help you explore various methods of writing your first novel while learning the key craft points of plot, structure, characterization, point-of-view, sense of place and voice. The goal is to complete the first chapter of your novel by establishing an intimacy with your characters as you artfully shape their journey and to develop an overall concept to guide you through your story. Required for students considering the long-fiction sequence.

Spring 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Monday, Wednesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Enrollment Closed
See Details
Instructor: Melanie Thorne
402318
Fee:
$720.00
In Personformat icon
Location: UCLA
Notes

No meeting April 16, 2025. 

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from February 03, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Apr 2, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed Apr 9, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed Apr 23, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed Apr 30, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed May 7, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Mon May 12, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed May 14, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed May 21, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed May 28, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
Discussion
Wed Jun 4, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1264
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Enrollment Closed
See Details
Instructor: Dan López
402315
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from February 03, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Enrollment Closed
See Details
Instructor: Jessica Barksdale
402316
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from February 03, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Summer 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Saturday 1:00PM - 4:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens April 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Noah Lemelson
403701
Fee:
$720.00
In Personformat icon
Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Jun 28, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Jul 5, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Jul 12, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Jul 19, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Jul 26, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Aug 2, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Aug 9, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Aug 16, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Aug 23, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Discussion
Sat Aug 30, 2025
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
-
Thursday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens April 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Elizabeth L. Silver
403700
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

 

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Thu Jun 26, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jul 3, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jul 10, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jul 17, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jul 24, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jul 31, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Aug 7, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Aug 14, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Aug 21, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Aug 28, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens April 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Jessica Barksdale
403698
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens April 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
403699
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

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