Program Overview
Introduction to the Novel Writing Certificate Program
The Novel Writing Certificate Program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to write a novel. The program consists of a series of courses that cover the fundamentals of novel design, plot and structure, character development, and manuscript completion and revision.
Program Structure
The program is structured into two years, with each year consisting of two semesters. The first year focuses on the fundamentals of novel writing, while the second year focuses on manuscript completion and revision.
Year 1:
- Fall: The Writing Life: Form and Theory of the Novel (OWC 101)
- Winter: Novel I: The Powerful Beginning (OWC 303)
- Spring: Novel II: Plot and Structure (OWC 304)
- Summer Break or elective
Year 2:
- Fall: Novel III: Subtext, Theme, and Language (OWC 305)
- Winter: Novel IV: Manuscript Completion and Revision (OWC 306)
Course Overviews
Each course in the program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the novel writing process.
The Writing Life: Form and Theory of the Novel (OWC 101)
This course introduces the fundamentals of novel design, including the analysis of published novels and the development of a student's own writing style.
Novel I: The Powerful Beginning (OWC 303)
This course focuses on the beginning of a novel, including the introduction of main characters and story world, and the establishment of a contract with the reader.
Novel II: Plot and Structure (OWC 304)
This course teaches students how to build suspense and sustain momentum in the middle of a novel, including strategies for writing a great middle.
Novel III: Subtext, Theme, and Language (OWC 305)
This course explores the connection between plot and emerging theme, including the use of subtext and language to advance the meaning of the story.
Novel IV: Manuscript Completion and Revision (OWC 306)
This course enables students to complete and revise their manuscripts, including the identification of missing sections and the redrafting of chapters.
Elective
Students are required to take an elective course that allows them to expand or hone their narrative capacities. The elective can be taken during the summer break, concurrent with any Novel Writing Certificate courses, or up to a year after Novel IV.
One-on-One Tutorial (OWC 310)
The One-on-One Tutorial is an optional final step for Novel Writing Certificate students who wish to work intensively with an instructor on revision. The tutorial includes a thorough review of the student's manuscript and a schedule of deadlines and meeting times.
Requirements
To complete the Novel Writing Certificate Program, students must earn a C- or better in each course and complete the elective requirement. Courses taken through Stanford Continuing Studies within the past five years may be applied toward this requirement, subject to the program director's approval. Continuing Studies does not accept transfer credits; therefore, courses taken outside of this program will not meet the elective requirement.