The Backwoods Writer, Writing a Novel

There are easier ways to spend your time and to make a living than writing novels. Writing is rewarding, but it isn't easy. So, why do you want to do it? For those moments when you are struggling with a manuscript, it is good to know why you started writing in the first place. In this module, Leigh will help you determine your why!

Music Credits: Abyss Walker - Studio Kolomna; Ages Ago - Brock Hewitt

Writers spend so much time in their minds that their thoughts can become a real distraction. In this module, you will learn about anxiety, imposter syndrome, and distraction/life balance, plus so much more. Author, Leigh Macfarlane, will share tips for navigating the mind so that you can successfully write a novel.

Music Credits:  Autumn Walks - Sky Toes; A Sudden Display of Light - Cory Alstad

Understanding genre as a writer is a bit different than understanding it as a reader. In this module, you will learn why genre matters, and how to write for the genre you have chosen.

Music Credits: Nexus - Tobias Voight; Dance with Me - Abby Noise

What happens before you write? The inspiration and the research happens! In this module, you will learn tricks on how to approach both effectively.

Music Credits: Blue Waters - Yasumu; Bliss - David Bullard; Embers Flare - Gray North

Module 6: How do you approach setting as a novelist, and what makes your setting great? In this module, you will learn some important things to keep in mind about setting, and you will learn how to make your settings come alive for your reader.

Music Credits: Delicate Daisies = Sky Toes; Dawn Chaser - Justin Lee

Module 7: In this module, you will learn all about creating characters. We will talk about how to describe your characters, and in what ways they are like and unlike real people.

Music Credits: Hopeful Horizons - Justin Lee; The Long Ride Home - Sky Toes; To Divinity - Dan Barracuda

Module 8: This is the module where you will learn how to write authentic, effective dialogue. You will learn about the mechanics of dialogue tags, but you will also learn about how to write strong dialogue without needing dialogue tags.

Music Credits: Forgotten - Cory Alstad; Dreamland - Jonny Easton

Module 9: A lot of authors struggle with creating a strong plot. In this module, you will learn how to demystify plot building. You will learn the difference between plot and story, and how to do both well.

Music Credits: Mossy Step - Corals, Peace Be with You - Christopher Galovan;, Mountain Pine - Corals; Sunflower Breeze - Augustine

Module 10: In this module, we will finish up with the other parts of a novel - point of view, theme, and tone. You will learn what they are, what they do, and how you can make your novel stronger with each.

Music Credits: Learning - Cruen; Soothing Sunsets - Julia Aponte; Journey Back in Time - Augustine

Most writers will experience Writer's Block at some time. In this module, your instructor will give you tips to help get you writing again if this ever happens to you.

 Music Credits: Andromeda - AVBE; Clouds - Northwestern

There are so many things to consider before you start beginning your book. There will be ethical considerations ranging from copyright issues all the way to determine your own personal ethics surrounding curse words and sex scenes. In this module, we will talk about all of it.

Music Credits: Homestretch - Aaron Paul; Hopeful Note - Northwestern; The Beyond - Monument; Groovin on Gold - Konstantin Garbu; Turning Pages - Yeti Music

It's time to write! In this module, we will talk about writing the first draft of the novel. Do you edit as you go? Do you outline in advance? Do you know about active voice? You will find so many helpful tips for writing your first draft in this module.

Music Credits:  Mudstone - Reakt

Writing your novel is only part of the job. Next, it's time to edit your draft. This is more than a single reading with some punctuation fixes. In this module, you will learn what editing really entails and how to make it happen.

Music credits: Hometown - Northwestern; Hypotheticals -- AK; Green Fields - Brock Hewittt; Nowhere to Be - Cory Alstad; Open Window -  Northwestern