Roland Fishman discusses
10-Month Novel & Script Course

COURSE TESTIMONIALS

"I have now written the first draft of my first novel. A quarter of a century dream has come true."

Shari Hooper

“This course has been truly amazing.

Although I hold two degrees in English Literature, the knowledge I gained here far outweighed anything I learnt at University and has created a wealth of valuable skills.

The collective consciousness of the group and each and every person’s contribution was touching, moving and above else truly helpful.

Roland’s insights and ability to crystallize what I was struggling to pinpoint is an incredible skill and really kept the novel moving along.”

Marie Sullivan

"What a miracle. If someone had told me two years ago that I would finish the first draft of a novel, I would have laughed hysterically. I would recommend this writing course to anyone.

After so many years talking, but mostly thinking about how I wanted to be a writer, I have done it. The course has made sure I have done something about realising my dreams."

Mandy Galbraith

"Well this course has certainly been one of the best things I have ever done. It has met and exceeded every expectation. I am now fulfilling a lifetime dream of writing a novel. The steps give me a process to follow that is not daunting but fun and makes sense.

I now read books in a different way and question the author, feel more, and understand why and why not far better than before. It is a self-inspiring and invigorating task and you will never be the same again."

Beth Smith

"I can't believe I set this goal and achieved it! I feel great, inspired and on top of the world.

The steps to writing this first draft are so important and give the guidance to ensure that we haven't wasted the last year of our lives churning out words on lines, words on lines without structure.

They gel, entwined and make it all real and happening and provide the skeleton for all the muscles, bones tendons, sinew, veins and skin to hang on but created in the correct steps to finish as a work of art, just like the human body."

Judy Senn

"I have found this a most liberating, insightful and informative experience. From the beginning, Roland has masterfully guided me through the first draft course with very useful and thorough course notes and suggestions to keep me on track.

I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone who has always had the dream to write a novel, film script or play, but been too afraid to begin."

Helena Rudnik

"The structuring process has been a revelation for me. I am surprised at all the additional detail and insight which has resulted. I’m feeling very confident and determined."

Karl Bourke

"It is the largest sustained and interested effort I have ever expended on anything, and I have a story to show for it. I am so grateful to The Writers’ Studio for the practical and spiritual support they have given me to achieve this. I feel very proud.”

Jane Wallace

"I now feel I have the tools to drive my story forward, to make it a story worth reading. It has been great getting other people's perspectives and ideas."

Britt Howes

"I have been amazed at how the story evolved. I never knew it was possible to write a first draft now I know how funny, interesting and exciting it has been. I also learnt that structure can be the bones of a story and seeing and hearing stories from that perspective is part of an exciting journey."

Dalia Maron

Ten Month Novel & Script First Draft Course - Live Writing Classes

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Writing your first draft

We run 2 LIVE First Draft Courses each year. Final course for 2013:

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 to JUNE 22, 2014 Scroll down to the end for all dates.

EARLYBIRD COURSE FEE: $3295 (inclusive of GST) plus free Unlocking Creativity Course if paid by MAY 30.

Please note: Unlocking Creativity is a pre-requisite to the 10 Month Course.

Day: Saturday
(One class per month, plus one weekend intensive and one Sunday - final class) Scroll down for actual dates.
Time: 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Bronte Studio
Maximum Class Size: 16

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A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

Many people dream of writing a novel or screenplay but are overwhelmed by the enormity of the task.

Our Ten Month First Draft Novel & Script Course is a step-by-step process that breaks the tasks into manageable bite-size chunks.

It will provide you with the structure, accountability and support you need to find the story you want to write and give you the ability to complete your first draft in ten months, while working full-time.

It is not necessary to come to class with a clear idea for a story. In fact, 60% of writers who do this course start without a clear idea of what they want to write. The course will help you find and clarify the story you want to write.

During the course, people often ask, "How could anyone write a novel or screenplay without having a process like this?" It is essential that you have a process that allows you to access the power of your imagination while grounding your story in solid structure.

Ninety per cent of novels and screenplays are rejected because of poor structure.

Many people can write great scenes and/or have a strong initial incident that they think will make a great story. But a few good scenes and a dramatic incident don't make a powerful story.

As Dwight V Swain says in the Techniques of the Selling Writer, "With skilled handling and the development of point of view and dynamic characters and complications and climax and resolution, the incident may quite possibly build into a story. But a story is a complex thing. Its materials demand skill in their manipulation."

The purpose of structure is to link the action of the story with the character journey so that each scene contributes to the overall character arc and the story builds in a dramatic and logical way, engaging your reader from beginning to end. This is the art and craft of storytelling.

As Robert McKee, who travels the world teaching story structure, says, "There are no unrecognised geniuses. For writers who can tell a quality story, it is a sellers' market, always has been, always will be."

testimonials

"A truly practical approach to the secrets of good story telling."

Rachel Ward - actress and director/writer of the feature film Beautiful Kate starring Sophie Lowe, Ben Mendelsohn, Maeve Dermody and Rachel Griffiths.

"If it wasn't for Unlocking Creativity and The Writers' Studio First Draft (Novel & Script) Course I wouldn't be where I am today - an author about to be published. Thank you Roland for the inspiration."  

L.A. Larkin - Her first novel, The Genesis Flaw, was published in Australia by Murdoch Books and in the United Kingdom. Her second book is Thirst.

"Sometimes it feels 'The Bet' was miraculous - where did it come from? But then I remember everything that went into it - not talent (there were far more talented writers in my class), rather faith and persistence, using all the tools provided by The Writers' Studio.The dance between structure and imagination, the understanding of the character and writer's journey, the constant re-writing and keeping the faith - these were the fundamental building blocks of my script and my experience of writing it. I'm proud that the story of 'The Bet' works. Ultimately, that's the power of classic story telling which is at the heart of what The Writers' Studio is all about."

Caroline Gerard - writer and producer of the 2007 feature film The Bet, starring Matthew Newton, Aden Young and Sibylla Budd.

"I am doing a 10-month online writing course with them (The Writers' Studio) and it's challenging, exciting and frustrating. As it should be."

Julia Zemiro, radio host, actor, singer and Rockwiz presenter in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald (2011)

AT HOME

Between workshops you will also complete weekly exercises and write scenes.

We recommend you spend between 30 to 60 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week planning and writing scenes at home.

1: You will write the majority of your first draft behind closed doors. You will not need to post scenes for feedback. Roland will give feedback on the dynamics and evolving spine of your story, not on your writing. The First Draft process is all about finding and expanding the dramatic possibilities of your story. It is not about writng perfect scenes.

2: Writing your first draft is an act of discovery. Creating stories is never a neat or predictable process. It is a creative adventure. You will not write a perfect first draft. When you have finished you will still have work to do. Excellence is a commitment to completion.

3: If you want to write a screenplay, we recommend you write it in narrative form first. Only when you have completed the First Draft and found your story should you attempt to put it into screenplay format. Don't think of it as writing a novel, think of it as writing a detailed treatment. This is the practice of many industry professionals.

COURSE OUTCOMES

During the course you will:

Develop the broad spine of your story using our Ten Step Outline before you actually start writing to make sure your story is structurally sound.
Follow a proven step-by-step process during the actual writing phase that will ensure you work effectively and complete your story in ten months.
Receive guidance, accountability and support from your tutor and like-minded classmates.

Develop a regular writing habit - the foundation of the whole process and the fundamental ingredient to writing success.

Learn the essential keys to creating powerful drama full of internal and external conflict using our specialised Scene Templates.
Develop a deep understanding of story structure dynamics by using our 8 Turning Points and 29 Story Steps.
Learn the art and craft of storytelling. The goal of the first draft is not to write the perfect story, but to go on a journey to discover the possibility of your story and characters.
Complete your first draft in ten months while taking your main character and yourself on a profound journey of change. A huge achievement.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 to JUNE 22, 2014

September 21, 2013 - Saturday workshop, 10.00am to 6.00pm at The Writers' Studio

October 19 & 20 - Weekend intensive from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. at The Writers' Studio

Continues on the following 8 Saturdays from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm at The Writers' Studio:

November 16, December 14, XMAS, February 1, 2014, March 1, March 29, April 26, May 24, SUNDAY June 22, 2014. (2.30pm to 6.30pm & dinner on us)

All classes available online if you need to miss any workshops. We have the right to change dates if necessary.

ABOUT ROLAND AND THE WRITERS' STUDIO rfphoto

Roland Fishman has been a professional writer for over 30 years and has published three books, two of which were bestsellers. After working as a journalist and columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Weekend and The Financial Review, he decided to dedicate his life to storytelling and the creative process.

He founded The Writers’ Studio in 1992 where he draws on his own career as a writer, as well as his experiences traveling around the world learning the art and craft of writing from bestselling authors and elite teachers.

For nearly twenty years he has personally guided thousands of people through the creative process at The Writers’ Studio using his unique step-by-step process. He conducts all live courses and hand picks online tutors to ensure you get the best possible guidance, support and instruction.

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Please read terms, conditions & deferments before booking onto this course.

PLEASE NOTE: If after Unlocking Creativity we feel that you are not right for the group as a whole we will recommend you either repeat the UC again and go into the next N&S Course or we will provide you with a refund for the N&S course only.