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6-Week Novel Workshop

So you have a killer novel concept—now what? Great novels aren’t written in a vacuum. Getting as many smart eyes on your work as possible and being open to what people have to say is an important part of drafting your novel.

In this class, Los Angeles author Anna Dorn will help you structure, organize, and develop your novel so that it can reach your target audience. Topics to be addressed include narrative structure, plotting, rewrites, and drafting query letters to agents and publishers.

This workshop is a good fit for anyone with a novel idea, whether it’s just a loose concept or a rough first draft. Each student will submit work for a short workshop each week. By the end of the course, you will know the steps you need to get your novel into the world.

This class will meet over our text-only chat platform. There will not be any video or audio component to class. 

A note from Anna on the format: I've noticed in my recent Catapult classes that many students have Zoom fatigue and are more comfortable communicating in the text-chat portion of Zoom than speaking. The text format is generally less stressful and better for students who are shy about their work. I've therefore decided that a text-based platform is ideal. Beyond this, the text-based course makes a record of what's said in class that students can access after the class.

Check out this page for details about payment plans and discount opportunities.   

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

- Develop a novel outline and logline with feedback from the class and instructor

- Structure your novel using Francesca Lia Block’s 12 questions

- Produce a query letter to send to agents and publishers

- Polish and receive feedback on first page of novel

- Brainstorm structural challenges and path-to-publication

- 10% discount on all future Catapult classes

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

The class will meet for 2 hours a week for 6 weeks. There will be roughly 1-2 hours of homework for each class and students should be prepared to give thoughtful feedback on their peers’ workshop submissions.

COURSE SKELETON:

Week 1: Introductions + Lecture: Loglines & Three-Act Outline

Week 2: Workshop Outline + Lecture: Francesca Lia Block’s 12 Questions

Week 3: Workshop 12 Questions + Lecture: First Page

Week 4: Workshop First Page + Lecture: Query Letters

Week 5: Workshop Query Letters + Lecture: Finding agents & publishers

Week 6: Final questions, Advice, and Path-to-publication

Anna Dorn

Anna Dorn is a writer living in Los Angeles. Her forthcoming novel, Exalted, will be published in June 2022 by Unnamed Press. She's also written Vagablonde (Unnamed Press) and Bad Lawyer (Hachette Books). She received her MFA in creative writing from Antioch University.

Testimonials

"Anna Dorn writes vivid, striking prose that reinterprets pop culture, the particularities of Southern California, and the complex technology of our human brains. An original, hilarious, and spot on debut."

Dana Spiotta author of STONE ARABIA

"Dorn’s narrative is intoxicating, particularly in its depiction of the existential ennui that’s stemmed from our insatiable consumer culture... Dorn may have written the horror novel we deserve."

Kirkus Reviews

"A fantastic novel that feels contemporary in all the right ways. In the world of VAGABLONDE, fame is more important than mental health, good lighting is more important than food, and ‘thriving’ is more important than any mundane obligation. Anna Dorn’s sentences are sharp and addictive, absorbing me completely into this world of music, friendship, and self-interrogation."

Chelsea Hodson author of TONIGHT I'M SOMEONE ELSE

“Anna Dorn is an excellent teacher that not only helped me find my voice, but edited my manuscript with kindness and care. I would absolutely take another writing class with her.”

Mary Russ former student

“As a reader, Anna Dorn has a knack for understanding what a writer is trying to accomplish with a piece and her notes help direct a writer to make a piece what they want it to be. Her enthusiasm for producing new, strong work inspires me as a writer to keep moving forward in my own career.“

Catie Disabato writing group member

“Anna’s knowledge about different techniques and styles of writing makes it so she is always ready to narrow down ideas that will best compliment your tone, target audience, and mood.”

Yvette Aguilar WriteGirl mentee