If your writing goals include publication, there's an ideal order to writing a novel (and it starts with planning, pitching, and editorial feedback before you sink weeks, months, or years into writing). This course is one way we deliver hopeful authors editorial feedback during the ideation stages. Most "Write a Novel" courses help you write a book but don't tell you what to do with it. We'll help you develop an idea that has publication potential—and give you editorial feedback that helps you refine your pitch!

We understand. Life is busy. In fact, that's why we cover project management and strategies for prioritizing your writing project!

The pilot course is free, but a paid version of the course will be available later in the Anistemi Bookshop.

Yes! But understand that the course helps you to develop a realistic and attainable plan to writing the novel. We will not write the actual novel in only four weeks! Rather, you will leave the course with a viable story idea (and/or feedback to make it viable) and a project plan, complete with manageable steps, a realistic schedule, an achievable deadline, and possible next steps that are informed by your project and long-term goals.

That's okay; this course is an ideal place to start. You'll be amazed at what ideas are bouncing around your head just waiting for a little time and attention! Whether you're just thinking about your first book or have already written novels that went nowhere. This course provides a solid plan and strategy to help you not just write a novel, but also pitch that novel for publication and receive access to editorial feedback before you invest time in writing.

Your schedule depends on many factors, but the focus of Week 2 is helping you set up your project and schedule. So, the most accurate answer to this question is delivered within the course.

Not the free version. Registrants get access for three days after the end of the course.

The paid version is yours for life but won't be available until we pilot the live version.

It happens. The great thing about a free course is that you lose nothing if you find out it won't work.

Janie Barbosa is the CEO & Founder of Anistemi Publishing. She has successfully made a living as a writer, content creator, editor, product manager, and publisher for more than eighteen years. She started Anistemi Publishing when her own daughter wanted to go into writing; knowing that college courses did not prepare her for professional realities, she wanted to help prepare young hopeful writers practically prepare for careers in writing, content creation, and publishing. The instructor is teaching professional tools of the craft.

Week 1: Steps 1-3

1. Setting Realistic Expectations

2. How to Find an Original Idea

3. How Genre Makes or Breaks an Idea

Week 2: Steps 4-7

4. Project Management for Writers

5. Prioritize Your Project

6. Arrangement Strategies (A.K.A. Outlining That Actually Works)

7. How Deadline Determines Schedule

Week 3: Steps 8-10

8. Reasonable Research Strategies

9. Where to Start Writing Your Book

10. How to Create Conflict & Tension

Week 4: Steps 11-15

11. How to Turn Off Your Inner Critic

12. Finishing the Middle Marathon

13. Write an Ending that Lasts

14. When to Edit Aggressively

SPECIAL BONUSES FOR LIVE ATTENDEES: Preparing a Pitch & Editorial Feedback on Pitch

15. Write Your Novel

We go deep but fast. You'll be able to keep up if you make the time to finish the work we start during the writing sprints and workshops. Application takes time. Again, we focus on preparing students with (1) a strategy, plan, and schedule for writing your novel; (2) editorial feedback on your novel pitch; and (3) recommended follow-through.

Nope! You'll need basic writing tools of your choice (paper and pen OR computer or laptop)... and your creativity, of course!

Yes, but mobile devices and phones often have interrupted connections and make conversation during the workshop a bit harder. We recommend a computer or laptop for the best experience. But we encourage you to use what you have!

Absolutely! Every hour-long session ends with a half hour reserved for taking questions from attendees.

You'll miss the workshop, sprints, and access to individualized input on your writing, but registrants will have access to posted recordings until Monday, March 3rd. We'll email links once the weekly recording is posted. The information will still be helpful.

Live sessions will run for one hour, and the instructor may be available for questions for an extra half hour (though staying for these is completely optional). Follow through should take 1-3 hours per week...depending on your processing style and writing speed. But there are no formal due dates or deadlines; you are able to take the course for information only. If not following through with the suggested writing assignments, the course will take less than four hours.

Registrants will have access to posted recordings until Monday, March 3rd.

Yes! Each live session starts with quick information and quickly moves into either writing sprints or workshop. During this time together, we prioritize collaboration and practical feedback.

If we didn't believe you could, we wouldn't volunteer our time. God created you to participate in his wondrous creation—and your writing goals (and word use) are 100% a key part of the individual calling he knit into you! Creativity for the Christian is not just fun: it's worship! Trust us... if you're nervous, you should definitely come! Our number one goal is to help you design a plan that makes your dream a reality. Don't worry too much about what God will do with your work. Just take the first step and see where he leads you!

Well, for starters, we help you develop realistic expectations for your first novel. Most courses skip that part! Also, we focus on writing as worship—which removes the fear and pressures traditionally associated with publication. Finally, the root goal is project management because it focuses on planning first and action second because most courses push writers into the work of writing and editing without first spending time helping them understand what makes a novel successful. We want to help you understand what you're getting into so that you can confidently navigate challenges as they come. And don't worry, we'll also share resources!