Make 2027 your year – get the tools and support you need to complete the first draft of your novel, in Queensland Writers Centre's flagship program for emerging writers.
Year of the Novel returns in 2027 so you can follow through with your New Years' resolution to get that book out of your head and onto the page. Attend five full-day workshops throughout the year, each detailing the steps you need to take when writing the first draft of your novel. Hosted by author Trent Jamieson, in this course you’ll receive practical advice and inspiration so you can maintain your writing pace and finally write 'the end'.
You’ll also receive written feedback on 10 pages (up to 3,000 words) of your work-in-progress at a scheduled time during this course.
Learning outcomes
You will hone writing skillset and work to draft a full-length novel through practical exercises, group discussions, critique sessions, and homework in the key areas listed below:
Develop your personal skills in the craft of narrative writing.
Learn techniques to pre-draft and generate ideas.
Structure your narrative on a macro and micro level.
Craft characters with goals and flaws.
Build your novel's world and setting.
Find your author voice and writing style.
Develop an appreciation for the business of writing and publishing.
Course dates
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 14 February 2027
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 11 April 2027
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 13 June 2027
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 15 August 2027
10:30am – 4:30pm, Sunday 17 October 2027
Please note that participants are expected to attend all five course dates. Supplementary materials for any missed sessions will be provided at QWC's discretion.
Format
This is an intensive and collaborative five-part course with a focus on craft; it will be held in-person at Queensland Writers Centre. It is a course designed for emerging writers but is suitable for dedicated writers of all levels and writing backgrounds to attend. Each session will combine explicit teaching of skills and techniques with interactive discussion and writing exercises. You are expected to be working on the first draft of a new novel throughout this course.
Flexible payment plans are available for this course. You can set up your payment plan during ticket checkout via Humanitix.
About Trent
Trent Jamieson is the Award-winning author of the novels The Stone Road, and Day Boy, as well as the Death Works Trilogy, and Roil Duology. His children’s book The Giant and the Sea, illustrated by Rovina Cai, won the 2021 Environment Award for Children’s Literature Picture Fiction. His latest book is Mr Impoppable, illustrated by Brent Wilson.
For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info