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Over eight weeks, acclaimed author Emily Maguire will give you the tools, support and encouragement you need to plan, write and edit your novel.

In Year of the Novel – Phase Three: Nip, tuck, primp and preen, we’ll work on turning your very good novel into a brilliant one. We’ll cut the fat, plump up the too-lean bits, polish the language and ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary to launch your novel into the world.

Throughout, Emily will use examples from classic and contemporary fiction and from students’ work-in-progress to explore the topics covered, and guest speakers will share their insights to further expand your understanding of how published writers do what they do.

You should come to the first class with a specific work-in-progress or idea for a novel. Sharing and discussion will be encouraged, and there will be ample opportunity for you to speak to the group about how various techniques and lessons may be applicable to your specific project, however, one-on-one detailed feedback from the tutor will be limited.

(Please note that while the three phases are designed to build on each other, each may also be taken as a stand-alone unit.)

Phase Three: Nip, tuck, primp and preen

1. Revision and editing basics

Learning to read like an editor. We’ll also talk about the difference between structural, line and copy-editing.

2. What’s missing?

Every novel-in-progress has weak points and this week we’re going to confront yours head on. Whether it’s a weak antagonist, a giant plot line or dodgy dialogue we’ll work one-on-one to pin-point your problems and come up with strategies to fix them.

3. What needs to go?                                                                         

You’ve done a lot of work since you first began this writing journey. Now it’s time to go back and pull down the stuff you no longer need. We’ll pull out the scissors and ruthlessly cut out all those no-longer necessary explanations, descriptions and conversations.

4. Beginnings

It may seem a bit late to be talking about beginnings, but it’s often only once you’re close to the end that you can see where you should have begun! This week is all about making sure your novel starts where and how it needs to (know that you know where it’s going). 

5. Endings                                                                             

Endings are tough, but we’re going to be tough right back at them! We’ll talk finales, climaxes, cliffhangers, epilogues, the difference between an open-ending and no-ending at all.

6. Word by word

This week we go micro considering the rhythm and flow of sentences and hunting down filter words, cliches and clumsy constructions.

7. Over to you

This week’s content will be determined by the needs and concerns of the students, and will include a significant amount of one-on-one time with the tutor for each student.

8. Where do we go from here?

Freelance editors, manuscript assessment, agents, publishers, competitions and more.

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Participant Requirements

Pen and paper or preferred device for writing. Please ensure your device is charged.