Author-To-Author: A Novel Writing Course
In this 10-week course, students will learn the fundamentals of novel writing while developing their own original work of fiction and exploring character development, plot structure, dialogue, and other essential elements of storytelling.
Beth Fehlbaum, M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(12)
What's included
10 live meetings
15 in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. I will read submissions and do line edits as well as give suggestions and feedback. Students always have the option to accept or reject my suggestions. I utilize the student's manuscript as an opportunity for teaching grammar in context.Grading
Holistic, in-context feedback given on manuscripts on a weekly basis as well as in class.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate Level
My class is structured as follows: We start with discussing the assignment that will be the focus of the class, i.e. "Where we are going." I always start with the homework assignment. Then I progress to the presentation, which is like the foundation for the class and has materials the student can go back and reference if needed. We move through the lessons, stopping for quick writes then discussing and sharing them (as students are willing to do; I never force kids to share their work with anyone in the class). As students work on their manuscript, I am going from student to student for a set period of time, coaching them one on one and asking them questions as well as using their text as a teaching tool for grammar instruction.
Learning Goals
Course Objectives
- Develop an original novel concept
- Create complex, believable characters
- Master the elements of plot structure
- Learn effective dialogue techniques
- Understand publishing industry basics
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Session 1: Foundations
- Introduction to novel writing
- Creating the protagonist
- Developing the antagonist 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Session 2: Setting as Character
- World-building techniques
- Setting's impact on plot
- Sensory details 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Session 3: Making It Real
- Writing effective dialogue
- Internal vs. external conflict
- Character interactions 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Session 4: Getting Started
- Crafting the perfect inciting incident
- Understanding antagonist motivation
- Plot catalysts 90 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Having worked with diverse learners over 27 years, I have the tools to support kids with ADHD and Dyslexia. I reteach, read aloud, and provide writing support such as taking turns writing sentences with students.
Parental Guidance
Course Policies
1. NO Artificial Intelligence Use: All work must be 100% original and human-created.
2. NO Fan Fiction: All stories must be original works.
3. Assignment Submission: All weekly assignments must be submitted at least 48 hours before class.
4. Privacy Policy: Student work remains confidential (I won’t share with your classmates) unless explicit permission is given. If you write a story that makes me concerned that you are hurting other people or you are being hurt, I am mandated to report my concerns, and I will do so.
5. Completion Timeline: While the course is 10 weeks, novel completion may extend beyond the course duration, depending on the word count goal you set (and meet) for yourself.
6. Content Issues: I will not work with storylines containing animal abuse, child abuse, or gratuitous violence.
Pre-Requisites
Students should have the ability to navigate Google Classroom and Google Documents.
Supply List
Materials Needed - Notebook or laptop for writing -Digital composition books and manuscript document (provided) - Access to Google Classroom
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
I refer students to tne National Novel Writing Month site to use the word-count calculator for the purpose of setting word-count goals: https://www.omnicalculator.com/other/nanowrimo
I refer to movies and popular literature as examples of characterization.
We use Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Classroom for our "home base" to store documents and digital workbooks.
I use an excerpt from EFRÉN, DIVIDED, by Ernesto Cisneros to illustrate the power of setting on the story.
I use an excerpt from BECOMING NAOMI LEON by Pam Muñoz Ryan to reinforce the power of setting on story.
I supplement class materials with appropriate videos from YouTube to illustrate literary elements, as well as refer students to age-appropriate materials from grammarly.com and other sites to give them resources to use independently.
I use an excerpt from LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD to illustrate ways to write dialogue.
We use several article links: Reedsy.com, thewritepractice.com, creativewritingnow.com, herdedwords.com, nownovel.com, softschools.com, masterclass.com, literaryterms.com, writerswrite.co, writershelpingwriters.com, livewritethrive.com, ellenbrockediting.com, ridethepen.com, nybookeditors.com, and litcharts.com for supplemental information.
I use some Prezi powerpoints to illustrate plot development.
I refer students to thesaurus.com for word choice variety.
Joined October, 2020
5.0
12reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Texas A & M-Commerce
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Texas at Arlington
I am an English teacher of 27 years, remote instructor/tutor since 2020, and a freelance book editor.
As an educator/tutor, I specialize in working with college students, college-bound high schoolers, At-Risk populations, struggling learners, and people for whom English is a second language.
I began teaching online during Covid, found that I love it, and I have been teaching various writing classes remotely for the past five years, in addition to being a 9th grade English teacher.
I recognize the need for those I work with to understand the “why” behind the corrections I suggest, and my experiences as an educator and author makes me both easy to work with and incredibly thorough in both line-editing and developmental notes. Since 2008, I have experienced the gamut of publishing outlets: traditional, hybrid, and self.
I utilize my grammar-goddess-like skills to provide caring, knowledgeable feedback to students, always balancing suggestions with praise. I always reinforce to students that they do NOT have to accept the storyline changes I suggest, although I strongly recommend they listen to me when it comes to grammar. I emphasize that this story is THEIR story, not mine, and it does not hurt my feelings if they do not want to use my suggestions to their story.
I am the author of the YA novels Find the Moon, Big Fat Disaster, The Patience Trilogy (Courage in Patience, Hope in Patience, and Truth in Patience), and co-author of the creative non-fiction book Trauma Recovery: Sessions with Dr. Matt (Ayni Books).
Authenticity and finding one’s voice are frequent themes in my work, and they are absolutely essential themes in my life, as well.
I have a B.A. in English, Minor in Secondary Education, and an M.Ed. in Reading. At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, I am retiring from the public school classroom and embracing remote teaching full-time! :)
Reviews
Live Group Course
$72
weekly1x per week, 10 weeks
90 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
2-6 learners per class
