Workshop: Novel Writing with Priscilla Morris

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is for those who have embarked on the journey of writing a novel, whether it’s your first or your sixth, and have written at least 5,000 words. You may be in the very beginning phases of your work-in-progress or engaged in rewriting and revision, having completed a full manuscript.

What will we do?

We will discuss the novel as a form and consider some of its genres. We’ll explore the various components of the craft and have an in-depth look at the revision process. We’ll discuss how to get published, if that is your aim, and the writing life.

We’ll do the above through a combination of presentation, group discussion, pair work, Q&A, and in-class writing exercises with constructive feedback for those who want to share their work. We’ll look at selected literary texts to develop the invaluable skill of reading as a writer. This will be an interactive workshop with plenty of opportunities to share and discuss your work-in-progress and ask questions.

What will the course content look like?

The following is an indicative outline which is subject to change:

Monday 15 July Beginnings

Inspiration and Starting Points – the Novel as a form – the Beginning – Narrating: voice and point of view – Character

Tuesday 16 July Middles

Continuing: Motivation and Routine – Genre – The Story: plot and structure – Scenes: place, detail, dialogue, theme

Wednesday 17 July Ends

The Ending – the Great Revision Pyramid (with thanks to Gabriela Pereira) – Language and Style – Getting Published – the Writing Life

Will there be any homework?

Optional at-home writing activities will be suggested, but there will be no pressure to do them. Some reading may be set in between classes, which we will discuss in the workshop the next day.

What will I get out of it?

Inspiration, motivation, a deeper understanding of the craft and the novel as a form. A very useful layered approach to the revision and rewriting process. Insider knowledge of the publishing industry and writing life. The chance to make new writerly connections and perhaps find some readers for your work. A deeply enjoyable, dynamic, informative three days.

Who is my tutor?

Priscilla Morris is Women’s Prize-shortlisted author of Black Butterflies (Duckworth, 2022), which follows landscape painter Zora through the first year of the siege of Sarajevo in 1992. Priscilla is an experienced creative writing tutor, with a doctorate in creative writing, who has most recently taught at University College Dublin. Her approach is warm, supportive and places emphasis on learning to read as a writer. She is currently working on her second novel. Find out more at priscillamorris.org. Instagram: priscillamorriswriter.

Do I have to do anything in advance?

Please email info@westcorkmusic.ie a) up to 3,000 words of your work-in-progress; b) a one-page synopsis of your novel OR a description of your writing intentions; and c) a few sentences on what you hope to get out of the course and what focus will be most useful for you.

Please send the above no later than Friday 5 July, so Priscilla can familiarise herself with your work-in-progress and tailor the course accordingly.

Can you recommend any useful reading?

The following are excellent resources. Priscilla will be drawing on some of them during the workshop.

• The Book You Need To Read To Write The Book You Want To Write by Sarah Burton and Jem Poster
• How Novels Work by John Mullan
• The Art of Fiction by David Lodge
• On Writing by Stephen King
• The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing by The Editors of Writer’s Digest
• Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose
• Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2024 (useful for those seeking an agent)