Would you like to make 2018 the year you finally write that book? Emily Maguire‘s hugely popular year-long novel-writing course is back, beginning in February with Phase One. No one will tell you that writing a novel is easy, but a good teacher and supportive cohort can make a world of difference. Here’s Emily with a few other pointers:

How has your writing process developed over the seven books you’ve written?

My understanding of myself as a writer and of writing craft have developed considerably. My process, though, is essentially the same: start writing, keep going until the draft is done, read, revise, repeat.

Is it possible to write a whole novel in a year?

Absolutely. Is it possible for every novel to be written in a year? No. Each novel has its own path and some are far longer and more winding and plagued with thick scrub, dead ends and detours than others. But a year of working steadily and with focus will get you far enough along even the most treacherous and tricky path that you’ll feel confident the end is reachable.

What’s a key tip that is under-appreciated or surprising?

The best way to write something is to write something. Motivation and momentum come from doing. So do.

You can now book in for all three phases of Year of the Novel 2018, or book in for the first phase only. The first phase will be held over 8x Tuesday evenings: 6, 13, 20, 27 February; 6, 13, 20, 27 March, 6:30-9:30pm.