In July 2017, Maria’s debut novel, THE LAST LOST GIRL, was published by Poolbeg Press. The book went on to be shortlisted for the Kate O’Brien Debut Award 2018 and the Annie McHale Debut Award 2018. Maria’s second novel, ON BONE BRIDGE was published in July 2018, also by Poolbeg Press. Her third novel, BAD SWEET THINGS, a Crime Thriller/Police Procedural was published in 2021.
Maria has also published a children’s book, The Little Book of Irish Saints, with Poolbeg Press, and has been teaching creative writing for several years.
Start Date: 8th January, 2025
Price: $299
Duration: Six Weeks
3 places remaining
Novella Writing: Enrol in Our 6-Week Online Course
Have you ever wanted to write a novella? With its growing popularity and unique appeal, now is the perfect time to explore this delightful literary form. Longer than a short story but more concise than a novel, the novella offers the ideal space to express your creativity while honing your writing skills.
Join us for this six-week guided course that will immerse you in the world of novella writing. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced writer looking to refine your craft, this course provides the tools, insights, and support you need to bring your novella to life.
What You’ll Learn
In our Novella Writing course, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of the novella as a literary form. You’ll gain the skills needed to create and refine your own novella, from initial brainstorming to crafting a cohesive narrative. We’ll guide you through every stage, from defining your idea and developing key themes to building compelling characters, plotting your story, managing pacing, and setting scenes.
Each week, you’ll complete a core assignment designed to help you develop your novella step by step, with personalised feedback to keep you on track and motivated.
Limited Enrolment: Secure Your Spot Today
To maintain a high-quality, interactive learning experience, this course is strictly limited to just ten students. Early registration is highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity to dive into the world of novella writing.
Extended Access: Lifetime Access to Course Materials
Once the course is complete, you’ll have lifetime access to all the materials, so you can revisit the lessons and exercises whenever you need a refresher or new inspiration.
Global Reach: Open to Writers Worldwide
Our course is accessible to aspiring writers from anywhere in the world. Join a diverse community of writers and benefit from the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives that enrich your learning experience.
Weekly Assignments & Personalised Feedback
At the start of the course, you’ll receive your first module via email (be sure to check your spam folder and add us to your contacts). From there, you’ll begin working on weekly assignments that will guide you through the novella-writing process. Each assignment will be reviewed by your dedicated online tutor, who will provide personalised feedback to help you improve and stay on track.
The course is designed for flexibility, allowing you to work at your own pace. We recommend setting aside 2-3 hours per week for optimal progress, but with no set class times, you can fit the course around your schedule.
Ready to start writing your novella? Enrol now and begin your journey toward mastering the art of novella writing and crafting a story that captivates readers.
Course Outline
Week One: You will gain an understanding of what exactly a novella is, as we take a brief look at its long history, and the very many genres of novella open to a writer. You will explore what differentiates the novella from a full-scale novel, including the rules around wordcount and pacing, and what makes it such an attractive option to choose. You will also practice brainstorming and begin the work of defining your central idea for your own novella
Week Two: This module will explore the importance of both Character and Theme in the particular setting of the novella. You will look at just what qualities make compelling and believable characters, and the importance of understanding what motivates our characters. You will learn how Theme can be seen as the meaning behind the story of your novella and how to tease out your theme from your central idea.
Week Three: This module is all about plot and pacing. A single succinct plotline is one of the most important elements of your novella,. But plot can be one of the trickiest parts of the writing process. You will be guided through an understanding of the different components of plot, demystifying such terms as Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Resolution. There will also be a practical exercise in expanding your plot. In addition, you will explore the importance of pacing in your novella and how that is best achieved.
Week Four: In a novella, where the focus is generally on a single character, fully developing that character is crucial. In this module, we will be exploring the importance of character development and Character Arc (the journey your character will travel in the course of your novella, and how that journey will change them). We will also be exploring Setting – the Where and When of your novella and how important a role this plays in creating the world in which your characters exist.
Week Five: This module looks at what is meant by Central Conflict and why it is considered to be at the heart of plot. We will examine the difference between internal and external conflict and how to choose the right central conflict for your genre of novella. There will also be a practical exercise in pitting your character against a specific conflict. The module also includes a highly practical exercise in how to write a novella outline, which will pull together all the elements previously studied throughout the course.
Week Six: In this final module of the course there will be a section on a particular form of the novella – the Novella in Flash (NIF). This will be of particular interest to those writers with an interest in or curiosity about flash fiction. There will also be a short discussion on the business of publishing your novella whether traditionally or by self-publishing. The module finishes with an assignment which will set you the goal of writing the first 1000 words of your own novella.
Begin Your Creative Journey Today
Unlock your full creative potential and take the first step towards becoming the writer you’ve always wanted to be. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your writing skills, explore a new literary form, or finally bring your story ideas to life, our 6-week online Novella Writing course is the perfect place to start.
This course is your gateway to mastering the art of novella writing—a form that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Over the next six weeks, you’ll dive deep into the craft of storytelling, learning how to create compelling characters, intricate plots, and immersive settings, all within the unique structure of a novella. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an experienced author seeking to expand your repertoire, this course will help you unlock new creative possibilities and bring your literary vision to life.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment— enrol now and start your journey toward mastering the novella. Through guided lessons, personalised feedback, and practical assignments, you’ll refine your writing and develop the skills necessary to craft a novella that captivates readers. Take the leap today and join a supportive community of fellow writers as you explore new creative territories and develop your voice as an author.