LLA0042 - 180 Day Novel Intensive
Course Description
Dreaming of writing a book? Stop dreaming and write it!
Whether you’ve been thinking of writing a book or have started but can’t get to the finish line, this is the class for you. Writing can be a lonely experience and it’s easy to lose focus and momentum when working alone on a project of this magnitude. This intensive novel workshop meets twice a month for six months and will help you reach your goals by providing structure, guidance, support and accountability
We’ll look at ways to plan for success, set deadlines and explore essential writing craft elements through class discussion and in-class exercises. Each class includes designated writing time to work on your book to maximize your progress. Working with your cohort for six months will help develop strong bonds and enhance the workshopping experience so you can get valuable feedback as you’re writing. Additionally, during one class each month, you will meet one-on-one with the instructor, a published author, for a fifteen-minute private coaching session to discuss your book.
Writers at any stage and of any genre (fiction and nonfiction) are welcome. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get inspired, develop comradery with fellow writers, build confidence, generate momentum, and realize your dream of writing that book.
Course Outline
Topics Agenda*
Class 1: Introduction, Plans, Goals
Class 2: Characters
Class 3: Setting
Class 4: Plots, The Middle Muddle
Class 5: Cliffhangers, Chapters, Author Platforms
Class 6: Show, Don’t Tell Part I
Class 7: Show, Don’t Tell Part II
Class 8: Writing with Senses
Class 9: Reserved (TBA)
Class 10: Editing
Class 11: Publishing Overview, Markets, Query Letters
Class 12: First Lines, First Chapter, Next Steps
*Agenda is subject to change.
Notes
This course is limited to a maximum of ten students.Related Course Recommendations
| LLA0012 - Write a Novel in 30 Days Workshop: The NANOWRIMO Challenge |
| LLA0023 - Memoir Writing Workshop |
| LLA0032 - What to Expect When You're Expecting...to Write a Book |
Testimonials
"I am a current student of Laura's and cannot say enough about how she champions fledging writers and guides them through the entire writing process. I first took a class from Laura last year as a pandemic activity with my sister. I had not written in a very long time and was a blank slate in terms of where to proceed. Laura created a learning environment online that was comfortable and encouraged risk taking. She motivated us to think big and provided us with information throughout the writing process from seedlings to publishing. I was so inspired that I began to formulate an idea to write a novel. I eagerly signed up when Laura offered a summer writing camp. I continued to plan and outline my idea for my novel and slowly begin to write.Then she offered a 180 day novel intensive course. This class has been a life changer for me! The mini conferences with Laura once a month have been very informative and helpful in providing valuable feedback towards the creation of my novel. It is affirming that she is also a successful working author. She can provide realistic examples of the course content each week and can relate to our struggles throughout the writing process. She believes everyone has a story in them and works to help them bring it out of themselves. As a result of taking Laura's classes, I can confidently call myself a writer and proudly tell people that I am writing a novel. I believe in my writing abilities and a lot of that has to do with the encouragement I have received from Laura. Every writer needs a someone for motivation and Laura Ehrke is a wonderful writer educator for the role." Ann Whinna
Laura Ehrke is an award-winning novelist, blogger, marketing specialist and writing coach. Her education includes studying British literature and poetry at Oxford University, a bachelor’s degree in communications from DePaul University and a master’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Chicago, with supplemental graduate coursework in writing at Northwestern University. As an author, Laura has been featured at several events, including Comic Con, Pop Culture Con, the University of Chicago Liberal Arts Panel, NaNoWriMo forums, and library programs. She brings her passion for writing into her courses, inspiring students to have fun while developing their creativity and writing skills. Laura was awarded the Excellence in Arts: Outstanding Educator Award by the Barrington Cultural Commission in 2022.