Create Your Novel’s Style Guide: A Two-Night Mini

Online | Novels
Novelists, join us for two evening sessions to develop your book’s editorial style guide so you can keep details clear, concise, and consistent as you revise.

February 7 @ 7:00 pm - February 9 @ 8:30 pm

Online

$59

Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Novelists, join us for two evening sessions to develop your book’s editorial style guide so you can keep details clear, concise, and consistent as you revise. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with loads of information.

  • Tuesday, February 7, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm EST)
  • Thursday, February 9, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm EST)
  • Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat. (If you’re unable for any reason to attend either session, you’ll have access to the recordings through March 31, 2023.)

Why This Workshop?

Take this mini course to discover how and why it’s helpful to clarify your vision, characters, and timeline as you revise, and compile that information into a style guide to focus your efforts. You’ll also see the benefit of breaking out your inner artist to create a map of your book’s setting.

Content will be split into two parts:
Part 1: Clarifying your Vision and Characters

  • What’s in a Style Guide, and a review of samples
  • One-line pitch or tagline: What is your book about? (Including samples and how to write one)
  • List of characters, noting physical details and character traits (including making distinct major character and tracking minor characters)

Part 2: Defining the Timeline and Map-Making

  • Timeline: days, seasons, weather, chapter chronology (including spreadsheets and sample outlines)
  • Setting: Locations, buildings, distances, orientation (including map-making samples and generating plot ideas)
  • List of words, phrases, typography that are particular to your story

Feedback Expected

  • None. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
  • Participants will be encouraged to share their pitches in the chat, and tag faculty Jen Gennari and the Highlights Foundation in finished book maps on social media.

Agenda

All Times are Eastern Standard Time.

Part 1, Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 7pm – 8:15pm Eastern: Clarifying your Vision and Characters
Part 2, Thursday, February 9, 2023, 7pm – 8:15pm Eastern: Defining the Timeline and Map-Making

Please note:
If you’re unable for any reason to attend either session, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through March 31, 2023.

How It Impacts Kids

By keeping your vision, characters, and timeline in mind as you will revise, you’ll be better equipped to tell your story in a way that will resonate with your readers.

Testimonials from Our Community

“Jen Gennari’s knowledge of craft, deep love of writing and reading, and ability to create compact lessons filled with valuable tools made this one of the best workshops I’ve ever participated in.”

“I feel so lucky to have had Jen as an instructor. She was the perfect combination of warm and friendly, and professional and resourceful. I’m a much more confident writer and editor after taking her class.”

Meet the Faculty

DETAILS

February 7 @ 7:00 pm - February 9 @ 8:30 pm

$59

Online

Access

When you register for this course, you’ll receive information via email to confirm.

For mini courses (one or two nights only), you’ll receive webinar links immediately to use on the evening of the course.

For longer courses, you’ll receive an invitation to your virtual classroom as the workshop approaches.

Can't Attend Some Sessions Live?

That's generally okay!  We know that you are juggling other demands with your workshop.

Recordings are made available to all registrants for most live sessions, usually the day after the session.  Check your course description for specific details about session recordings, and when they are released. 

We also try to suggest in the description how using the recordings may impact your experience if you can't attend live.  But ultimately, it's up to you!  Let us know if you need help.

Learn more about the technology that we use for our online workshops.

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

> Online
> In-Person
> On-Demand (Self-Paced Online)

New to the Highlights Foundation? Try these:

The Crash Course | The Whole Novel Workshop | Summer Camp

Questions?

Need help deciding on a workshop?  Ask an ambassador!

Visiting Our Campus

Our campus (The Barn at Boyds Mills) is tucked away in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  It's a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, but worlds away from everyday life.

Line drawing of the Barn at Boyds Mills

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