The Novel Writing Toolkit
A 12-week writing workshop to help you take your novel idea from seed to scene
A door opening onto a cozy writing space, there’s a lamp on and a laptop glowing.
So you want to write a novel.
Wonderful. Let’s talk.
In this workshop, we’ll explore this amazing and expansive form. We’ll start with the seed of an idea, and then watch our fictional worlds grow, traveling together through creating and deepening characters, building setting, and exploring all the possibilities of plot, dialogue and tension…. All the way to creating a summary and workshopping our first scenes.
You’ll leave the workshop with a clear picture of what you’re making, some completed scenes, and a new, deeper understanding of the novel form. You’ll also have loads of tools to keep going through the full first draft and into revisions.
Here’s how it works:
We’ll begin with exploring where stories come from, and sketching out fresh ideas. From there, we’ll choose a few we want to work up, and we’ll build characters, setting and plot, using a variety of approaches, to see which idea we are most excited about. When we find “the one,” we’ll continue with that.
We believe strongly that there is no “right” way to write a novel. We will give you tools and inspiration to try out lots of different ways, so that you can see and feel what works best for your story.
There will be writing homework between each session, with optional extra readings for those of us who like to go down that ‘ol rabbit hole.
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Want to write their first novel, or a fresh new one from scratch.
Have some level of comfort with fiction and have written a little bit of fiction in the past, though you don’t need to have ever completed a novel or short story.
Are motivated by the idea of a regular date with a community of like-minded writers. With a small group of 8, full participation is requested.
Are ready to work hard, both in class and at home between classes.
Feel aligned with our fundamental beliefs.
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A summary or synopsis of your novel-in-progress.
Tools to complete your entire first draft and revision.
A fleshed-out world and characters.
Lots of new ideas about what plot is and can be for you.
At least one completed scene, workshopped with your new fiction writing peers.
Creative courage, possibility, and energy.
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Critique or competition. We’re all about the love
Strict rules on what a novel is or should look like. While we will provide a variety of guidelines and options, we believe there are countless ways to tell a story.
Guidance on writing about your life… Though all fiction is rooted in who we are, this class will be focused on transforming our ideas and experience into fiction.
Feedback on already-completed work.
Kim here! I’ll be your facilitator for this workshop.
In 2014, I wrote the first draft of my first novel. No surprises here — it was hard! I felt like I was reinventing the process at every stage. I went down so many tangents and read a LOT of books about writing.
So here I am, distilling all those learnings into a Firefly way of approaching novelling — open, curious, and full of possibilities.
Details:
This workshop isn’t running this season but it will be back soon! Join our early bird mailing list for early access to registration or sign up for our newsletter.
Cost:
The fee for this 12-session workshop is $895. If you prefer, you can pay in 4 monthly installments of $223.75. Tax will be added for Canadians in your local provincial rate. See our financial policies.
If the price is a barrier, don't hesitate to apply for financial aid.
If you don’t have a credit card, let us know and we’ll gladly find a way to make it work.
Sign up here:
Join our early bird mailing list for early access to future registration or sign up for our newsletter.
Questions?
Your answer is probably on this page.
Looking for more options?
Take a peek at our other small group workshops, our coaching services or our subscription program.
What people are saying:
I wanted to write a novel, but I was stuck. I hadn’t studied creative writing since high school, and I didn’t know where to begin. I loved the idea of a guided experience with the accountability of real-time, virtual sessions with an amazing group of participants. Enter The Novel Writing Toolkit led by the amazing Kim. This series had everything I needed – introduction to all of the key aspects of novel writing, plenty of time to write and experiment with the tools presented, and the all-important opportunity to share. Kim shared different approaches to match our styles, and guided us through a ton of content and development with her fabulous humour, compassion and insight. If you have ever thought, “I think I want to write a novel,” this is the course for you!
Janice Quirt
Writer (Instagram)
Kim is such a phenomenal facilitator! She creates a beautiful balance of play, creativity, free space and structure. The course opened up a writing routine and creative exploration for me. I also found this a great opportunity to connect with, learn from and share with other writers. I was so sad when the course ended but I know I'll be taking more in the future!
Maryam AK
Auntie, Writer, Daydreamer
The Novel Writing Toolkit is 12 weeks of innovative, supportive and inspiring sessions to foster the creative soul in any writer. Kim is a master, successfully leading each session with the ease and confidence of an orchestra conductor. I was particularly impressed with the depth and discussion within crucial toolkit building sessions, where she showed us multiple versions of the same tool in order to connect with each individual writer's preferences. It would be remiss of me not to mention the care that Kim takes to craft an intentional, safe, encouraging and open minded space for people to share within — clearly effective given all of our cohort workshopped their pieces by the end. Whether you're a novice or a veteran, this course is a melody for any writer to enjoy and learn from.
Zoe B.
Author to be, creative parsnip