The Classic
Storytelling Class

‘I gained SO MANY tools to brainstorm elements of story structure. I also have a clear idea of the elements of a compelling story structure and tools to reference. I liked Louise’s constant presence as my benevolent guide through a craft that was anxiety-ridden for me. The 10-minute and 20-minute tasks generated some valuable ideas for my story. They also were small samples of what it’ll be like to push through when the writing gets hard. Several times I felt not yet ready to work on a task but I guess I modeled Louise’s gentle nudging and encouraged myself through it. At least once I was wonderfully surprised when, after completing a task, I landed at some unanticipated new place with a character, a piece of the story, or a way to flip an original idea to come up with something fresh. I feel like I have a group of experienced experts I can count on while I write.’

‘I knew that I had a great love of storytelling but desperately needed a refresher on the craft before I dove into the writing of my first draft. I really cannot express enough how The Classic Class embodied and explored all of my favorite aspects of my Creative Writing minor at college without any of the filler that bogged things down. Your approach here really speaks for itself and I am feeling so empowered and confident about writing my first draft! I feel more prepared than ever to write my first novel—and I’ve got a fantastic idea to work with.’

‘I was preparing to reduce my working hours in order finally to have time to write, but was concerned that I had accumulated so many ideas over the past 25 years that I might just flail about aimlessly. My natural inclination is always to study things, so I looked at various Masters’ degrees in creative writing. I didn’t find what I was looking for in their syllabuses, though—they looked a lot more like degrees in English Literature than support structures for people embarking on writing their own work. Then I found The Novelry, and it immediately seemed a lot more relevant to my specific requirements, guiding me gently on my own path with helpful frameworks and distilled learning, without any kind of genre snobbery and with plenty of opportunities for community interaction. The practical access to editors and publishers down the line was also a big attraction. I now have confidence that I have a story worth telling, which readers will enjoy! Clarity on how to present the material to maximise reader engagement! Thorough enjoyment of the learning process itself! I have much better understanding of how to draw out and distill the elements of the story I want to tell so that they will captivate a reader as strongly as they captivate me, plus the reassurance that my story does indeed contain the key ingredients to make it appealing to others. Although I am still in the foothills of writing my novel I have already used my learning to help me write a prize-winning story which will appear in a magazine next year—my first taste of publication!’

I’m feeling very excited about writing my novel after taking The Classic! I thought the course was incredibly helpful! It gave me the guidance I was craving and lots of inspiration for my story. Lots of encouragement, too. I feel like I now have a strong understanding of what I need to do to write my novel. The inspiration I’ve gotten from this course has been priceless.

‘I had a wonderful idea about a magical system but had no idea about story structure. I wrote several chapters without a plan, and of course, I wrote all the wrong things! Taking The Classic was a wonderful, immersive experience. I discovered the theme of my story. I wrote an outline of my story. I learned so much! I learned about what makes a classic story structure and why it is needed, how to write a synopsis, a hook, and a pitch. I now have the confidence that I can and will take my story idea all the way to a published novel. I got lost in a mesmerizing world of storytelling, and I don’t want to stop!’

‘I truly appreciate everything that The Novelry has to offer. I wrote more in the past few months than I’ve written in a very, very long time. I have a story and characters that feel real and that I’m eager to write about. I find myself thinking about them constantly. I can do this. I am doing this. And it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. Before I started The Classic Class, I wasn’t convinced I could be a writer. It felt ridiculous to call myself that. A pipe dream. But the tools are simple and the time commitment is small and as one lesson progresses into the next, something amazing happens. Not only does a story begin to form—one that feels more real and meaningful than any that have come before it—but there’s a self-confidence that builds, a belief that yeah, I can do this thing. And, then it hits: I am doing this. I am a writer.’

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed The Classic Class which has been both informative and encouraging in equal measure. I appreciated the flexibility of the online learning which I could fit around my daily routine. A huge boost in confidence and self-esteem, daring to believe in myself as a writer! It has honed my skills and built my confidence—I now feel ready to take the next step!’

‘The Classic Class opened a universe of possibilities. It encouraged me to play, to have fun, to explore, that to tell a great story, you must walk in the character’s shoes, use simple words that resonate, and advance the story. Many, many more things. I came up with lots of story ideas. The packing list is extremely helpful and a great synthesis of what was covered in the course. I have it in my desktop and plan to look at it frequently. I loved every minute. I plan to come back to this class often.’

‘The overall experience was wonderful. It has left me feeling more confident that I can pursue my dream of writing a novel, with the potential that it might even get published. I have felt supported and encouraged throughout the course and am looking forward to starting my writing.’

‘The Classic (Storytelling Class) has been such a wonderful experience! I started the class nervous that I wouldn’t be able to come up with a story idea, but I am leaving the class feeling proud of my work, with a journal full of ideas, and excited for The Ninety Day Novel.’

‘What a truly wonderful way to write a book. I have loved every second. The warmth and knowledge of Louise’s teachings, the detailed lessons that have such depth and texture, and the tasks that have been like the homely guide taking my hand and leading me through my imagination. As have my fellow writers, with their support, knowledge and humor. What a joy! Thank you 🧡’

‘If you are looking to write a novel but feel stuck, I can’t recommend The Novelry enough. It not only provides you with the tools to progress your novel, but also offers you access to a community of writers and editors who are there to support you along your writing journey. The Classic Class has sparked ideas and given me confidence that I can write a novel that others can enjoy.’

‘The Classic Class was mind-blowing. I came to the class with an idea for my story, actually a first draft. The Classic Class enriched this idea immensely. The last bit was amazing—seeing how authors have sat on the shoulders of giants.’

‘I began with The Classic Class which guides you step-by-step through the structure of a novel while engaging with your soul in a way that makes your imagination start to mature towards ideas that matter. I felt challenged while being championed at this budding stage and it was essential to building my confidence that yes—I can do this!’

‘I tried only to do one lesson a day, as recommended, but I found myself often moving on to the next one right away. This is clearly a labor of love, and I feel I have a fantastic foundation to build my story upon and will be going back to the materials from The Classic often as I move forward.’

‘An excellent way to inform yourself of the multiple layers and structures required to write a Classic novel (or, indeed, a book). It feels a little like Louise has brought us into her own Doctoral research on how a Classic should be lovingly put together. The breadth and scale of what she covers is so very wide and thought-provoking. Extremely useful and thoroughly enjoyable.’

‘A better understanding of characterization, the ingredients, the climax and the end. I’d recommend The Classic Class without hesitation. It’s quite revealing because I acquired new skills. I discovered those that I have and ways to enhance them.’

‘I have done The Classic and The Ninety Day Novel and I can honestly say that I am a different writer now than I was prior to doing these classes. The founder willingly shares her own wisdom together with many truths from other successful authors. More than a writing course, this is a course on how to enrich your life by really seeing what is in front of your eyes. And once Louise shows you how to see it you can never unsee it.’

‘Reading familiar and new classic books with a focus on style and content made me think about my own style of prose and how I could look at improving it. I have already made changes to the novel. I have come away from this course with a renewed vigor and excitement about my novel.’

‘Discovering The Novelry course was like finding the right path when you are lost on a walk! I have been mulling over a few story ideas for years now but never felt I was worthy to write it down and in all honesty, had no idea where to start. When I found The Classic Class and the other courses on The Novelry website, my heart started to thump louder in my chest as the possibilities became reality and I felt reassured that even new writers have a voice that should be heard. I have just finished The Classic Class, loved it, and now can’t wait to get going on The Ninety Day Novel!’

‘The content is inspiring and beautifully presented and encouraged me to deep dive into my passions and obsessions, to find the story I really want to write. I am off to do The Ninety Day Novel now, as part of The Finished Novel Course, and I am beyond excited, but also feel like I’m in safe hands.’

‘I just completed The Classic and couldn’t have loved the experience more. Yes, I learned all the fundamentals of storytelling, but the course is about so much more than that. For me, it was part instruction, part therapy, and part inspiration. Not only do I have the nuts and bolts of my story prepped and ready to go, I feel emotionally ready to confront the blank page! Very grateful to Louise and the team at The Novelry, for understanding what writers really need to start writing. Thanks for a joyful ride!’

‘If you’ve done a lot of craft workshops, literary deep dives, and writing intensives—and have lost your way with the juice and spark of writing—The Classic may be the elixir you need. Bye-bye, somber morning hours and authorial ennui. Hello, creative flash and vibrant, sustainable story-telling life.’

‘I loved The Classic. It helped to renew my confidence in myself as an aspiring novelist. The course content and exercises as well as the encouragement and support of the online community and teachers were all wonderful. Can’t wait to now get started on The Ninety Day Novel writing. Would recommend this to any writer, no matter where you are on your writing journey.’

‘A deep dive into the key ingredients of the recipe to create a children’s classic. I feel like I lucked out. I appreciate very much the balance you strike between high quality and commercial viability. MFA programs often only teach literary writing, at the expense of the crafting of plot. Other online resources are often too “pulpy” for my taste. I think writers with the ambition to write for a large audience, but also to write to a high literary standard, would find it very rewarding, particularly if they’re writing middle-grade or YA.’

‘The Classic Storytelling Class is great for generating and developing story ideas. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to write but is struggling with finding a story.’