Please Note: This is an online course delivered through Google Meets.

Instructor: Mike Marshall

You've written your first novel draft (or are on your way there)... now what?

 In our workshops, we emphasize the need to write a lot, whether that's novels, short stories, poems or memoirs. There is no short cut to putting in the time at your journal or keyboard. So with that, here's your opportunity to work with like-minded writers who have completed at least one novel (or are working on completing it), and want to further develop their craft.

 In the 12-week introductory Write Your First Novel Now! workshop, you learned the fundamentals of plotting, viewpoint writing, dialogue etc. In this Novel Writing Workshop, we'll go even further and look at more advanced topics. In particular, we'll focus  this workshop on your works in progress that you'll submit weekly. You may use this workshop to refine one of your novel drafts, or plot and write a new novel altogether.

Here are some of the topics we may cover:

How to develop memorable, intriguing characters

Discovering your voice

Building setting to better support your story

Developing subplots that complement, and enhance, the main story arc

Advanced revising techniques

Character development and psychology

PLUS you have full access to the private Ottawa Writing Workshops Facebook writers group, and novel-building templates

What We'll Do

In-class time is focused on reading and responding to each others' work. We'll look at advanced plotting techniques, character development, and revision.  The focus of this workshop is building on what you've learned writing your other stories and novels.

When and Where

We'll meet on line via Google Hangouts from 6 - 8 pm every Wednesday evening from Jan 13 to March 31. That's a full 12 weeks of non-stop, bone-jarring, awe-inspiring, novel-writing action :)

What To Bring

If you're already working on a new novel story, bring it in! If you've been plotting your new novel, bring that in too! Although we'll spend some time looking at story in general, the focus of this workshop is on the writing and revising of your new novel (based on what we learned in Write Your First Novel Now!) so if you have a chance to develop some ideas before we start, the better.

Instructor's Role

The Instructor's role is to coach you through the novel-writing process, give you constructive feedback, show you the proven techniques that experienced writers use, and challenge your assumptions. He will hold you to account so that you get your work done. He will help you develop your story idea, characters and plotting so you have a clear roadmap to follow.

Money Back Guarantee

We're so confident this course will help you improve your novel writing that we're offering a 100% personal money back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied by the end of the workshop, we'll give you your money back no questions asked.

Limited Enrolment

This workshop is limited to 8 registrants only.

What Others Are Saying About our Workshops

Writing my first novel, completing the first draft in less than 3 motnhs was something I did not believe I could do. Writing the planned out plot was like watching the best movie in my mind for 3 months."

“Thank you! Wonderful, useful and welcoming!”

'I loved these 12 weeks. I learned a lot, gained more confidence, wrote a ton, and had fun too!"

“Great session!”

“I really enjoyed the class. I learned a lot. I would have liked an even longer session as I really enjoyed everything we learned today. Thanks!”

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to register for the workshop?

No. Everyone is welcome, although this particular workshop is designed for those who have already taken my introductory Write Your First Novel Now! workshop, or otherwise are experienced in novel writing.

I've never used Google Meets... is it hard?

No. You'll receive by email an invitation to attend the Meet, then just click on the link and you'll be there. It may take a bit of getting used to, but our experience shows that once writers have played with it a bit, they find it quite easy.

What can I bring to the first workshop?

Bring any story ideas you may already have, any writing questions too, land enthusiasm!

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

contact David at davidallanhamilton00 @ gmail.com

What's the refund policy if I can't make it?

Full refunds will only be issued up to 7 days before the workshop takes place. After that, no refund will be issued for any reason, including but not limited to personal issues, schedule conflicts, or illness. This is necessary to ensure that the costs I have to commit to personally with respect to room rentals, equipment rentals, materials and other expenses are covered.

Your Instructor, Mike Marshall

Mike is an experienced facilitator and a long-time participant and guest instructor in the Ottawa Writing Workshops. His novel "Dephi's Shadow" was published in 2020.