A STEP BY STEP PROGRAM ON
WRITING YOUR NOVEL

What is Bootcamp for Novelist Online?

Bootcamp for Novelist Online is a full featured online writing school structured to support both beginning and advanced novelists alike. The Basic Track starts with writing foundations such as character development, plot outlining, conflict and scene structure, leading into the study of more advanced techniques. The Polish Track starts out assuming the writer already has some basic skills, but the presentation of the courses follows the basic track in such a way that ambitious students can take both tracks at the same time. The philosophy of the Bootcamp is to provide the information, techniques, and inspiration that new writers need to get their book in motion while supporting more experienced and published authors in expanding their skills or even reinventing themselves.

How are the courses structured?

Connie Flynn teaches the Basic Track and Linda Style teaches the Polish TrackEach course delivers a single but substantial weekly lesson. The lesson are followed by a Q&A day. Next is a quiz or writing exercise (depending on the material covered by the lesson) and that will be followed by the quiz answers or an overall assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the completed exercises. The week will end with another Q&A. Subsequent weeks will be structured basically the same. There may be slight differences between the way Linda and Connie handle their individual classes, but the basic formatting won't change much between the two of us.

Will we get individual critiques on our work?

We strive to give everyone at least one personal critique throughout the course and anyone who puts up an assignment will get comments. Keep in mind that these are public critiques, and while Linda and Connie are both encouraging critiquers, they don't shrink from the bad news. If you post, be prepared to hear the bad along with the good, and also keep in mind that you'll learn more this way.

Do I have to participate in the exercises and Q&A sessions?

Bootcamp for Novelists is a noncredit school and all participation is welcome. Lurkers (students who sign in and read the post but don't post themselves) can benefit from getting the lessons and reading instructor feedback to students who do post. Still, the student who fully anticipates gets the most out of these courses.

How do I know if I'm ready for a particular course?

If you want to start at the beginning, you will first enroll in the Basic Track. Although it's aimed for the novice writer, those who want to master fiction writing might want to start here to make sure they haven't missed some important steps.. By the same token, the early Polish Track courses is quite accessible to beginners. More advanced writers may find some of the Basic courses a bit simplistic, but most of us benefit from review. One thing is definitely true – certain courses will depend on the knowledge from the previous course – so if you're a rank beginner, and you missed Character Development, you might not get as much from Dialogue as you hoped and definitely would have trouble with Deepening Characterization. Experienced writers however can pick and choose, but we assume you weren't the one asking this question.

How do I access the Bootcamp Classes after I enroll?

Approximately a week before your course begins you'll receive an invitation to join Bootcamp for Novelist's email group, which will be on either Yahoo or Google. You must do two things.

1. Accept the inviation or memebership
2. Sign into the group and choose a user name and password.

When you're successfully enrolled in the course, you'll receive course lessons and correspondence, beginning the first scheduled day of the course.

I don't have a PayPal account. How do I register?

We offer registration by mail. Please contact the appropriate instructor for instructions on how to proceed.

Why didn't I get my registration confirmation?

Your Paypal confirmation is your first receipt, but within 7-10 days after it arrives, you'll also receive an email from your instructor telling you when to expect your Yahoo Groups invitation.

Who do I contact if I have problems getting on the Yahoo group?

Contact your instructor if you don't receive your invitation to join or can't log on after accepting the invitation.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Bootcamp for Novelists is a non-credit school and does not offer certificates at this time, but check again in the future.