This course exceeded my expectations! The examples were super relevant and helped solidify the concepts. Highly enjoyable.
Write Your First Novel: From Concept to Draft
Transform your story idea into a completed manuscript using proven narrative techniques and a sustainable writing routine.
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AI instructor
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Start anytime
No schedules or deadlines — learn at your own pace, whenever suits you. -
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In English
Lessons, tasks and certificate — all fully in your language.
About this course
Course contents
6 modules · 30 lessons · 3h 17m
1
The Novelist's Foundations
Understand basic concepts and establish a work routine.
- Essential Terminology
Learn the technical language of fiction to navigate the course.6 min - Brainstorming Techniques
Transform a vague inspiration into a solid narrative concept.7 min - The Pillars of Fiction
Understand the elements that turn a story into a novel.6 min - Creating a Sustainable Routine
Organize your time to write every day despite other commitments.7 min - Overcoming the Blank Page
Psychological strategies to start writing without fear.6 min
2
Characters and Worlds
Create deep protagonists and the environment they inhabit.
- Creating Memorable Characters
Define the identity and role of the main characters.7 min - Motivations and Desires
Establish what drives the character to act in the story.7 min - The Internal Character Arc
Design the psychological evolution of the protagonist.6 min - Antagonists and Supporting Characters
Develop the supporting cast to create conflict and variety.6 min - World-building Fundamentals
Build a coherent setting that influences the narrative.7 min
3
Plot Architecture
Design the structure and pacing of the story.
- The Three-Act Structure
Use the classic framework to shape the novel.7 min - Modern Narrative Beats
Identify the turning points necessary to maintain engagement.7 min - The Art of Outlining
Plan the chapters before starting the draft.7 min - Pacing: Managing the Rhythm
Alternate between action and reflection to keep the reader engaged.6 min - The Central Conflict
Introduce obstacles that make the plot dynamic.6 min
4
The Art of the Scene
Write effective and engaging prose.
- Building a Scene
Understand the basic unit of narrative: the beginning, middle, and end of a scene.7 min - Show, Don't Tell
Show emotions through actions instead of explaining them.8 min - Narrative Flow
Create smooth transitions between paragraphs and scenes.6 min - Point of View and Voice
Choose who tells the story and with what tone.6 min - Immersive Descriptions
Use the senses to transport the reader into the book's world.6 min
5
The Drafting Process
Maintain momentum until the end of the draft.
- Managing Long Projects
Project management techniques applied to writing.7 min - Writing the First Chapter
Hook the reader and establish the story's promises.7 min - Getting Past the Middle
Maintain energy when the plot becomes complex.7 min - Writing the Ending
Tie up all narrative threads in a satisfying way.6 min - Creativity vs. Discipline
Balance artistic inspiration with methodical work.6 min
6
Revision and Publication
Prepare the manuscript for the outside world.
- The First Revision
Analyze the draft to fix plot holes and pacing issues.7 min - Stylistic Editing
Clean up the prose and strengthen the language.6 min - Traditional Publishing
How publishing houses work and how to submit a manuscript.7 min - Self-Publishing
Navigate independent publishing options.7 min - Your Future as an Author
Plan the next steps after finishing your first novel.6 min
Your Novel's Action Plan
You will create a complete 'Project Document' including a synopsis, main character profiles, a chapter outline, and the first 2,000 words of your draft.
What you'll get
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Certificate of completion
Add it to your LinkedIn profile -
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Personal AI tutor
Stuck on a lesson? Ask your built-in tutor anything, any time. -
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Audio version included
Learn on the go — no screen needed -
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Lifetime access
Come back anytime, no expiry -
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Phone or computer
Works anywhere, any device -
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14-day refund
No questions asked -
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Short & focused
3h 17m of practical content
Certificate of completion
Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.
Reviews (6)
So glad I signed up for this. The way the material was broken down made complex ideas feel manageable. Great job!
Found it useful for a refresher. Not sure it would be the best starting point for a complete beginner, tbh.
Fantastic course! The structure made complex ideas easy to grasp. I learned so much and had fun doing it.
It's a good course if you have some prior knowledge. For absolute beginners, some concepts might be a bit challenging. The structure is logical, though.
Really enjoyed this. The pace was perfect for me, and the examples really helped solidify the concepts. Got a lot out of it!
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Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
How do I pay? +
By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.
Can I get a refund? +
Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
How long will I have access? +
Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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