Do you devour novels? Do you love stories? Do you get deeply involved with characters, and absorbed in different times and places? Do you get hooked by a twisty plot and excited by unexpected reversals? Do you feel a sense of loss when you finish a really good book? Does fiction speak to you in a way that nothing else does?
If you’re a sucker for reading fiction – and especially if you’ve written your own non-fiction book – I’ll bet you’ve thought about having a go at story-telling for yourself. But even if you don’t read or write much (yet), penning a great story may still be on your bucket list. Or perhaps you’re just curious to know more about how good fiction works, and why.
“Novels aren’t written by novelists. Novels are just written by everyday people who give themselves time and permission to write novels.”
Chris Baty, author and NaNoWMo founder
Maybe you’ve never known quite where to begin with a fiction story; or perhaps you’ve started to write a novel or short story and got stuck and given up.
We can fix that!
If you have an experience you’d like to fictionalise, a message you could get across in a story, a character or two who are trying to get out of your head, a time or place that you’d love to take people to, or a plot that keeps twisting and turning inside your head — then you should definitely give it a go.
But there are a few things you really need to know before you start writing fiction, otherwise it could all go horribly wrong.
As the author of three novels and a best-selling book on How To Write Fiction Without The Fuss (and nine non-fiction books), I’d love to introduce you to the foundations of fiction and take you through the key steps that every novelist should work through before you start writing your first draft. These will help you clarify where your inspiration lies, decide on your subject and define your genre. I’ll show you how to crystalise your central characters and focus your location and setting. We’ll deconstruct how to plan a compelling structure – and discover whether you’re a ‘plotter’ or a ‘pantser’.
And by the end of 8 weeks, you’ll be ready to write.
‘I’ve wanted to write a novel for years, but I wouldn’t have had the confidence or the capability to do so until I took part in Lucy’s Fiction programme. Lucy’s expertise, combined with the structure and camaraderie of the group sessions, have helped me to learn what is required and then apply it to actual writing.
Lesley Allman, author
Here’s what you’ll be getting…
- Membership of our interactive Facebook Group where you can share progress, ask questions and get feedback on ideas and writing
- A hard copy of HOW TO WRITE FICTION WITHOUT THE FUSS and ebooks of 2 Lucy McCarraher novels
- 8 live group Zoom calls that include teaching, discussion and Q&A – recorded and reviewable in the Facebook group
- Teaching slides to review and/or download
Group calls will take place on 8 consecutive Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm (to 8.30 pm), starting on Tuesday 14th January 2025 to Tuesday 11th March 2025. Each call will have approximately 40 minutes of ‘teach’ plus time for questions and discussion. Don’t worry if you can’t make every call – they will be recorded and posted in full in the Facebook Group.
‘I have loved every minute of this course. From finding my story, to plotting its twist and turns, and to writing my first 20,000 words. If you have the urge to write a novel this course is definitely the catalyst you need!’
Karen Ingram, author
And here’s what we’ll be doing:
Week 1 – 14th January. WHICH BOOKSHELF? – Defining your format, genre, title, author name and theme. Starting Your Story Bible.
Week 2 – 21st January. IN CHARACTER – Heroes, Anti-heroes and Main Players; creating unique, believable, engaging characters.
Week 3 – 28th January. WEAVING WORLDS – Fictional Settings, Time and Place. Real and Imagined worlds. Research, accuracy and creativity.
Week 4 – 4th February. THE PLOT THICKENS – Plot and Subplots; Story Arc and Structure. ‘Plotters’ and ‘Pantsers’.
Week 5 – 11th February. FINDING YOUR VOICE – Hooking your reader. Narrative point of view. Writing style.
Week 6 – 18th February. MAKING A SCENE – How to write absorbing scenes and dialogue like Netflix screenwriters
Week 7 – 25th February. SHOW DON’T TELL – ‘Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass’ (Anton Chekhov)
Week 8 – 4th March. READY TO WRITE? – Try outs, first drafts, a writing habit, staying committed.
Lucy is a knowledgable, calm, and encouraging guide through this liberating and creative journey. Whether you are exploring whether you can write a novel or are intent upon writing one, this course is well worth it.’
Gina Peters, author
I have mentored over 1,000 authors through writing their books, fiction and non-fiction, and I’ve personally coached many novelists and and edited many novels too.
Above all, reading and writing fiction is my not-at-all-guilty pleasure and I’d love to share that with you.
I look forward to introducing you to the wonderful world of fiction!
To sign up for the 8-week Introduction to Writing Fiction, make a single payment of £449.00
Or two monthly instalments of £230.00
Or if you’d like to ask questions or have a quick chat, email me at lucy@lucymccarraher.com
‘
This is an inspiring, supportive writer’s development programme, jam packed with content, calls and great coaching from Lucy. If you have a story to tell and you haven’t known where to start, start here.’
Mary McGuire, author