Getting the opening of your novel right is vital for the success of your finished manuscript. Explore ways to grip your reader’s attention from the first page in this online tutored writing course with Okechukwu Nzelu, award-winning writer of Here Again Now.
In this course, we will look at some of the key features of the opening chapters of your novel – including introducing characters, setting up your plot, and grounding your readers in the world and time of your novel.
This eight-week course is designed for writers with a work in progress. Okechukwu will read and provide feedback on two assignments, including up to 3,500 words of your manuscript in progress, and at the end of the course you will have a 1-1 tutorial with him to discuss your writing and potential next steps.
Designed in partnership with the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at UEA.
Dr Okechukwu Nzelu is a Manchester-based writer. In 2015 he was the recipient of a Northern Writers’ Award from New Writing North. His debut novel, The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney (Dialogue Books, 2019), won a Betty Trask Award; it was also shortlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Polari First Book Prize, and longlisted for the Portico Prize. In 2021, it was selected for the Kingston University Big Read. His second novel, Here Again Now (Dialogue Books, 2022) was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Encore Award, the Polari Prize, the Jhalak Prize and the Diverse Book Awards. He has made several appearances on national radio, and is a regular contributor to Kinfolk magazine. He is a non-executive director of ALCS and CLA, and Lecturer in Creative Writing at Lancaster University. Image © Alex Douglas
Dates: 24 June - 12 August 2024
Location: Online
Cost: £ 300 - early bird discount
Further info and to book here