Writing Workshops

Writing Your First Novel with David Gordon (March 2025)

$595

10 Sessions

Out of stock

Once a week Tuesdays, 6:00 pm EDT - 8:00 pm EDT March 18 to May 20, 2025

Online via Zoom

This course is designed to provide the techniques, guidance, and support that the first-time novelist needs to embark on—and see through—the process. Beginning with lessons on vital topics like plotting, character development, dialogue, and setting, as well as short, generative exercises, we will move into openings and first chapters, with the later class sessions devoted to close reading and discussion of student submissions.

Course Outline:

Session I: General Overview—Discussion of Outlining
- In-class exercise in outlining. Homework: complete outline.
Session II: Discussion of Character Development
- Review of assignments. Homework: character sketch.
Session III: Discussion of Plotting
- Review of assignments. Homework: develop plot synopsis.
Session IV: Discussion of Openings
- Review of assignments. Homework: write an opening.
Session V: Discussion of Dialogue & Scene Structure
- Homework: write a scene.
Session VI: Discussion of Style & Voice
- Review of assignments. Homework: finish first chapter!
Sessions VII–X: Workshop Student Submissions

This course is held online via Zoom.

Led by

David Gordon

David Gordon

David Gordon was born in New York City. He attended Sarah Lawrence College, holds an MA in English and Comparative Literature and an MFA in Writing, both from Columbia University. He is the author of seven published novels and a book of stories. His first novel, The Serialist, won the VCU/Cabell First Novel Award and was a finalist for an Edgar Award. It also won three major literary awards in Japan—Kono Mystery ga Sugoi, Mystery ga Yomitai and Mystery Best 10—becoming the first novel ever to do so—and was made into a feature film. In addition to Japanese, his novels has been translated into Chinese, Korean, French, German, Turkish, Russian and Polish. His most recent book, The Pigeon, is number five in the Joe the Bouncer series. A new novel, a neo-noir called, Behind Sunset, is forthcoming from Mysterious Press, as well as a video game co-written with Hampton Fancher, (Bladerunner). His work has appeared in Harpers, Paris Review, the New York Times magazine, the New York Times Book Review, Fence, Brazenhead Review, Maggot Brain, LitHub, Electric Literature, and others.

About this series

Writing Workshops

We strive to make our classes the most inviting and rewarding available, offering an intimate environment to study with award-winning, world-class writers. Each class is specially designed by the instructor, so whether you’re a fledgling writer or an MFA graduate polishing your novel, you’ll find a perfect fit here.

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