Novel I

WRITING X 411.1

Start writing your novel in this workshop; guiding you through the building blocks of great books while teaching you essential tools for fiction writing.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Live Online
Online
In Person
Starting at $720.00
As few as 10 weeks
3.0

What you can learn.

  • Bring the story inside you onto the page with the guidance of a professional writer
  • Make weekly progress on the first chapter of your novel in a supportive, collaborative environment
  • Learn key elements of successful novels, including plot, structure, and point of view

About this course:

That novel is inside you waiting to emerge, but knowing how and where to start can be daunting. This course provides you with weekly assignments, group interaction and instructor feedback to help you explore various methods of writing your first novel while learning the key craft points of plot, structure, characterization, point-of-view, sense of place and voice. The goal is to complete the first chapter of your novel by establishing an intimacy with your characters as you artfully shape their journey and to develop an overall concept to guide you through your story. Required for students considering the long-fiction sequence.

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Wednesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Melanie Thorne
406107
Fee:
$720.00
In Personformat icon
Location: UCLA
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Jan 7, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Jan 14, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Jan 21, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Jan 28, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Feb 4, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Feb 11, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Feb 18, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Feb 25, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Mar 4, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
Discussion
Wed Mar 11, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1284
-
Thursday 5:00PM - 8:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Malia Márquez
406106
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

 

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Thu Jan 8, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jan 15, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jan 22, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Jan 29, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Feb 5, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Feb 12, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Feb 19, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Feb 26, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Mar 5, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Thu Mar 12, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
Saturday 1:00PM - 4:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Melissa Larsen
406105
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

 

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Sat Jan 10, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Jan 17, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Jan 24, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Jan 31, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 7, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 14, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 21, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Feb 28, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Mar 7, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Sat Mar 14, 2026
1:00PM PT - 4:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens November 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Dan López
406104
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. 

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

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