A Novel Approach: A Year-Long Novel Course

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Program
A Novel Approach is an advanced year-long novel course designed for serious novelists/writers of fiction to encourage and motivate the writer to the completion of the first draft of a novel/short story collection. Through instruction, writing exercises, work-shopping, group discussion and mentorship this program will get you well on your way to completing the first draft and depending on how far along you are, maybe even the second draft.

Throughout the year, you will discuss common obstacles to finishing your draft from beginnings, plot, story, POV, voice, structure and endings. Elements of flashbacks, sex scenes, symbolism, dialogue, character development, research and methods of submitting to publishers/agents will also be discussed with more emphasis on specific needs of the participants, but all areas will be covered.

You will meet twice a month for two and a half hours. Between classes you will be expected to read and comment on other student’s work, as well as work on your own projects.

Please note: There is an extensive critique/workshop component to this course.

The Pre-Requisites
Successful applicants must:

• Have a novel-in-progress
• Have completed A Novel Idea, the AWCS 10-week beginner novel course, or equivalent ; or have previously published short stories.

The Application Procedures

• There is a non-refundable application fee of $25 that must accompany each submission.
• There are only 10 spaces available, so send us your best, well-edited submissions.
• Submit 30 pages or first three chapters of your novel in-progress along with a detailed synopsis of your entire story. Manuscript submissions should be typed in an easy to read font, double-spaced on one side of the page.
• Include a cover page with your name, contact information and writing experience along with a brief paragraph about why you should be considered for this program, how far along you are in your draft and your level of commitment to the program.
• Send to: AWCS, A Novel Approach, 922, 9th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S4
• Or email as an attachment in .doc, .docx, .pdf or .rtf to: awcs@telusplanet.net
• Applications and fee must be received by June 30, 2011(applications will not be processed until application fee is received.)
• You will be notified of your acceptance by July 31, 2011

The Fees

• Application Fee (non-refundable, must accompany submission) $25

Course Fees (due after acceptance)

• AWCS Members: $550 
• Non-Members: $600
• One Year Membership: $60 

Course fees due (or arrangements made) by one week prior to start of class or you forfeit your spot.

Make all cheques/money orders payable to: Alexandra Writers Centre Society. Payments also accepted by Visa/MasterCard and can be paid online, in person, or by phone.

The Meeting Times
Mondays, 7-9:30pm
Begins September 12, 2011
Students will meet every other Monday, from September 2011 to June 2012.

The Instructor: Naomi K. Lewis

Naomi K. Lewis is a novelist, ghostwriter, magazine writer and editor, and teacher living in Calgary. Her novel, Cricket in a Fist, was published by Goose Lane editions in 2008, and she ghostwrote Spencer Beach's memoir, In Case of Fire (Kingsley Publishing, 2010). Naomi will be writer-in-residence at the Calgary Public Library from September to November, 2011. Visit her website to learn more: http://www.naomiklewis.com/

The Student Readings

Each year, AWCS hosts three student readings that correspond with each semester end. A Novel Approach students are invited to participate and read from their works-in-progress at any or all of the readings.