Novel Track

Designed by a working, published author, these classes take you on the journey from seed of an idea, to completed, polished manuscript. Classes build on each other, giving you character profiles, story blueprints, plans and a schedule. "Writing time" can be heightened with a variety of workshops emphasizing different aspects of the craft, taught by guest authors and staff. At the track's conclusion, you should have a manuscript ready to submit for the SMU in New York Program.

Novel One: Elements
This in-depth class helps you transform your genre-specific concept into the components of a strong outline. In these workshop-like sessions, you will cover: character, Hero's journey, world of the story and theme. By class conclusion, you should have a full synopsis and three key scenes of your novel. Prerequisite: Creative Writing Introduction.

Intermediate Fiction Workshops
If your work is in progress, these are for you. Each class is designed to help you go deeper into the story, and delve further into the craft. Bring your work for in-class application. Session titles include: Make It Worse; Every 800 Words; Act --> React; and Mandalas, Picasso and Sacred Stones. Prerequisite: Novel One.

Novel Two: Synthesis
Following the text Story by Robert McKee, you will learn how to write from the inside out, thereby crafting the strongest story. Lecture classes alternate with hands-on, in class, personal instruction. Class can be sampled in two week workshops, or taken as a whole. By class conclusion, you should have a fully developed outline and a schedule for completion. Prerequisite: Novel One.

Novel 2.5: Write It Forward
Ready to write? This intensive workshop will guide students through writing those critical opening chapters. Each class is spent brainstorming and planning the next week's chapter. Each week the student submits a chapter for instructor critique and review. Advanced writing techniques and tools will be taught as needed. Highly recommended for track completion. Prerequisite: Novel Two.

Novel 2.75: Work in Progress
New, engaged, changing-that's what a work in progress is, and this class is where you don't have to go it alone. Verbal critique, written comments and specific instruction to help you write your best manuscript. Repeat as needed. Highly recommended for track completion. Prerequisite: Novel Two.

Novel /Narrative Nonfiction Three: Polish (formerly Master Class/Novel Three)
Working with your completed story (fiction or nonfiction) you will learn the techniques of self-editing and the rules of rewriting. In workshop-style classes, you will apply tools that strengthen character relationships, tighten your writing, and dramatize your story. By class conclusion, you should have a polished first thirty pages and a plan for the final rewrite. The final course before applying to the SMU Writer's Seminar in New York. Prerequisites: Novel Two/Narrative Nonfiction Two or SMU Continuing Studies Creative Writing Program private tutorials, and complete manuscript.

In seasons that Novel 3 is not offered as an on-campus class (such as spring, 2008), the course is available in tutorial form for the student who wants to polish a project and has moved through the Novel track or the NNF track. For more information, and to enroll, please visit smu.edu/creativewriting or call 214-768-1020.

SMU Writer's Seminar in New York
For four days, in the extraordinary setting of an Upper East-side mansion, students will have the opportunity to live the literary life. Hear an honest and full critique of your manuscript from publishing professionals, enjoy meals and lectures with those in the business, and learn firsthand the intricacies of the publishing world. Prerequisites: please visit smu.edu/newyork for complete prerequisite listing.

*Formula For Success:

The SMU Writer’s Seminar in New York serves as a culmination of the SMU Continuing Studies Creative Writing Program, and as such, carries several prerequisites. These prerequisites help our students move from course to course within the program along pre-determined “paths” that contribute to their success and help to ensure that students gain certain skills before moving on to the next level. In addition, following these prerequisites helps to ensure the highest level of quality for the SMU Writer’s Seminar in New York applicants.

However, we do understand that students come to the SMU Program with a wide range of writing experiences, from true novice to seasoned wordsmith. Given this range of experience, we allow students with extensive and demonstrable experience in academic writing classes an opportunity to "place out" of the introductory course, "Creative Writing Introduction."

For complete program information, including program “paths,” course dates and times, and New York Seminar prerequisites, please visit www.smu.edu/creativewriting. For information about the petition process to place out of the introductory course, please send an email to youngkin@smu.edu.