Chevron Left
Back to Write Your First Novel

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Write Your First Novel by Michigan State University

4.3
stars
298 ratings

About the Course

WRITE YOUR FIRST NOVEL From Inc.com - The 30 Most Popular Online Courses of 2020 "Write Your First Novel" made the list at #15 https://lnkd.in/gZqscmn If you’ve ever had the dream, the desire or even just a vague notion that you would like to write a novel, this course is for you. Whether you are a full-time student, have a full-time job, a family to take care of or all of the above, you can do it. Really! And I will help you get there. In this Course, you will write your first novel. Many people say they have often thought about writing a novel and are planning to do it someday, but very few ever actually do. However, in this course, you will do it. You will learn how to form a basic idea, any idea, into a structure and discipline that will allow you to create, write and complete a fully-realized novel ready to submit for publication. If you have any concerns regarding the protection of your original work, Coursera's privacy policy protects the learner's IP and you are indeed the sole owners of your work. Here is a link to a trailer for the course. To view the trailer, please copy and paste the link into your browser. https://vimeo.com/385761391/c5e7f873cf Learner review: "It was a great experience, I really enjoyed it." In Write Your First Novel, you’ll learn to break down your creative endeavor into components and you’ll discover a process that will allow you to do what few have done: produce and complete a full-length work of fiction in the form of a 50,000-word novel. Learner Review: "You teach storytelling like no other teacher. I cannot put in words how much I appreciate it. This daily writing, and the product that comes with it, have been a great mental support during the pandemic time. Art is a support for life, as Stephen King said, and thanks to you I experienced it first-hand during this time. I think I will keep writing 500 words per night for the rest of my life. I owe it to you. You taught me how to write a novel, and it works every time. Huge thanks, and wishing you all the best." I am a proponent of experiential learning (also known as active learning). My lectures are short and to the point, designed in a step-by-step process essential to your success as a writer. I will guide you, I will show you how to get there, hopefully I will inspire you. You will learn through your own activity - which is writing! I firmly believe that the only way to become a writer is to write, write, write! Learner review: "As a published author, I took this course to relearn the skills. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every lecture and quiz. This course was very, very helpful and the videos were very well executed. Cheers!" Writing fiction is a truly beautiful thing. Putting your own words on a page to tell a story which enters your readers minds and allows them to share the thoughts, emotions and lives of your characters is a very satisfying, rewarding experience. Learner review: "BEST TEACHER EVER! LOVE THE COURSE."...

Top reviews

C

Oct 10, 2022

This course provided the structure and accountability I needed to write my first novel. It was low pressure and fun. I loved reading the comments from my fellow writers and reading their submissions.

LL

Dec 7, 2022

I loved this course! The pacing was good. The instructor was clear without being too wordy and the feedback was helpful and appropriate. I would definitely recommend this course to a friend.

Filter by:

51 - 75 of 128 Reviews for Write Your First Novel

By Mark J

Mar 23, 2022

I recommend this course to anyone who is keen to try out "Write Your First Novel". The course has many valuable features. The author of the course, David Wheeler is an exceptional teacher. Through small steps he leads you onto ever larger themes. his method of keeping you going has been absolutely invaluable to me. I was not able to visualise how i would write twenty chapters. But by staying the course and doing what was required I have managed it. Am I satisfied? and proud? you bet!

The format of editing 5 other writers before you continue with your next chapter has also proven invaluable. Truly, this process enabled me to continue even when it was difficult to do so (to keep going). Many of the writers i started with have slowed down quite dramatically. This is partly because life interferes and it must for most of us, but also because keeping up with the programme was sometimes hard. not because it was hard but because we all struggle sometimes.

David Wheeler take a bow.

By Margaret L y

Jul 23, 2023

I really enjoyed this course. I think David Wheeler has a very unique way of teaching and encouraging each writer to do their best. He helped me to believe I could achieve this goal and I did. Thank You!

There could be some changes to the course itself. I believe that some people were creating accounts for other reasons. They did not upload any chapters but had the ability to read and comment on mine. I think it would help to have a different way to upload the chapters and somehow not allow anyone to comment negatively. Often what I did was copy/paste from my scrivener draft but it was very time consuming as the format would change.

It also appears that after completing the course reflection we are unable to read reviews of our novel, strange!!!

Overall this course was excellent! I have taken many writing courses through Coursera and this one, was a once in a lifetime experience.

Sincerely,

Margaret (Lisa) Young

By Stephanie G

Sep 15, 2023

I am very impressed with the structure of this course. The short but engaging lectures guided me so well all the way through to the end. I have no experience writing novels, and now have a complete manuscript with a second book percolating in my mind. I would go through this course again to write another novel. There is such a great sense of achievement at the end. I did take longer to finish it since I work full time and have a family, but I got there in the end without the pressure of accredited study deadlines. David Wheeler is a charismatic lecturer, very easy to listen to, and gives clear direction to his students. Thank you Michigan State University for playing such a big part in writing my first novel!

By Alina G

Dec 1, 2023

The course is done exceptionally well, and the lessons and brief lectures delivered by the prof are succinct and informative. I was originally going to put four stars instead of five, due to the interface and ability to interact with fellow writers on Coursera being rather limited. Perhaps if they added private messages or some other component, camaraderie would be much easier. However, I would rather rate the course unto itself, which, at its core, I believe is an incredibly valuable one. Thank you, and cheers!

By Mohammad R A

Sep 4, 2023

This course is not only an aid to your writing skill, but also an aspirational source for those who don't believe in themselves. Through modern teaching method that the Dear professor of this course applies, after a short while, you find yourself writing hundreds of words each day, as effortlessly as you might not believe. This course helps you to reach whatever needed to become a writer.

By David R

Jun 10, 2022

So far, I love it! Once the work gets really hard, can I blame the course please? hahaha

I hope to get my pesos together and pay for the course before it's over. I'm not sure if I am in the same boat as the paying members, but I am personally profiting from the experience. So far no feedback from other members. Boohoo

By mariam c

Sep 13, 2022

This course has helped me to discipline myself in other to finish what I have started. Been able to consistently complete weekly assignments by uploading new chapters weekly and reading the works of my peers for review was challenging but an eye opener. Thank you for the opportunity.

By lucy g

Oct 15, 2023

a BILLION thanks to David Wheeler. I've taken many writing courses and this is the BEST. A step by step approach to get it done. PLUS how to write a logline and everything else a writer needs. SERIOUSLY take this course if you want to write or finish a novel. FABULOUS TEN STARS!!

By Shaika T

Nov 5, 2022

Very helpful, especially for beginners like me. We're not all born with the talent to write. Some of us have an idea of how we would like the story to go but have no idea how to start writing it. This course provided me with what I needed to get started. Awesome job!

By Joseph I

Jun 18, 2022

This was an outstanding course. If a student writes every week, and otherwise follows the guidance given, the result is the first draft of a novel, ready for further editing and eventual publication. The method works! Try it and see.

By JLI

Apr 13, 2021

I achieved a lifelong dream of writing a novel and now, after taking this course, I have in my hands the first draft. I highly recommend the course because it keeps you on track and provides good tips and suggestions along the way.

By Boonyanee C

Sep 8, 2022

It's such a good course for beginner but thre are something difficult to understand if you do not know about Beat Sheet before when you study about "All is lost" or "Dig deep down". It's great by the way.

By Sofia G

Nov 21, 2022

Es una buena forma de expresar todo lo que sentimos mediante una novela o un personaje además tomo esto como una forma de sanar

By Hailu W O

Jul 27, 2020

I loved this course. It helped me write a wonderful novel titled King Aiko The Japanese - the first and last king in Africa.

By Kelly R

Aug 7, 2022

It really gives you the skills and motivation to start writing. Help you to lose that irrational fair.

By Shibani S

Jul 3, 2021

A must do course if you truly aspire to become a good writer or an author.

Kudos to David Wheeler!

By Dilara P

Jul 21, 2021

This course helped me write my first novel- in a matter of 7 months. I am so proud and so happy.

By Sergio n

Feb 1, 2023

Excelente curso, guiado por David, me siento mucho más seguro con mi escritura y mis proyectos!

By Christopher S M

Feb 3, 2022

Without a doubt the most fun I have ever experienced from an online course! I wrote a novel!!!

By Shahinaz E R

Apr 16, 2021

My Gratitude and thanks to Mr. David Wheeler,

You are genuine master writers psychology.

By Ahmed A

Jul 5, 2023

Very useful course.

It Teach me The foundations, arts and creativity of writing novels.

By Manjot K

Jul 4, 2021

I am very happy to complete this course. It was very helpful and interesting.

By mehak s

Feb 10, 2021

It was such a great experience and would definitely take some other courses.

By Leslie L

Jul 17, 2021

This course will help you develop the discipline needed to write a novel

By George A

Jul 18, 2023

The way the examples were presented was distinctive for clarification.