Are you ready to write your novel in 2027?

Join bestselling author of the Hope Creek series Alyssa J. Montgomery for an unmissable eight-session course on novel-writing.

Every unforgettable novel begins with a great idea—but it takes skill, structure, and storytelling craft to transform that idea into a book readers will stay up all night to finish.

This comprehensive eight-unit course is designed for aspiring and emerging writers who want to strengthen every aspect of their fiction writing.

From creating compelling characters and building a series readers will eagerly follow, to mastering plot, pacing, dialogue, and emotional tension, you'll learn the essential tools professional authors use to craft page-turning stories. Along the way, you'll discover how to write irresistible first chapters, create hooks and cliffhangers that keep readers turning pages, develop powerful romantic and emotional connections, and overcome the challenges of writer's block.

This course will give you practical techniques, actionable strategies, and the confidence to bring your stories to life.

Held Monday evenings 6:30–8:30pm at Red Point Arts, Port Kembla in February and May 2027.

Bookings can be made for the Full Course option, or for Part One or Two.

Single sessions will be available to book closer to the date if capacity allows.

PART ONE

Unit 1: Writing a Series

Learn how to create a world, cast, and story framework that can sustain multiple books while keeping readers eager for the next instalment.

Unit 2: Creating Compelling Characters

Discover how to develop memorable characters with depth, flaws, strengths, and emotional authenticity.

Unit 3: Goal, Motivation, Conflict and High Stakes

Master the foundation of storytelling by giving your characters powerful goals, believable motivations, and meaningful obstacles with high stakes at risk.

Unit 4: Plotting

Explore proven plotting techniques that help you structure a satisfying, engaging story from beginning to end.

PART TWO

Unit 5: The Important First Chapter, Hooks and Cliffhangers and Avoiding the Saggy Middle Syndrome

Learn how to grab readers from page one and keep them invested through strategic hooks and irresistible chapter endings whilst keeping the plot moving forward and avoiding the saggy middle syndrome.

Unit 6: Dazzling Dialogue

Create natural, engaging dialogue that reveals character, advances plot, and keeps readers immersed in the story.

Unit 7: Pacing

Understand how to control the rhythm of your story to build tension, maintain momentum, and deliver maximum emotional impact.

Unit 8: Writing a Love Scene

Discover how to write romantic and intimate scenes that deepen character relationships and resonate emotionally with readers.

Full course (Parts one and two, units 1–8):

1 February 2027

8 February 2027

15 February 2027

22 February 2027

3 May 2027

10 May 2027

17 May 2027

24 May 2027

Part one (Units 1–4):

1 February 2027

8 February 2027

15 February 2027

22 February 2027

Part two (Units 5–8):

3 May 2027

10 May 2027

17 May 2027

24 May 2027