Really enjoyed this. The pace was perfect for me, and the examples really helped solidify the concepts. Got a lot out of it!
Write Your First Novel: From Concept to Draft
Transform your story idea into a completed manuscript using proven narrative techniques and a sustainable writing routine.
-
💬
AI instructor
Ask about any lesson and get a clear answer instantly, anytime. -
🕐
Start anytime
No schedules or deadlines — learn at your own pace, whenever suits you. -
🌐
In English
Lessons, tasks and certificate — all fully in your language.
About this course
Course contents
6 modules · 30 lessons · 3h 17m
1
The Novelist's Foundations
Understand basic concepts and establish a work routine.
- Essential Terminology
Learn the technical language of fiction to navigate the course.6 min - Brainstorming Techniques
Transform a vague inspiration into a solid narrative concept.7 min - The Pillars of Fiction
Understand the elements that turn a story into a novel.6 min - Creating a Sustainable Routine
Organize your time to write every day despite other commitments.7 min - Overcoming the Blank Page
Psychological strategies to start writing without fear.6 min
2
Characters and Worlds
Create deep protagonists and the environment they inhabit.
- Creating Memorable Characters
Define the identity and role of the main characters.7 min - Motivations and Desires
Establish what drives the character to act in the story.7 min - The Internal Character Arc
Design the psychological evolution of the protagonist.6 min - Antagonists and Supporting Characters
Develop the supporting cast to create conflict and variety.6 min - World-building Fundamentals
Build a coherent setting that influences the narrative.7 min
3
Plot Architecture
Design the structure and pacing of the story.
- The Three-Act Structure
Use the classic framework to shape the novel.7 min - Modern Narrative Beats
Identify the turning points necessary to maintain engagement.7 min - The Art of Outlining
Plan the chapters before starting the draft.7 min - Pacing: Managing the Rhythm
Alternate between action and reflection to keep the reader engaged.6 min - The Central Conflict
Introduce obstacles that make the plot dynamic.6 min
4
The Art of the Scene
Write effective and engaging prose.
- Building a Scene
Understand the basic unit of narrative: the beginning, middle, and end of a scene.7 min - Show, Don't Tell
Show emotions through actions instead of explaining them.8 min - Narrative Flow
Create smooth transitions between paragraphs and scenes.6 min - Point of View and Voice
Choose who tells the story and with what tone.6 min - Immersive Descriptions
Use the senses to transport the reader into the book's world.6 min
5
The Drafting Process
Maintain momentum until the end of the draft.
- Managing Long Projects
Project management techniques applied to writing.7 min - Writing the First Chapter
Hook the reader and establish the story's promises.7 min - Getting Past the Middle
Maintain energy when the plot becomes complex.7 min - Writing the Ending
Tie up all narrative threads in a satisfying way.6 min - Creativity vs. Discipline
Balance artistic inspiration with methodical work.6 min
6
Revision and Publication
Prepare the manuscript for the outside world.
- The First Revision
Analyze the draft to fix plot holes and pacing issues.7 min - Stylistic Editing
Clean up the prose and strengthen the language.6 min - Traditional Publishing
How publishing houses work and how to submit a manuscript.7 min - Self-Publishing
Navigate independent publishing options.7 min - Your Future as an Author
Plan the next steps after finishing your first novel.6 min
Your Novel's Action Plan
You will create a complete 'Project Document' including a synopsis, main character profiles, a chapter outline, and the first 2,000 words of your draft.
What you'll get
-
📜
Certificate of completion
Add it to your LinkedIn profile -
💬
Personal AI tutor
Stuck on a lesson? Ask your built-in tutor anything, any time. -
🎧
Audio version included
Learn on the go — no screen needed -
♾️
Lifetime access
Come back anytime, no expiry -
📱
Phone or computer
Works anywhere, any device -
💸
14-day refund
No questions asked -
⚡
Short & focused
3h 17m of practical content
Certificate of completion
Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.
Reviews (6)
Fantastic course! The structure made complex ideas easy to grasp. I learned so much and had fun doing it.
Found it useful for a refresher. Not sure it would be the best starting point for a complete beginner, tbh.
So glad I signed up for this. The way the material was broken down made complex ideas feel manageable. Great job!
It's a good course if you have some prior knowledge. For absolute beginners, some concepts might be a bit challenging. The structure is logical, though.
This course exceeded my expectations! The examples were super relevant and helped solidify the concepts. Highly enjoyable.
Learners also took
Research and Planning for Academic Essay Writing
University Success: A Guide to Effective Learning
University Readiness: Academic Research and Writing Skills
Drafting Your First Research Proposal: From Idea to Plan
Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
How do I pay? +
By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.
Can I get a refund? +
Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
How long will I have access? +
Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
Get 10 courses a month
Members get 10 courses of their choice every month for NZ$0. No per-course charges — you pay only the subscription.
- ✓ 10 courses every month
- ✓ Cancel anytime
Renews monthly. Unused courses expire at the end of each billing month.