Novel in a Year is the successful course I have been running, which starts its 4th year in January 2024. Wow!
I get asked lots of questions about this course and thought the best way to answer them was in a simple post, if you have more questions that haven’t been answered here, then please ask in the comments, chances are somebody else is waiting to ask the exact same question.
Okay, so let’s start.
Why do you offer the course over a year? I have seen other writing coaches offer to complete over a month.
I’ve seen those courses too, and while I don’t doubt their success, I find it depends on the individual and the time they can commit to learning a new skill, developing it and then the actual writing of a novel. All of this while raising a family, working, caring and sometimes all the above and whatever other commitments a person can have. The timescale of this course is realistic and sets you up to succeed not fail. From the feedback I have received, the time goes quickly, you do not feel rushed, and it sets a good pace for future writing projects.
I have many ideas, how do I know which one to choose?
You don’t have to decide right away. The first two months are about developing your skills as a writer. Plus, we will have 2 one-ones and 8 group sessions in those first 2 months, to discuss your ideas and the feasibility of them as a novel or script.
Help! This sounds great, but I have never written before, and I wasn’t very good at school.
The thing about school is that we are often expected to enjoy and be enthusiastic about topics and genres that we are simply not into. As an adult, we know what we like (mostly!) and what interests us, and chances are if you are looking at a writing course, it means you like (the idea at least of) writing now. I don’t decide what you write or research, that is left to you. My job is to make sure I teach you the basics in an interesting and relevant manner, without all the heavy stuff you had to learn at school. There are no exams, no tests, and as you are writing at home, or wherever you choose, you should be relaxed. As a qualified teacher who has worked with pupils of all ages and abilities, I can help if you are neurodivergent (e.g. dyslexic, Autistic, ADHD (like me!) ) to express your words onto the page. Things like spelling and grammar matter, but we live in a world where we have help to do that with apps such as Grammarly and ProWritingAid, and also audio-typing. I am always happy to discuss ways in which I can help you as an individual. Don’t let past experiences stop you from writing now.
How does this compare to similar courses?
Good question! The biggest way is that I take fewer students on at a time, which allows me to personalise the course to each individual student and their writing needs. You really do get a group session each week, with a private Facebook group ( I am currently looking at groups off social media as an option too), and that one-to-one each month makes a difference, plus the regular email feedback and contributions to the group.
This course as I’ve mentioned before fits a busy lifestyle without you feeling the pressure.
The price of the is less than a degree course at approx £10, 000 per year (times 3 ), or a Masters at approx £9,000 per year, where you don’t always come out with a finished project, or actual real-world knowledge of the book/publishing industry. The course provides great value for money and is an investment not in just one book, but all future writing. You are not left alone to do assignments, I am with you giving feedback as often as you need it.
When you say I finish with a book, do I actually?
Yes! Okay, let’s be honest here, while I can teach, coach and motivate you, it is you who has to do the work. When we get to the actual writing part of the course, the target is 500 words a day. Look at it this way, the average person speaks between 100 – 130 words per minute. That’s about 4-5 minutes of speaking. Which means, that some days you will write more when you are on a roll, and other days when life just gets in the way as it does, allow you the grace of not worrying about getting too far behind.
Do I have to write a book?
No, you can write a film script, TV, or even a theatrical play. It all depends on what your aims are as a writer. Again, I am more than happy to have a chat about this before you book.
How do I publish my book?
There are two main ways, traditional, where you send your manuscript off to a publishing house or agent (Please note there should NEVER be any charge by them to do this) or via self-publishing also known as Indie publishing, where you publish and do all the work your self or hire freelancers to help with aspects such as cover design and proof-reading. I can help advise on both of these options. For those who wish to go the indie publishing route but don’t want to do the work themselves, there is a third option where I can help as required for a small additional fee (this tends to be a long-term option for those who want the freedom of indie publishing, but not the stress of uploading etc).
This would make a great gift, can I send it as one?
Yes, the Christmas gift certificates will be out soon, they give no details of the price, but name the recipient and give details of what they will be doing. Please check out the website and social media for further up-to-date details.
Where do I sign up?
You can sign up here. I look forward to meeting you in January and hearing your story ideas.
If you have further questions then please ask them below or email me at feedback@thecoffeehousewriter.com
The Coffeehouse Writer 