Write your novel in a year with bestselling author Kristen Arnett!
Are you looking for an exciting, fun, collaborative way to get your writing brain into gear? Are you ready to finally sit down and write that novel that you’ve been thinking about forever? Do you wish you had a confident, cheerful writing coach to guide you to the finish line? If so, then this is definitely the course for you!
Students of this generative workshop will share their work with others in the class, learn to edit their own writing effectively, become naturals at crafting powerful openings, and will learn to stick the landing when it comes to novel endings. Place-writing techniques, craft capsules on injecting humor into your work, and myriad other learned skills will guide students through the sticky patches that often crop up in the middle of a project.
Regardless of the fact that we often write alone, novels are not formed completely in a silo. Crafting a novel with the help of a supportive community can mean the difference between finally drafting your dream project or leaving behind yet another empty word document. Students will have the opportunity to further develop their projects both inside of class and outside of it: we will read and comment on everyone’s work. Writers participating in this workshop will discover how to spot successful techniques already loaded in their arsenal. They will learn what engages readers, and how to effectively keep that engagement. Students will learn to ask questions of their work that will help them analyze tone, POV, structure, characterization, and much more. We will work toward developing processes that are the correct fit for each individual project. Every novel is like a thumbprint: perfectly unique.
Virtual Info Session Recording
Meet Kristen Arnett, instructor for our Novel Mill workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered!
Watch the recording on YouTube >>>
This course will include:
- Information of intros and how to make them sizzle
- How to draft compelling ends to your work
- Plotting/Planning/Shaping– determining pace, finding what works for your particular project
- Lists of tips and techniques to employ when you’re feeling stuck in a scene
- Instructive readings that will help students fine tune their work
- How to develop momentum to keep a project moving forward
- A clear sense of process
- Deeper understanding of the underpinnings of the novel
- Determining the proper voice and perspective for your project
- How to develop compelling characters
- Master crafting finely detailed place writing
- A clear discussion of writing difficulties when it comes to crafting a longform project
- How to create and maintain reasonable writing goals
- An assortment of helpful writing prompts
Schedule
This class meets via Zoom every other Wednesday beginning October 1, 2025, for a total of 21 sessions, with breaks for holidays and dedicated writing periods. Between Zoom meetings, participants can expect readings and assignments. Exact class dates subject to change at the discretion of the instructor and in collaboration with participants.
1:1 Mentoring
Each student will have the chance for a private mentoring sessions with Kristen, including a 6-month follow up after completion of the workshop.
To Apply
Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
Send a cover letter and writing sample of 5-20 pages to laura.spencer@writer.org by September 19th. Admissions will be on a rolling basis so participants are encouraged to submit early.
Acceptance into the workshop is required before registering.
About Book Farm @ The Writer’s Center
The Writer’s Center hosts a series of workshops for serious writers to complete book-length projects, generate new work for publication, or master the elements of craft within a specific genre. You’ll work with an acclaimed author, guiding you through 4-12 months of lessons, workshops, and revisions. Our instructors are all accomplished educators with a track record of student success. Limited enrollment with rolling admission up to the application deadline, so apply right away to secure your spot!
All Book Farm participants receive an exclusive tote bag, a craft book recommended by the instructor, and a $100 gift certificate good toward future TWC workshops. Participants also receive exclusive access to The Writer’s Center staff, all of whom are accomplished writers with extensive experience in editing and publishing.
