Kickstart your creative journey with this engaging Novel Writing for Beginners workshop at Sydney Community College. Designed as an introduction to the art and craft of long-form fiction, this course gives you the tools, techniques and confidence to begin writing your own novel.
You’ll explore the three essential pillars of novel writing: developing and researching your idea, creating compelling characters, and mastering the key elements of story structure. Through practical exercises, short excerpts and guided discussions, you’ll put theory into practice and start shaping your own narrative voice. The workshop also provides strategies to help you set realistic writing goals and maintain momentum beyond the classroom.
Course Outline
- Developing Your Idea & World-Building: Take your story from premise to synopsis, understand genre conventions, research effectively, and establish a vivid sense of place.
- Creating Compelling Characters: Build three-dimensional characters, explore internal and external conflict, refine point of view, and craft authentic dialogue.
- Story Structure & Narrative Drive: Shape your novel, strengthen your opening chapters, understand plot arcs, and maintain momentum throughout your manuscript.
- Building a Writing Practice: Set achievable goals, discover practical tools and resources, and develop habits that support long-term creative success.
Schedule & Pricing
- 3-hour workshop session
- Location: 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
- Please check the website for upcoming dates and availability
Details
You will learn
- Develop and research a strong novel idea with effective world-building
- Create compelling characters with clear internal and external conflicts
- Understand story structure and maintain narrative drive
You will get
- Expert guidance from an experienced writing tutor
- Practical writing exercises and structured feedback
- Strategies and resources to maintain a consistent writing practice
Appropriate for
Aspiring and emerging writers, well-read beginners, and individuals pursuing careers in publishing, media or professional writing.
Preparation
What to bring
- Notebook
- Pen
What to wear
Casual
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Tags:
Novel Writing for Beginners
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