Bring your novel to life with best-selling author Susan Coll!
Whether you have been thinking about writing a novel for years but are not sure how to get started, or are already published but embarking on a new project, this year-long workshop is intended to help get the next book off the ground.
Watch the Virtual Info Session
Meet Susan Coll, instructor for our Novel Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered!
WATCH NOW >>>
Over the course of twenty sessions, we will:
- create a fun, warm, and supportive writing community
- discuss and engage in exercises focused on various aspects of craft including dialogue, setting, plot, point of view, character development, tense, and much more
- workshop one hundred pages per student, broken into four submissions of 25 pages each (*students are also welcome to use their allotted workshop time to discuss their work and/or writing dilemmas rather than submit pages).
- discuss publishing, including drafting sample query letters and elevator pitches
- hear from guest speakers including published novelists and industry experts
- read two novels (tbd) to discuss and deconstruct as a group with an eye toward both craft and publishing trends
- the instructor is happy to schedule individual follow up sessions as requested following critique sessions, as well as a six-month or one-year check in after the class concludes.
*Students should be prepared to read and offer comments on the work of other participants. Detailed guidance will be provided at the first class about how this process will work.
Schedule
This class will meet virtually every other Tuesday, with a two-month reading and writing break over the summer. Workshop dates run from January 20, 2026 – December 1, 2026, 7–9:30pm ET, with a month-long break over the summer for students to focus on writing.
Jan. 20
Feb. 3
Feb. 17
March 3
March 17
March 31
April 14
April 28
May 12
May 26
June 9
June 23
SUMMER BREAK
August 25
Sept. 8
Sept. 22
Oct. 6
Oct. 20
Nov. 3
Nov. 17
Dec. 1
1:1 Mentoring
All workshops will be held over Zoom, with additional opportunities to meet 1:1 with Susan upon request. All enrolled students will have the option to schedule an individual follow-up meeting (1 hour) with Susan approximately 6 months after the conclusion of the workshop.
To Apply
Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026
To apply, please submit a cover letter describing your background and the project that you have in mind. The first five pages of the novel you will be working on are welcome as part of the application, but not required. The class will be limited to ten students. Send your submission to emily.holland@writer.org by Friday, January 9th, 2026. 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.
