The Classic
Storytelling Class
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.
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.
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.
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‘The Novelry—from the twinkling of an idea through to a publishing-ready novel.’
‘Recommended by leading literary agencies.’
‘All aboard a different kind of writing school.’
‘A remarkable world-wide writing school (...) with classes run by tutors including brilliant authors and former editors from Penguin Random House.’
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...
Discover the storytelling secrets behind the bestselling classics of all time.
This is the class to embark on a new chapter of your creative life. If you’d like to how or why authors come up with their ideas and write their books, you’re in for some big surprises.
Packed with practical tasks to help you build your story step by step. Each lesson includes a 10-minute task and a 20-minute task and a video lesson with text.
Follow 55 lessons and complete the tasks to create a story you can’t wait to write.
Plus, 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 complex main characters to life on the page. Outline and develop the world of your tale to capture the reader’s imagination page after page.
Find the Idea
Once Upon a Time
The Process
World-building
Heroes and Villains
The Reader
The Author
Farewell
‘And you ask: “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling, what if you fly?’
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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‘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.’
‘I can’t recommend it enough’
‘The lessons are clean, clear, thoughtfully structured and break down the process into something achievable and exciting. I came away with renewed confidence and joy in my writing. I was hesitant to sign up at first, but I can’t recommend it enough.’
Jacqueline Sprik
‘Best decision ever’
‘This course opened a part of my imagination I forgot was there. The lessons were a pleasure: part literary theory, part history lesson, part philosophy of life, part personal development. It was so enriching. I kicked myself for not joining sooner. Best decision ever.’
Sofia Matthews
‘A fantastic way to enter the magical world of storytelling’
‘I love the structure the class has given me. I have trust in the process and more ideas that I can add. It’s a fantastic way to enter the magical world of storytelling, giving you the tools and confidence to step over the threshold.’
Maddy du Mont
‘A heartfelt thank you’
‘I learned a great deal and, most importantly, I started to embrace enjoying writing instead of approaching it with dread and trepidation. I have a new appreciation and I am not alone. A heartfelt thank you for creating a way forward and building a community!’
Nancy Blake
‘Gave me inspiration and reassurance that my story matters’
‘This class gave me inspiration and reassurance that my story matters. I always felt I had something to say to the world, but I never knew how to translate it onto the page. The Novelry gave me the tools I needed.’
Sierra Sall
‘I’m feeling positive, creative, and motivated’
‘I’ve wanted to write a novel for decades, and this course has given me all the tools I need to move ahead. I’m feeling positive, creative, and motivated. I still have times of doubt, but I know I can do this!’
Laura Grove
‘More motivated than ever to write my novel’
‘I’ve come out of The Novelry more motivated than ever to write my novel. The best feature of the course was the exercises. I truly enjoyed my morning routine and I feel like I have a place to turn to for support.’
Brent Galloway
‘I’m so glad I took the plunge’
‘I have come away from this course with a renewed sense of optimism. It has given me clear guidance, constructive materials and a really clear idea on what to work on next. I’m so glad I took the plunge.’
Jacob Collins
‘Felt like a creative hug!’
‘The class has felt like a creative hug! Speaking to a coach and published author was priceless and I came away with so much confidence and excitement to start my story.’
Sandy Delaney
‘Thank you for this experience!’
‘The class has taught me that writing should come from the heart. I like that it’s distilled down to the fundamental elements of storytelling and I found the length of each lesson helpful. Thank you for this experience! Looking forward to the next class!’
Alex Robinson
‘My imagination is on fire’
‘I wanted to enjoy the process of writing and this is exactly what the course has given. It was a spiritual journey with many ideas linking to my own beliefs about how the creative brain works. My imagination is on fire.’
Deb Latham
‘The Novelry is a beautiful space of artists’
‘The course has given me motivation and a deeper understanding of stories. I found the workshops incredibly informative and gained a lot of knowledge from the coaches. The Novelry is a beautiful space of artists who come together and learn from one another.’
Naya Efthymiadou
‘Helps me imagine my stories and pushes me to keep going’
‘I’ve taken many writing courses and The Novelry is like nothing I’ve ever had. This course pushed me to learn things I’ve been so eager to know about. It helps me imagine my stories and pushes me to keep going.’
Zoeybell Fogerty
‘I am taking my dreams and desires seriously for the first time in my life’
‘As a result of joining The Novelry, I’ve been able to prioritize the education I needed, at the pace I needed. I feel grateful for the supportive community and am taking my dreams and desires seriously for the first time in my life.’
Minal Bopaiah
‘Things that didn’t make sense before finally clicked’
‘Eye-opening. So many pieces of information fell into place and things that didn’t make sense before finally clicked. The course helped me decide on my genre and story structure and was full of great resources and tips. I’m thankful for The Novelry.’
Chelsea Olivo Benefield
‘I’m raring to go’
‘A friend spoke very positively about The Novelry courses, so I decided to take the plunge. I loved the inspiring videos and exercises and I’m raring to go. I’m not just floundering in the dark. I really enjoyed the course, thank you so much!’
Sarah Shirtcliffe
‘Helped me rethink everything about my book’
‘Helped me rethink everything about my book. The benefits include feeling a purpose beyond motherhood, viewing books with fresh eyes, and something to tell people when they ask “if I work”! I learned a lot and am excited for the next class.’
Maya Duff
‘Equal parts teaching and therapy’
‘The class exceeded my expectations. Not only was it pragmatic, it was full of surprising gems—equal parts teaching and therapy. I’m excited to begin writing!’
Meena Poe
‘The Novelry gave me structure and motivation’
‘I had an idea but I didn’t know where to start. The Novelry gave me structure and motivation and made me feel I was actually making progress. Publishing a novel really feels possible after taking the class!’
Eliza Sanders
‘A group of experienced experts I can count on while I write’
‘I liked Louise’s constant presence as my benevolent guide through a craft that was anxiety-ridden for me. I feel like I have a group of experienced experts I can count on while I write.’
Susan MacLaren
‘Explored all my favorite aspects of my Creative Writing minor at college without any of the filler’
‘I really cannot express enough how The Novelry explored all my favorite aspects of my Creative Writing minor at college without any of the filler. I’m feeling so empowered and confident about writing my first novel.’
Sloan Schmidt
‘Plenty of community interaction’
‘I looked at various degrees in creative writing but The Novelry seemed a lot more relevant to my requirements, guiding me gently on my own path with plenty of community interaction. I’ve already used my learning to help me write a prize-winning story!’
Alison Chappell
‘Gave me the guidance I was craving’
‘Gave me the guidance I was craving and lots of encouragement, too. I now have a strong understanding of what I need to do to write my novel and I’m feeling very excited about it! The inspiration from this course has been priceless.’
Gianna Salmas
‘A wonderful, immersive experience’
‘Taking this class was a wonderful, immersive experience. I got lost in a mesmerizing world of storytelling and learned so much! I now have the confidence that I can and will take my story idea all the way to a published novel.’
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Jennifer Coy
‘I am doing this. I am a writer’
‘I truly appreciate everything The Novelry has to offer. As one lesson progresses into the next, something amazing happens. Self-confidence builds. Then it hits: I am doing this. I am a writer. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.’
Sylvie Hensley
‘Both informative and encouraging’
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the class, which has been both informative and encouraging. I appreciated the flexibility to fit around my daily routine and I feel ready to take the next step. I’m daring to believe in myself as a writer!!’
Fiona Robinson
‘Opened a universe of possibilities’
‘This class opened a universe of possibilities. It encouraged me to play, have fun, and explore. I came up with lots of story ideas and I loved every minute. I plan to come back to this class often.’
Ariel Gomez
‘Left me feeling confident that I can pursue my dream of writing a novel’
‘The experience was wonderful. It has left me feeling confident that I can pursue my dream of writing a novel. I’ve felt supported and encouraged throughout the course and am looking forward to starting my writing.’
Sonja Darmstaedter
‘Such a wonderful experience!’
‘Such a wonderful experience! I started the class nervous that I wouldn’t be able to come up with an idea, but I’m leaving it feeling proud of my work, with a journal full of ideas, and excited for the next class.’
Brooke Wadsworth
‘A truly wonderful way to write a book’
‘A truly wonderful way to write a book. I have loved every second. The warmth and knowledge of Louise’s teachings have been like the homely guide taking my hand and leading me through my imagination. What a joy! Thank you 🧡’
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Victoria Murphy
‘I can’t recommend The Novelry enough’
‘I can’t recommend The Novelry enough. It provides you with the tools to progress your novel and a community to support you along your writing journey. The class has sparked ideas and given me confidence that I can write a novel.’
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Chrystel Marincich
‘Mind-blowing’
‘Mind-blowing. I came to the class with an idea for my story, a first draft, and the class enriched this idea immensely. The last bit was amazing—seeing how authors have sat on the shoulders of giants.’
Matti Hicks
‘Essential to building my confidence’
‘Guides you step-by-step through the structure of a novel while engaging with your soul. I felt challenged while being championed at this budding stage. Essential to building my confidence that yes—I can do this!’
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Amy Board
‘A fantastic foundation’
‘I tried only to do one lesson a day, as recommended, but found myself often moving on to the next one. I have a fantastic foundation to build my story and will go back to the materials as I move forward.’
Jim Maher
‘Extremely useful and thoroughly enjoyable’
‘An excellent way to inform yourself of the multiple layers and structures required to write a novel. The breadth and scale of what Louise covers is so very wide and thought-provoking. Extremely useful and thoroughly enjoyable.’
Catherine Logan
‘I’d recommend The Novelry without hesitation’
‘I’d recommend The Novelry without hesitation. I have a better understanding of characterization, the ingredients, the climax and the end. It’s quite revealing. I acquired new skills and discovered ways to enhance those that I have.’
Assamala Amoi-Seminet
‘I’m a different writer now’
‘I can honestly say that I’m 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. Once Louise shows you how, you can never unsee it.’
Trisha Smith
‘I have come away from this course with renewed vigor and excitement’
‘A focus on style and content made me think about my own style of prose and how I could improve it. I’ve already made changes to my novel and have come away from this course with renewed vigor and excitement.’
Hemmie Martin
‘Like finding the path when you’re lost’
‘Discovering The Novelry was like finding the path when you’re lost! When I found the courses, my heart started to thump louder as possibilities became reality. I felt reassured that even new writers have a voice that should be heard. Loved it!’
Laura McFadden
‘I am beyond excited’
‘The content is inspiring and beautifully presented and encouraged me to deep dive to find the story I really want to write. I am beyond excited, but also feel like I’m in safe hands with The Finished Novel Course.’
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Dr. Christine James
‘What writers really need’
‘I couldn’t have loved the experience more. I learned the fundamentals of storytelling, but for me, it was part instruction, part therapy, and part inspiration. Very grateful to The Novelry for understanding what writers really need. A joyful ride!’
Jennifer Philbin
‘The elixir you need’
‘If you’ve done a lot of craft workshops, literary deep dives, and writing intensives—and have lost your way with the spark of writing—The Novelry may be the elixir you need.’
Jennifer Keller
‘Brilliant course for aspiring novelists’
‘Helped to renew my confidence in myself as an aspiring novelist. I loved it. The course content as well as the encouragement and support of the online community were wonderful. Would recommend to any writer.’
Leanne Koster
‘I lucked out’
‘I lucked out. MFA programs often teach literary writing at the expense of plot. Other online resources are often too “pulpy”. Writers with ambition to write for a large audience to a high literary standard will find it rewarding.’
Sean Miller
‘I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to write’
‘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
Why The Classic Storytelling Class?
Progress at your own pace
55 lessons. One year to do them all.
Stay a little longer
Life. It happens to the best of us.
Money-back policy
Our Happy Writing guarantee.
Access to one-on-one coaching from bestselling authors
The brightest lights are at The Novelry.
60+ workshops a month
In addition to your class.
Story First Method™
Understand whether your story has commercial value and is fit to excite publishers and agents.
Genre expertise
What’s your style?
Video masterclasses
From the likes of Kristin Hannah and Yann Martel.
A supportive writing community
Find your people.
More 5-star reviews
Than any other writing course. The Novelry is the world’s top-rated online writing school.
A clear path to publishing
Yours if you want it. Fine if you don’t.
Created by a Booker Prize-listed author
We don’t just talk the talk.
Ready to begin?
The Classic Storytelling Class
- Membership (1 Year)
- The Classic Storytelling Class
- A Coaching Session
- A Year’s Access
The Novel Kickstarter Course
- Membership (1 Year)
- The Classic Storytelling Class
- The Ninety Day Novel Class
- 6 Coaching Sessions
The Finished Novel Course
- 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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.’