Novel Writing Course in Reading, MA | Writers' Collaborative
First Draft Novel Writing
This four-week course covers novel writing in depth. From fleshing out ideas to outlining and drafting actual pages, this course walks you through the entire process of starting your novel. If you’ve always wanted to write a book but didn’t know where to begin, this is for you.
- Format
- Course
- Length
- Four sessions. One session per week.
- Where
- In person, Reading, MA
- Tuition
- $325
Description
Over four weeks, we move through the architecture of story: structure, the inciting incident, rising action, the climax, the falling action, endings, and the craft elements that elevate a draft. Each week pairs a focused lesson with in-session writing and a peer workshop.
Upcoming Dates
Registration closes 48 hours before the first session.
Wednesdays, October 7 to 28, 2026
Four sessions, 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterWe add new dates regularly. Additional dates for First Draft Novel Writing will be announced soon.
Week by Week
We utilize a collaborative learning approach; each session moves through guided lessons, in-class writing exercises, and peer workshop during which we learn together. As the weeks progress, you’ll exchange work with your peers and receive feedback.
Week One: Structure and Foundation
We discover the structural frameworks that shape a novel and work with you to find the one that fits your story.
Week Two: The Inciting Incident and Rising Action
The moment your character is pulled out of their normal life and into the world of your story: what makes an inciting incident land, how it sets up everything that follows, and how to write it so that your reader becomes invested. Then, the obstacles that follow and how each one advances the character arc. Every obstacle does double duty, complicating the plot and revealing or changing who the character is. This is the work that earns the climax.
Week Three: The Climax
The big moment the entire story has been building toward, and how to deliver it with a bang. Character development at peak intensity, paying off the promises you made earlier in the draft, and writing a climax that feels both inevitable and earned.
Week Four: Falling Action and Denouement
Tying the loose threads together into a satisfying ending. The work of resolution: which threads to close, which to leave open, and how to give the reader a sense of completion that lingers after the last page.
Course content and sequence may vary.
What You'll Leave With
- ✓ An understanding of fundamental story elements and structures
- ✓ A structural framework chosen to fit your story
- ✓ A support network of fellow writers who know you and your project
- ✓ Real-time feedback from your peers and lead, every session
- ✓ A strong foundation for your novel
Before You Register
What to bring, how registration works, and our cancellation policy.
What to Bring
Nothing needed. You're welcome to bring something to write with and take notes.
Who It's For
Any writer at any stage, in any genre. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, this is for you.
Registration
48 Hours Ahead
Registration closes 48 hours before the first session. Register using the button in Upcoming Dates above. Members and non-members register the same way; the only difference is that members receive 20% off.
Cancellations
What Happens If a Course Can't Run
Unfortunately, we sometimes need to cancel due to extreme weather or insufficient enrollment. When a cancellation is necessary, we'll notify you.
- ✓ You'll be credited the amount toward another course or intensive at a comparable price.
- ✓ If it was canceled due to insufficient enrollment, you may request a refund instead.
If you need to cancel a course you've registered for, let us know and we'll issue a credit toward another offering of comparable value.
Membership
Members Receive 20% Off
Writers' Collaborative members receive 20% off every course and intensive, along with workspace access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, every writing group, and all our weekly programming.
Not sure if this course is for you? Give us a call at (781) 663-2800 or email info@writersclc.com. We're happy to discuss with you.