Overview

One of the most valuable resources for a writer is other writers–writers who get to know you and get to know your work, writers who develop a sense of where you’re trying to go and help you work through ideas of how to get there.

In 92NY’s Novel Generator, you and a group of talented peers will spend ten months each other’s work under the close instruction and mentorship of celebrated novelist and experienced instructor, Omer Friedlander.

The goal of the class will be for you to complete–or at least be well on your way to completing–a full draft of a novel, a draft that fills you with confidence, whether that confidence means that you feel ready to send your novel to agents, or you feel ready to embark with clear intentions on another draft. The class will be tailored to your specific needs. If you’ve started a novel recently–or have a detailed idea for one–and need the time and focus to get the words down, we’ll provide the space for that. If you have been writing your novel for years but feel “stuck,” we’ll help you identify what is making you feel stuck and help you get unstuck. If you feel you made a wrong turn in your novel somewhere along the way but can’t figure out exactly where–a point in novel-writing that almost all novelists encounter–we’ll help you retrace your steps and find your direction. If you’re at a point in your process where you’re not sure whether the class would be right for you, we’d be happy to chat with you.

Each participant will have the opportunity to submit and receive robust feedback on 25-50 pages of your novel at least four times over the course of ten months. Additionally, there will be lessons on aspects of craft, such as setting, narrative engine, POV and voice, and much more. We’ll talk about classic structures, such as the three-act hero’s journey, and how to adapt and subvert these structures to your own purposes. We’ll discuss how to use what readers expect to give them something they never could have imagined. We’ll also do many generative exercises that will–like exercises in a gym–help you develop muscles you did not realize you had.

Over the course of ten months, we will also read and analyze at least one published novel in full. If possible, we will arrange to invite the writer to join the class and speak to the group.

While the work itself is the only thing any writer has control over, we also want to introduce you to aspects of publishing your work and finding readers. Periodically, editors and agents may make visits to the class to discuss their experience and perspective and answer questions you may have.

The class will meet 40 times over the course of ten months, for three-hour sessions. The year will culminate in a celebratory reading for all participants in the Novel Generator. There will be a virtual component for those unable to make it to NYC.

Submission Guidelines: Registration will be limited to 12 students. Students are chosen on the basis of a manuscript submission. Applications must be received by Monday, September 28th at 5 pm ET. View the submission guidelines and submit an application for this class.

Scholarship assistance is available. Applications must be returned to Scholarship Services at least two weeks before the first session. Payment plans are available.