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Storytelling Class domeStorytelling Class dome
Find your story

The Classic
Storytelling Class

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Time
1 year. 55 lessons
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Price
$
599
£
499
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Suitable for
Everyone
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Ideal for
Beginners

Your writing journey starts here

Suitable for writers at all stages who want to master the foundations of fiction writing. But perfect for beginners wishing to explore the art of storytelling, discover their voice and find their big idea.

Learn the fundamentals of storytelling 

The secret to being a writer?

It’s not innate talent. It’s not fancy words. It’s a story.

Because what readers want is a story they can’t put down.

Even better? A good story (almost) writes itself.

It all starts (and ends) with the story, and this class will help you find it.

writing coaches at a desk
writing a novel with a pen

Reasons to NOT get started

There are so many reasons why potentially brilliant writers never fulfill their dream of capturing that story, or publishing that novel.

Which are yours?

But I don’t have a story!

Then you’re in the right place. The Classic Storytelling Class is designed precisely to kindle your ideas, and ignite your voice.

You don’t need to have all the answers—or come to think of it, any of them. Stories are about questions. One question after another.

We’ll have you asking the right questions, in the right order.

And taking the right steps, in the right direction on your journey to becoming a writer.

But I’m not sure I have any talent!

Not all writers suffer from imposter syndrome. Only the good ones.

But can we let you in on a little secret?

Storytelling can be learned.  

Writing is not a God-given gift. It’s not something you are born with, or can or can’t do. It’s something you learn, because you want to learn it.

The story doesn’t happen to you. You happen to the story.

But what if I don’t have the time?

A lot can happen in one hour…

With our Classic Storytelling Class, you have a year to complete 55 lessons.  

Each lesson is around 30 minutes long. But let’s add an extra 30 minutes for thinking time. One hour.  

Should you want to immerse yourself in the craft, we recommend setting aside one hour a day just for you and your writing. (You deserve it.)

‍One hour per day or one hour per week. However you choose to use your one hour, the power contained within it will be nothing less than transformative.

Happy writing!

At the heart of The Novelry is a warm, welcoming writing community. We offer a collaborative environment, not a competitive one.

Delve into your unique experiences  to stir your deepest emotions and come up with the story only you can write...

Your class includes a personalized coaching session from a published, bestselling and award-winning author of your choice.

Every one an expert in their genre. Each trained in our Positive Coaching Method™. All rooting for you, ready to breathe life into your story so you can get writing with confidence and joy.

Where do ideas come from? How to think like an author

Discover how stories work and choose your ingredients

Compose the world of your story with high-stakes drama

Prepare and submit the storyline for your novel or memoir

Schedule a session with an author coach to bring it to life

The Classic Storytelling Class

Learn the foundations of fiction writing

Come up with a fantastic idea for a page-turner. Plan a storyline that excites you and learn how to bring to life complex main characters. Outline and develop the world of your tale to capture the reader’s imagination page after page.

Time: 1 year
Lessons: 55 (1 hour each)
1 x writer coaching session
Module
1

Find the Idea

Get started with the idea for your story
5
lessons
Module
2

Once Upon a Time

Storytelling structure
9
lessons
Module
3

The Process

Starting to plan a story
3
lessons
Module
4

World-building

Creating the story world
20
lessons
Module
5

Heroes and Villains

The conflict that drives drama
3
lessons
Module
6

The Reader

A story readers will love
3
lessons
Module
7

The Author

Why and how we write
8
lessons
Module
8

Farewell

The working plan for your story
4
lessons

‘And you ask: “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling, what if you fly?’

—Erin Hanson

Our coaching team

Their books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists and have been adapted for screen and optioned for major motion pictures.

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Andrea Stewart. Writing Coach at The Novelry.

Andrea Stewart

Andrea Stewart is the Sunday Times bestselling author of the Drowning Empire trilogy. Her second trilogy, the Hollow Covenant, sold to Orbit in a six-figure deal and the first installment, The Gods Below, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller in Fall 2024. Andrea’s debut, The Bone Shard Daughter, was a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fantasy and for Debut Novel, the Locus Award for Best First Novel, the British Fantasy Award Best Novel, the BookNest Award for Best Traditionally Published Novel, and the Compton Crook Award. It garnered praise from authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Alix E. Harrow, Hafsah Faizal, and Kevin Hearne, and was followed by two more series titles, The Bone Shard Emperor and The Bone Shard War. Andrea’s short stories have appeared in Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Daily Science Fiction, and Galaxy’s Edge. Andrea majored in Economics at UC Davis.

Piers Torday. Writing Coach at The Novelry.

Piers Torday

Piers Torday is the bestselling author of eight books for children, including Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize winner The Dark Wild. He has been dubbed ‘the new master of children’s fiction’ by The Times. His books have been recognized with nominations for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the People’s Book Award, the Teach Primary Book Award, and The Times Children’s Book of the Year. After graduating from the University of Oxford, Piers produced and wrote in theater, film and TV (Argumental, Dave; Boom Town, BBC; Almost Royal, Channel 4). He is a trustee of British youth theater initiative The Unicorn, and has staged plays of children’s classics such as The Box of Delights and The Wind in the Willows. Piers co-founded the Paul Torday Memorial Prize for Debut Novelists over 60 and has judged for the Costa Book Awards and the British Book Awards.

Clare Mackintosh writing coach at The Novelry

Clare Mackintosh

Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of seven Sunday Times bestselling novels, including the New York Times bestseller I Let You Go, which won Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, Best International Novel at the Cognac Festival Prix du Polar Awards, and was the fastest-selling debut crime novel in its release year. Her other novels—including I See You, Let Me Lie, After the End, and Hostage—have received nominations for the British Book Awards and Richard and Judy Book Club selections. Translated into 40 languages and optioned for screen, they have all been Sunday Times bestsellers (spending 67 weeks in the Top Ten) and have collectively sold more than two million copies worldwide. Clare’s memoir, I Promise It Won’t Always Hurt Like This, explores her experiences of grief. A former police inspector, Clare has extensive experience of mentoring. She has run workshops at literary festivals, in schools, universities and prisons, and has been a judge for the Costa Book Awards. She has a degree in French and Management from Royal Holloway University.

Bea Fitzgerald writing coach

Bea Fitzgerald

Bea Fitzgerald is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose debut novel, Girl, Goddess, Queen, was the bestselling YA hardback debut of 2023. It won the RNA Romance Novel of the Year and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Young Adult Book Prize, and the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards. Her second YA title, The End Crowns All, was an instant bestseller. Bea graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) in English Literature and Ancient History at the University of Reading. She worked in the marketing and editorial departments of publishers Mills & Boon, Scholastic, and Hachette Children’s, and as a literary agent for The Blair Partnership.

Anissa Gray Writing Coach at The Novelry

Anissa Gray

Anissa Gray’s debut novel, The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls, was one of the most anticipated reads of 2019 from Vogue, Vanity Fair, the Washington Post, Bustle, and Cosmo. It was a top pick for Indie Next, Library Reads, and Barnes & Noble Discover and was selected for the Marie Claire book club. It has been optioned for TV by Gabrielle Union for Sony Pictures Television. Her second novel, Life and Other Love Songs, was named a most anticipated book by TIME, Essence, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and was praised by the New York Times. Anissa is a DuPont and Emmy award-winning journalist. After receiving a master’s degree in English and American Literature at New York University, she began her career at Reuters before working in various roles at CNN Worldwide. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Cut and on Shondaland.

Evie Wyld. Author and The Novelry Team Member.

Evie Wyld

Evie Wyld is the award-winning author of five novels and a graphic memoir. She is the only author to have won both the Miles Franklin Award and the Stella Prize for Fiction. Her debut, After the Fire, a Still Small Voice, won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and the Betty Trask Award. It was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for New Writers, the Commonwealth Prize, and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. All the Birds, Singing won the Miles Franklin Award, Encore Award, and the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize, was shortlisted for the Costa Novel Prize, James Tait Black Prize, and the Sky Arts/Times Breakthrough Award, and longlisted for the Stella Prize and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. The Bass Rock was shortlisted for the Christina Stead Prize for Fiction and the Barbara Jefferis Award and won the Stella Prize. Evie’s books have been translated into over 20 languages, with options for film and television. She has written for BBC Radio 4. Evie runs Review, an independent bookshop in Peckham, south London, and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. She studied Creative Writing (BA) at Bath Spa University and as an MA at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Heather Webb writing coach

Heather Webb

Heather Webb is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical novels. Heather’s debut title, Becoming Josephine, studied the life of Josephine Bonaparte. Her later novels include Rodin’s Lover (a Goodreads Top Pick), Last Christmas in Paris (Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR Award winner, Globe & Mail bestseller), Meet Me in Monaco (Goldsboro RNA Award finalist, Digital Book World Fiction Prize winner), and Three Words for Goodbye (Prima magazine Book of the Year). Her novels have been translated into 17 languages for publication across the world. Heather has a BA in French and Education and an MA in Cultural Geography. She has over 23 years of teaching experience, including in world languages, and is an adjunct for the MFA in Creative Writing program at Drexel University, Philadelphia. Heather is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

Libby Page. Writing coaching at The Novelry.

Libby Page

Libby Page is the Sunday Times bestselling author of five novels. Her debut, The Lido (published in the U.S.A. as Mornings with Rosemary), became a Sunday Times bestseller within three days of publication. It won the WHSmith Thumping Good Read Award and has been published in more than 25 territories worldwide. It is one of the leading books to be associated with the term Up Lit, coined by the publishing industry the year The Lido was released. Libby was named a Guardian New Face of Fiction and has been praised by The Times, the Observer, and the Sunday Express for her feelgood fiction. The Island Home was chosen by Red magazine as one of its top books of the year, and Libby’s latest book, The Lifeline, is a sequel to The Lido. Libby graduated from the London College of Fashion with a BA in Fashion Journalism before going on to work in marketing and as a journalist for the Guardian.

Tasha Suri. Writing Coach at The Novelry.

Tasha Suri

Tasha Suri is the award-winning author of the Books of Ambha duology (Empire of Sand, Realm of Ash) and the epic Burning Kingdoms fantasy trilogy (The Jasmine Throne, The Oleander Sword, The Lotus Empire). Her debut novel, Empire of Sand, won rave reviews from fellow fantasy authors S.A. Chakraborty, N.K. Jemisin, George R.R. Martin, and R.F. Kuang. It was chosen by TIME magazine as one of the best fantasy novels of all time. Nominated for the Locus Awards Best Fantasy Novel, it won the British Fantasy Society’s Sydney J. Bounds Award for Best Newcomer, the Jaipur Literature Festival RA Award for Debut Writing, and Starburst magazine’s Brave New Words Award. The Jasmine Throne was nominated for a Locus Award and a British Fantasy Award, winning the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. It was named one of the Best Books of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Tasha’s other novels include What Souls Are Made Of  (a YA retelling of Wuthering Heights) and media tie-in Doctor Who: The Cradle. Tasha studied English and Creative Writing at Warwick University.

Melanie Conklin. Writing Coach at The Novelry.

Melanie Conklin

Melanie Conklin is the author of five middle-grade books for children. Her debut, Counting Thyme, won the Nerdy Book Award, Bank Street Best Children’s Book, and the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award. She is a regular speaker at conventions including the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention, the ALA Midwinter Conference, BookExpo America, the Princeton Book Festival, and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Melanie won the prestigious Park Scholarship at North Carolina State University in its founding year, studying Product Design and English Literature. She co-directed the Everywhere Book Festival and was named an honoree by the Publishers Weekly Star Watch 2020.

L.R. Lam. Writing coach at The Novelry.

L.R. Lam

El (L.R.) Lam is the Sunday Times bestseller and award-winning author of two trilogies, cyberpunk near-future thrillers, and space opera novels. El’s ground-breaking debut Pantomime won the Bi Writers Association Bisexual Book Award for Speculative Fiction and was a Top Ten Title for ALA’s Rainbow List. It was nominated for the UKYA Book Award in Sci-Fi and Fantasy, the British Fantasy Society Best Newcomer Award, the ALA Popular Paperbacks GLBTQ category, the Cybils Award, and the NE Teen Book Award. Dragonfall was a Sunday Times and USA Today bestseller, Barnes & Noble Speculative Monthly Pick, and was longlisted for the British Science Fiction Best Novel Award. Accolades for El’s other novels include BBC Radio 2 Book Club Selection, Romantic Times Top Pick, Summer Reads picks for Wired and Marie Claire, and Amazon Editor’s Best SFF Pick. El studied English and Creative Writing at California State University, moving to postgraduate at the University of Aberdeen before teaching Creative Writing (MA) at Edinburgh Napier University.

Kate Riordan. Writing coaching at The Novelry.

Kate Riordan

Kate Riordan is the bestselling author of seven novels, including The Heatwave, a Richard and Judy Book Club thriller pick and Apple Fiction Chart No.1. Her historical novel The Girl in the Photograph was a Sunday Times bestseller described as a must-read for fans of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. It was Penguin’s bestselling ebook the summer of its release. Kate’s two other historical novels—The Shadow Hour and The Stranger, a Red magazine Top Ten choice of that year—are also published by Penguin. Together they have sold in excess of 150,000 copies. Kate wrote the novelization of Sanditon, ITV’s historical drama series based on Jane Austen’s unfinished manuscript. She also writes thrillers as Katherine Fleet; her latest, The Liars, has garnered praise from Sarah Pearse, Daisy Buchanan and Lucy Clarke. Kate has worked as a journalist for the Guardian and as deputy editor for Time Out. She has written for Red, Stella, British Airways’s High Life, the Guardian, Grazia, Living etc., and the Sunday Times. She has an MA in English from Exeter University.

Katie Khan Writing Coach at The Novelry

Katie Khan

Katie Khan is the author of two speculative fiction novels, Hold Back the Stars and The Light Between Us, published by Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster and in 22 languages across the world. Her debut, Hold Back the Stars, was a finalist for the Romantic Novel Awards and shortlisted for the Brave New Words Award. It is being adapted for film at Lionsgate. Katie worked as Head of Digital at Paramount Pictures and in production at Warner Bros on the Fantastic Beasts and DC Comics film franchises. Her experience includes the BBC, Channel 4, Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Lionsgate, Picturehouse Cinemas, BAFTA, Ben & Jerry’s, and Coca-Cola. Katie was named in the 40 under 40 working in European cinema at CineEurope, in the Drum’s Social Buzz Top 50 most influential people in social media marketing, and as a rising star by the Media Eye. Katie has a MusB (Hons) in Classical Music from the University of Manchester.

Gina Sorell. Writing Coach at The Novelry.

Gina Sorell

Gina Sorell is the author of The Wise Women, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, Good Morning America Buzz Book and People Magazine Best New Book Pick that was also selected for Read with Jenna, Parade Magazine’s Most Anticipated, the Washington Post Summer Selection, Elin Hilderbrand’s summer reading list, and the Eva Chen Book Club. Gina’s debut, Mothers and Other Strangers, was a Refinery29 and Self Magazine Best Book Pick, a Great Group Read, and an Indigo Best for Book Clubs selection. Her writing has appeared in Dame magazine, LitHub, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29 and the Globe and Mail. Gina graduated with distinction from the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, and worked as an actor on stage, screen and television in productions for Disney, the BBC, Paramount Pictures and Discovery.

Mahsuda Snaith. Writing coach at The Novelry.

Mahsuda Snaith

Mahsuda Snaith’s debut novel, The Things We Thought We Knew, was published in 2017. She was named an Observer New Face of Fiction and the book was later selected as a World Book Night title. Her second novel, How to Find Home, was a BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime. Mahsuda won the SI Leeds Literary Prize and the Bristol Short Story Prize and was a finalist for the Mslexia Novel Competition. She has performed at literary festivals and featured in anthologies by The Asian Writer, Words with Jam and Closure: Contemporary Black British Stories. Mahsuda’s short story ‘The Panther’s Tale’ was published in the Virago Press anthology Hag: Forgotten Folktales Retold. Mahsuda has been a judge for the Costa Book Awards and led creative writing workshops in hospitals, homeless hostels, and at De Montfort University.

Tara Conklin writing coach at The Novelry

Tara Conklin

Tara Conklin is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been selected by the Today Show  Book Club, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, and as a No.1 Indie Next Pick and Amazon Best Book of the Month. Tara’s debut novel, The House Girl, was a New York Times bestseller, translated into eight languages. Her second novel, The Last Romantics, also became an instant New York Times bestseller and was selected by Jenna Bush Hager as the inaugural read for the first-ever Today Show Book Club. Her latest novel, Community Board, is a recommended read of Vanity Fair, Barnes & Noble, and Kirkus Reviews. Tara was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize and the Bristol Short Story Prize. Her writing has appeared in This is the Place: Women Writing About Home, as well as in Vogue, National Geographic, Entertainment Weekly and LitHub. She has a decade of experience in coaching, ghostwriting and in-person teaching, and holds a BA in History from Yale University, a Juris Doctor degree from NYU School of Law, and an MA in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University.

Colleen Oakley. Writing coach.

Colleen Oakley

Colleen Oakley is the USA Today bestselling author of five novels translated into more than 21 languages and optioned for film. Colleen was awarded Georgia Author of the Year in 2021. Her debut, Before I Go, was a People magazine Best New Book, Us Weekly Must Pick, Library Journal Big Fiction Debut, and an Indie Next Pick. Her second novel, Close Enough to Touch, won the French Reader’s Prize. Accolades for Colleen’s other novels include being twice longlisted for the Southern Book Prize, picks for Good Morning America, Marie Claire Book Club, Reader’s Digest Book Club, O magazine’s Top Romance Books, Southern Livings Most Anticipated, Todays Most Anticipated, and the Emily Giffin Book Club. Colleen’s writing has featured in the New York Times, Women’s Health, Redbook, Parade, Woman’s Day, Marie Claire, and Martha Stewart Weddings. Colleen graduated from the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism and worked across many publications, becoming senior editor of Marie Claire.

Amanda Reynolds. Author and The Novelry Team Member

Amanda Reynolds

Amanda Reynolds is the bestselling author of six psychological suspense novels. Close To Me, her No.1 ebook bestseller, was adapted into a major six-part TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston, airing on Sundance AMC in the U.S. and Channel 4 in the U.K. Her latest thriller, Her Husband’s Lie, was an Amazon Kindle Bestseller, entering the Top 100 across all genres. Amanda’s twisty thrillers have earned high praise from Karen Hamilton, Nikki Smith, Harriet Tyce, the New York Journal of Books, Woman magazine, and Culturefly. Amanda has spoken at the Cheltenham Literature Festival and has taught creative writing for many years.

Emylia Hall. Writing Coach at The Novelry.

Emylia Hall

Emylia Hall is the award-winning author of four women’s fiction novels and a cozy crime series. Her debut, The Book of Summers, was one of the bestselling debuts of the year and a Richard and Judy Book Club selection. The Thousand Lights Hotel was selected for Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Book Club. The Shell House Detectives, the first in Emylia’s cozy crime series set in Cornwall, was a Kindle Top 10 bestseller and has been optioned for television by Playground Entertainment. Emylia’s work has appeared in the Guardian, Country Living, the Observer, Elle, and on BBC Radio 6 Music. Emylia has taught creative writing workshops in Kigali, Zurich, Switzerland, and for Arvon and Mothership Writers. She studied English Literature at the University of York and in Lausanne, and was a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund.

Urban Waite Writing Coach at The Novelry

Urban Waite

Urban Waite’s novels have been published in over 40 countries, translated into 12 languages, and optioned for film. Their accolades include Indie Next Picks, Amazon Editors’ Picks, nominations for the New Mexico/Arizona Book Award, and Kirkus Review Hit List selections. His debut, The Terror of Living, was lauded as a Best Book of the Year by Esquire, the Boston Globe, and Booklist, and catapulted him to international acclaim with praise from Stephen King. Urban has placed in numerous Best Book of the Year lists. He has adapted projects for brands including Disney, Ubisoft, and Fox Entertainment, and is a regular contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle. Urban studied Math and Science at the University of Washington before going on to study Writing at Western Washington University and Emerson College.

Ella McLeod writing coach at The Novelry

Ella McLeod

Ella McLeod’s debut YA novel, Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair, was nominated for the prestigious Branford Boase Award and received rave reviews in Kirkus, the Irish Times, and the Guardian. Her second YA novel, The Map That Led To You, was a Guardian Best Books Pick. Her next book is Andromeda, her adult romantasy debut. Ella received a first-class BA (Hons) in English Literature at Warwick University. In 2017, she won the Shoot From The Lip spoken word poetry competition, and in 2019 she performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in the award-winning Bible John. Ella has produced and researched podcasts for Somethin’ Else, part of Sony Music Entertainment, and for BBC Sounds. She also hosts the podcast Comfort Creatures.

Alice Kuipers. Head of writer coaching

Alice Kuipers

Alice Kuipers is the bestselling, award-winning author of YA novels, books for younger readers, and several ghostwritten adult memoirs. Her debut, Life on the Refrigerator Door, was a New York Times Book for the Teen Age and Carnegie Medal nominee. It won the Grand Prix de Viarmes, the Livrentête Prize, the Redbridge Teenage Book Award and the Saskatchewan First Book Award and has been adapted for the stage. Alice’s other accolades include wins or nominations for the Arthur Ellis Award, the White Pine Award, the Saskatchewan Book Award for YA Literature, the Junior Library Guild Gold Selection and Amazon’s Best Book of the Month. Her essays have been published in the Huffington Post, the Sunday Telegraph, Easy Living, and Today’s Parent. Alice has a BSc in Psychology from Manchester University and an MA in Writing from Manchester Metropolitan University. She has spoken at the Brisbane Festival of Literature, Wordfest Calgary, Vancouver Writers Fest, and the Saskatchewan Festival of Words.

Kate Dylan author coach

Kate Dylan

Kate Dylan is the Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction novels across the YA and adult crossover space. Her debut YA sci-fi novel, Mindwalker, was named one of Kirkus’s best YA books of 2023 and nominated for a British Science Fiction Association Award. Her debut YA fantasy novel, Until We Shatter, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller. Kate’s novels have earned praise from Samantha Shannon, Hannah Kaner, Saara El-Arifi, the Irish Times and the Guardian among others. Her work has been featured in SFX magazine, i newspaper, the Guardian, and Culturefly. Kate graduated from the University of the Arts London.

David Solomons. Writing coach at The Novelry.

David Solomons

David Solomons is the author of eight acclaimed middle-grade children’s novels and several screenplays. His debut title, My Brother is a Superhero, won the Waterstones Children’s Prize, the British Book Industry Awards Children’s Book of the Year, and was Branford Boase shortlisted. The sequel, My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord, won a Laugh Out Loud Award. As a screenwriter, his first script, The Fabulous Bagel Boys, was shortlisted for a BAFTA New Writer Award. David served as screenwriter for the 2004 feature adaptation of Five Children and It, starring Kenneth Branagh. He co-wrote the Pinocchio miniseries, starring Bob Hoskins (2008), and The Great Ghost Rescue, starring Jason Isaacs (2011). Not Another Happy Ending, written by David, was the closing film of the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2013. He studied English Literature at Glasgow University.

Lesley Kara. Author and The Novelry Team Member

Lesley Kara

Lesley Kara is a Sunday Times Top Ten and Amazon No.1 internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, The Rumor, was the highest-selling print crime fiction debut of 2019, the bestselling ebook of that year, and was shortlisted for the East Anglian Fiction Award, the Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Best Debut Novel, and the Dead Good Books Cat and Mouse Award. It has been optioned for TV by Cuba Pictures and sold in over 18 territories. Who Did You Tell? was also a Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have earned high praise from Paula Hawkins, Lee Child, the Sunday Times, the Financial Times, Literary Review, and Booklist among others. Lesley regularly speaks at literary festivals across the U.K., including Bristol CrimeFest, Capital Crime, and Granite Noir, and co-hosts the crime fiction podcast, In Suspense. Lesley studied English and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Greenwich University and worked as a lecturer before writing.

Upmarket Women’s Fiction
Saga
Women’s Contemporary Fiction
Book Club
Police Procedurals
Historical Fantasy
Romantasy
Horror
Gothic
Contemporary & Women’s Fiction
Crime & Suspense
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Fantasy Epics And Sagas
Literary Fiction
Reading Group Fiction
Middle-Grade Fantasy
Up Lit
Magical Realism
Romance
Mystery
Historical Fiction
Memoir
Women’s Fiction
Science Fiction
Speculative Fiction
Sleuths, Crime Fiction
Suspense
Psychological Thrillers
Young Adult
Fantasy Fiction
Crime Thrillers
Cozy Crime
Children’s & Young Adult Fiction

‘As a result of The Classic, I now have a clearer view of my story than I thought possible. Prior to the course, I never considered myself an outliner. I had figured that thinking about my story beforehand was beyond me. I realize now that this is because I had no clear concept of story structure and no idea of how to go about considering my story. What I needed was a guiding hand, and The Classic provided that! The Classic was an absolutely fantastic experience. Having completed it, I feel my imagination fired up, and I’m ready to begin writing my novel.’

Gabriel Rumbaut
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Write for pleasure at The Novelry and you’ll be rewarded with far more than you ever imagined. But don’t just take our word for it…

‘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.’

Susan MacLaren

‘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.’

Sloan Schmidt

‘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!’

Alison Chappell

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.

writing course review gianna

Gianna Salmas

‘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!’

classic storytelling class review

Jennifer Coy

‘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.’

storytelling class review

Sylvie Hensley

‘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!’

classic storytelling class review

Fiona Robinson

‘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.’

classic class review

Ariel Gomez

‘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.’

storytelling class review

Sonja Darmstaedter

‘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.’

writing class review wadsworth

Brooke Wadsworth

‘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 🧡’

way to write a book

Victoria Murphy

‘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.’

writing a novel with The Novelry review Chrystel

Chrystel Marincich

‘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.’

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Matti Hicks

‘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!’

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Amy Board

‘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.’

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Jim Maher

‘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.’

writing course reviews ireland

Catherine Logan

‘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.’

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Assamala Amoi-Seminet

‘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.’

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Trisha Smith

‘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.’

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Hemmie Martin

‘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!’

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Laura McFadden

‘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.’

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Dr. Christine James

‘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!’

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Jennifer Philbin

‘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.’

Headshot of Jennifer writing course reviews

Jennifer Keller

‘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.’

Headshot of Leanne writing course reviews

Leanne Koster

‘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.’

Sean Miller

‘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.’

Jo Martin

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Why The Classic Storytelling Class?

Progress at your own pace

55 lessons. One year to do them all.

Your success, on your terms. Always.

This is a self-paced class; you drive the development of your story. You have immediate access to all lessons. The tempo of the march is yours to decide.

You’ll need 30 minutes for each lesson, and probably some time to capture your thoughts and ideas as you start writing.

We recommend setting aside an hour a day just for you and your writing, and you’ll soon come to love this special pocket of escapism.

But if time is tight and life is getting in the way, never fear. There are 55 lessons in total, and 365 days to do them. That’s around one lesson a week.

Stay a little longer

Life. It happens to the best of us.

A good story will wait

You have 365 days’ access to The Classic Storytelling Class. But don’t worry if you need to stop writing for a while.

You can easily extend your access beyond your year, or stay on as a member with access to the workshops and community for just $29.99 (or £24.99) a month, or $299 (or £249) a year.

Money-back policy

Our Happy Writing guarantee.

Time to check it’s right for you

We maintain a happy and supportive community for all of our writers. So, we offer a 7-day money-back Happy Writing Guarantee for all our classes and courses, should you change your mind.

Access to one-on-one coaching from bestselling authors

The brightest lights are at The Novelry.

Coaches not lecturers

Many online writing programs promote ‘featured’ videos of one or two big-name stars. And you sit, you watch, you learn. Passively.  

Here at The Novelry, our online writing classes and courses come with a team of writer all-stars built right in. They’re part of the furniture around our happy writing home. You’ll run into them in the virtual halls of The Novelry, in your personal coaching sessions, and week in, week out at workshops or in your online community.

We’re talking stars whose books have hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists, and have been adapted for screen and optioned for major motion pictures.

Writing stars who work with you, not lecture at you.

Learn more

40+ workshops a month

In addition to your class.

Write in good company

Guided, group-based workshops with fellow writers, bestselling authors and publishing professionals. Offered live online, but also recorded, so you can easily catch up if you miss one.

You’ll get advice and writing prompts, genre-specific challenges and exercises to help you develop your writing and deepen your craft. And of course, you’ll have a community of like-minded spirits, cheering you on as you reach each milestone on your journey.

Learn more

Story First Method™

Discover if your story has commercial value before you begin writing.

Page-turners don’t happen by accident

They’re created, carved and chiseled thanks to unique knowledge of the market and exclusive insight into commercial viability.

Our Story First Method™ ensures the tale you want to tell is likely to excite publishers, agents and readers before you begin. Saving you a whole lot of time and trouble, and allowing you to hit the page to write with confidence.

Our method is a more efficient way of working, and stacks the odds of publishing success in your favor.

Genre expertise

What’s your style?

‘Outstanding genre-specific workshops!’

—April Love-Fordham

You may be burning to write a thriller, yearning to capture a romance, or scoping out the near-future world of a science fiction story.

Maybe you’re yet to discover your type. Perhaps you’re between genres right now.

Any which way, this course will help you put your story on steroids. You can choose your author coach based on their expertise, and our genre-specific workshops are in a league of their own.

Video masterclasses

From the likes of Kristin Hannah and Yann Martel.

Catch Up TV for storytellers

(Binge-watch the series.)

Over 100 classes with famous bestselling writers, publishing experts and leading literary agents for you to explore in your own time.

Find out how your best-loved authors (really) write their books, from Tess Gerritsen, Paula Hawkins, Sophie Kinsella and Val McDermid to Lucy Foley, Katherine Rundell, Samantha Shannon, Steven Erikson and (so) many more.

Learn more

A supportive writing community

Find your people.

Come for the course. Stay for the people.

We’re the largest online writing community exclusively for novelists and memoir writers. This group offers you a safe space to share the ins and outs and ups and downs of the creative life.

It’s ad-free and bound by the terms of confidentiality, allowing you to be yourself as a writer among industry professionals, trusted new friends, and like-minded people.

What’s more, our annual U.S. and U.K. parties and networking events offer the perfect opportunity to mingle and celebrate your work. Cheers to that!

Learn more

More 5-star reviews

Than any other writing course. The Novelry is the world’s top-rated online writing school.

We’re the home of happy writing  

When choosing your writing course, always make sure to look for these things:

  • Independent rave reviews from real people giving their names.
  • Writing coaches who are award-winning and bestselling published authors.
  • One-on-one, personalized instruction focused on what you need.
  • A professional path to getting published with links to a range of literary agencies.
  • An inspiring writers’ group with a kind and encouraging ethos.

Reviews

A clear path to publishing

Yours if you want it. Fine if you don’t.

Your adventure awaits

Storytelling lies at the very heart of the class.

But that can mean a myriad of things to many different people.

Some join us simply to write for the pleasure of the process. Some, for family and friends.

Others wish to tread the commercial path to publishing. Which is why you should know that we’re trusted by the world’s leading literary agents, and our graduates go on to secure major contracts from Big Five publishers in the U.S.A., the U.K. and worldwide.

Learn more

Created by a Booker Prize-listed author

We don’t just talk the talk.

‘Louise Dean is a significant voice in fiction’

The Observer

When it comes to writing, and writing success, Founder and Course Director Louise Dean knows a thing or two about a thing or two.

Booker Prize-listed, winner of the Betty Trask Prize and the Le Prince Maurice Prize, finalist for the Costa Coffee 2020 Short Story Award, longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Award, and nominated for the Guardian First Book Prize (among others), Louise has earned plaudits from the Nobel Laureate for Literature, no less. Her books have been praised by the New York Times, the Guardian, the Observer and the Sunday Times.

Louise shares her (award-winning) wordsmithery secrets in the courses and classes and draws on a lifetime and love of reading fiction and the techniques of the greats.

Meet Louise

Ready to begin? 

Every epic journey starts with a single step.
Sign up for the class

The Classic Storytelling Class

Find your story
$
599
We accept
£
499
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Classic Storytelling Class
  • A Coaching Session
  • A Year’s Access
Or sign up for our class bundles (highly recommended if you are new to The Novelry)  
One-off
Monthly

The Novel Kickstarter Course

Come up with the idea and write a first draft
$
179
/ mo
$
1995
We accept
£
155
/ mo
£
1699
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Classic Storytelling Class
  • The Ninety Day Novel Class
  • 6 Coaching Sessions

The Finished Novel Course

The complete 5-step program
$
455
/ mo
$
4995
We accept
£
319
/ mo
£
3499
  • Welcome Call
  • Membership (1 Year)
  • The Classic Storytelling Class
  • The Ninety Day Novel Class
  • 6 Coaching Sessions
  • The Big Edit Class
  • 2 Editorial Sessions
  • The Ultimate Manuscript Assessment
  • Class Completion Certificates

From creating your story then writing a polished draft, to publishing your bestselling book. Our classes and courses support you across the whole journey.

View all classes

FAQs

If you’re bursting with questions we haven’t answered here, check out our full FAQs page or feel free to get in touch.

Will this class get me started writing fiction?

Yes. You’ll be itching to write within days of starting the course. (Just let anyone try stopping you!)

We believe a great story makes for easy writing, so we want to focus on your story from the start at The Novelry. So whether you’re taking the class to enrich your reading or writing, whether you’re planning to write a bestseller or write for family or friends, these lessons will help you write a bigger story, one your readers will love.

We have an onward journey for graduates of The Classic Class all mapped out. And we’re standing by to help you write your amazing novel with the next class, The Ninety Day Novel Class. But for now, relax and let the magic do its work!

You’ll need a notebook, a pen and an internet connection for the online lessons. That’s it. Our online learning platform is easy to use, even for the less tech-savvy among us!

Why do your creative writing courses start here?

Writing a novel is not so much about the writing, or at least not in the way you think. Nobody ever stayed glued to a book for the complexity of its vocabulary.

Writing is about storytelling, and readers and publishers alike want great stories. And here’s a secret—storytelling can be learned. Hey, guess what, you might just be very good at it. Why not find out?

Writing is not a God-given gift or innate talent. It’s not something you are born with, or can or can’t do. It’s something you learn, because you want to learn it.

Sure, you’re going to need to read some books. And here’s another secret. Writers learn from other writers. Just like with any craft or trade, they take apprenticeships or courses and work with published writers.

The story doesn’t happen to you, you happen to the story.

You don’t need to be wise and have all the answers. Stories are about questions. One question after another. What happens next? Why did she do that? What will he do to escape? How come there’s no door to the house? Will they work out that guy’s a villain?

We’ll get you asking the right questions, in the right order, to invite your reader into your wonderful world.

What’s the learning format?

This is a self-paced class served on our beautiful online platform by video and text which will relax you into beginning to write your story. It will certainly get you thinking. We suggest a lesson a day. You have immediate access to all lessons. Enjoy the lessons on any internet-connected device. Watch the video, read the text and use the ‘speak aloud’ feature to listen. You’ll need 30–60 minutes for each lesson and probably some thinking time to capture your thoughts and ideas as you start writing. This might be a good opportunity to start to set aside an hour a day just for you and your writing, and you’ll come to love this special time. One hour? You deserve it.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, we are all for Happy Writing. You can review our terms and conditions here. If, for any reason at all, the course is not for you, you can get a full no-questions-asked refund within the first seven days after purchase. Just email us and let us know.

English as a second language? Hearing or vision difficulties?

Our courses are suitable for people with visual or auditory impairment, dyslexia, and for those with English as a second language. We offer an app which translates the course into 99 languages and a speak-aloud option too.

‘I’ve taken writing courses with several other writing schools. They were helpful, but I knew when I found The Novelry, I’d found my forever writing home.’

Cat Lane
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