Course Information
This writing course has payment options. Click the ‘Enrol Now’ link to view the payment options.
Prerequisite: Novel & Script Second Draft course.
Writing Your Third Draft
While you will refine your structure in this course, the focus is very much on the craft of writing, re-writing and editing and making each scene as good as it can be.
The Third Draft is the most challenging yet exciting part of the writing process where you experience the thrill of seeing readers respond to your work in an increasingly positive way.
There are two key components to the course.
Part 1 – Working on the craft
This is where you use the tools, course materials and feedback from your tutor to write your chapters in a way that will engage your readers and keep them turning the page, wanting to know what happens next.
You learn how to create compelling drama and micro-tension on each page so the tension builds organically and logically.
You submit writing every month and will receive detailed feedback from your tutor and fellow writers.
The process will transform your writing.
Part 2 – Writing ahead
You will write ahead without going back and revising. This keeps the story alive in your imagination and creates a satisfying body of work to re-write and edit down the track.
We recommend you write at least one to three chapters ahead each month using the templates provided. You will receive structural guidance from your tutor to make sure your story is on track.
On Learning the Craft of Re-writing and Editing
After completing the course, Kylie Keogh – journalist and media manager, wrote:
“This has been my favourite course. I have loved focusing on the writing and the detail that needed to be fleshed out from Drafts One and Two. And I now see how important it was to get the structure in place before embarking on the Third Draft.
“I have learnt so much about the actual craft of writing in this course. The first lesson was about point of view and it has stuck with me ever since. That and other tools such as having a clear dramatic question have made a huge difference to my writing. And I felt that everyone in the class, after applying the tools and techniques, had a strong story worthy of being published.”
How the Live Course Works
Before the first session, you will be required to write your first 600 words, find the opening of one novel that you love, write your section summaries for TP 1 to TP 2 and answer some review questions.
Before the rest of the sessions, you will send a 1,500 word document to you tutor and, in the live course, your fellow group members. They will read and analyse your work and give you detailed feedback in class.
By the end of each session, you’ll have lots of suggestions to work with. This will give you a clear idea of what works, what doesn’t and what needs to be done to make your story the best it can be.
You’ll be amazed at how much your story and writing improves during the course. One of the big differences between an amateur and a professional writer is knowing what to cut out.
While doing the rewriting and editing, you will write ahead without revising building a significant body of written work.
The Importance of Re-writing and Editing
“The art of writing is the art of re-writing. Success depends on attitude and patience as you take it one step at a time. So much of writing is about re-writing, I never get it right the first few times. I’m of the school that it’s in the re-writes that the story is born. It’s a refiner’s craft. As territorial as we are, it is important to be challenged.”
Tina Howe, Nominated twice for Pulitzer Prize for Drama
“Most writers spend too much time looking at the big picture and not enough time down in the mines doing the nitty-gritty of the scene work. If you can master this skill of the scene you will be well ahead of the game.” Matt Bird – The Secrets of Story
“Re-writing is king. Whether you make it or don’t make it is in the re-write.” Michael Connelly
Course Outcomes
During the course you will:
- Clarify the spine of each chapter before re-writing and editing. To have your writing work on the page for your reader, you need to first be clear about your characters’ motivation and have a sound structure.
- Learn how to shape your writing in a way that connects your readers emotionally with your characters and story.
- Receive detailed, critical feedback on your writing and do extensive re-writing and editing to make every scene as good as it can be. Having fresh eyes review and critique your work, is critical to your progress as a writer.
- Have your writing flowing logically and dramatically so everything makes sense and your story feels authentic.
- Write forward in rough-draft form without revising to set you up for future re-writing and editing.
If you work through the process one step at a time, you will be amazed at how much your writing improves as you master the course’s tools and techniques and take on the feedback from the group and your tutor.
Course Dates
Workshop Dates for 27 September 2025 Course
All workshops run from 10am to 6pm except final session: 2pm to 6pm & drinks.
Session 1: Saturday 27 September 2025
Session 2: Saturday 25 October 2025
Session 3: Saturday 22 November 2025
XMAS/JAN BREAK 25/26
Session 4: Saturday 7 February 2026
Session 5: Saturday 7 March 2026
Session 6: Sunday 26 April 2026
Session 7: Sunday 24 May 2026
Workshop Dates for 28 September 2024 Course
All sessions run from 10am to 6pm except final session: 2pm to 6pm & drinks.
Session 1: Saturday 28 September 2024
Session 2: Saturday 26 October 2024
Session 3: Saturday 23 November 2024
XMAS/JAN BREAK 24/25
Session 4: Sunday 2 February 2025
Session 5: Saturday 1 March 2025
Session 6: Saturday 29 March 2025
Session 7 Sunday 27 April 2025
