Kick off your 2025 writing journey with this novel refresher workshop. Join National Book Award winner and master instructor Kathryn Erskine for a unique opportunity to revisit the building blocks needed to complete a cohesive manuscript; building blocks often forgotten when we’re lost in the drafting weeds.

Each session will tackle two-to-three themes and will include on-the-spot writing assignments, prompts, discussions and readings. Students will also receive a comprehensive list of mentor texts Kathy recommends reading in preparation for each session.

Upon completion of the workshop, each student may submit the first 10 pages of their work in progress. Kathy will send each participant written feedback.

This workshop is ideal for experienced writers trying to navigate an unruly draft. The workshop is also appropriate for newer novelists still wrangling the basics or for picture book authors tackling their first novel projects. This class is not recommended for true beginners.

This month-long class will cover

Week 1: Character & Dialog
Week 2: Plot & Pacing
Week 3: Setting, Mood and Grounding
Week 4: Voice & Tone (and completing that novel!)

You will come away from this workshop with

A comprehensive review of the foundations of novel writing
An opportunity to revisit your work in progress, ensuring all the bases have been covered
Refreshed skills, honed in class through prompts and exercises
A thorough list of mentor texts to refer to in your writing journey
Expert editorial feedback on the first ten pages of your work in progress.

This workshop is for you if

You’re a novelist looking to improve your craft
You’re a novelist who is feeling lost, stumped and uninspired
You’re a novelist who struggles to complete cohesive manuscripts
You’re a new-ish novelist, but not a total beginner, looking to hone your skills

Classes will run approximately 120 minutes, and workshop sessions will be recorded if you are unable to attend a session.

Novel Foundations