Year of the Novel with Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Make 2026 the year you finally write that book in this course from bestselling author Ashley Kalagian Blunt. Over three phases of eight weeks each, you’ll receive the tools, support and encouragement you need to plan, write and edit your novel.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ before enrolling.

We’ll start by getting the bare bones of your novel down on paper (or screen). In the first phase, we’ll discuss generating ideas and planning, and look at the basic elements of fiction – point of view, voice, narration, character, plot, dialogue and setting.

In the second phase we’ll put some flesh on the bones of your novel, looking at structure and narrative drive, and going deeper with character and plot. As we approach the year’s half-way mark we’ll also talk about how to stay focused and motivated to see this thing through to the end.

Finally, in phase three, we’ll work on turning your very good novel into a brilliantone. We’ll cut the fat, plump up the too-lean bits, polish the language and ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary to launch your novel into the world.

Throughout, Ashley will use examples from both contemporary fiction and students’ works-in-progress to explore the topics covered, and guest speakers will share their insights to further expand your understanding of how published writers do what they do.

To fully immerse ourselves in how novels work, we’ll refer throughout the year to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. You’ll benefit from reading this award-winning debut novel prior to the start of the course or during phase one.

At the end of the year, we’ll celebrate your accomplishments by throwing a party at which friends, family, other writers and industry insiders can hear you read from your novel.

You should come to the first class with a specific work-in-progress or idea for a novel, and be prepared to share and discuss throughout the year. There will be ample opportunity for you to speak to the group about how various techniques and lessons may be applicable to your specific project; however, one-on-one detailed feedback from the tutor will be limited.

To benefit from this course, you should be working on a novel. You can contact us with any questions before enrolling.

This novel writing course, Year of the Novel with Ashley Kalagian Blunt, will be held at Writing NSW in Sydney.