# Writing a Novel Step by Step | Domestika

> A course by Cristina López Barrio · Writing · Beginner
> 23 lessons (4h 37m) · 98% of the 2614 student ratings are positive

For some, writing is a way to dream, escape from reality, and travel to worlds that only exist in our imagination. For Cristina López Barrio, it's much more than that, it's a way of life. After working thirteen years as a lawyer, she decided to devote herself to writing full time in 2009. Since then, she has achieved several important milestones in her career such as publishing her novel La casa de los amores imposibles in 22 countries, getting it translated in 15 languages, and being selected as a Premio Planeta finalist for her book Niebla en Tánger. 

The creative process is similar to a roller coaster with its ups and downs. In this course, embark on a literary journey with Cristina and learn how to write a novel from cover to cover, including how to develop your concept, characters, narrators, and the setting and time frame. By the end of the course, you'll have the tools to transform your ideas into words on a page and write an original story.

## Who is this online course for?

Creative minds who love to read and anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel but doesn't know where to begin.

## What is this course's project?

Create an outline with all the key elements needed to write a novel with an original plot.

## Requirements and materials

You don’t need any prior knowledge, just the desire to connect with your imagination and discover your inner writer.

The materials for this course include two notebooks, a pen or a pencil, and a computer if you'd prefer to write your novel in a digital format.

## Content

### Introduction

Hello, I am Cristina and I welcome you to this Domestika course. Thank you very much for joining me to write a novel. Let's go in search of the storyteller in you.

 In this first unit, after introducing myself, I will tell you how I wrote some of my novels and who are the authors that have most influenced my life and my work.

### In Search of Inspiration

Before working on the fundamental elements of a novel, I suggest you do several exercises to free your imagination and find original ideas. We will see what factors can cause the blockage of our creativity and we will delve into who we are, what our fears, our doubts, our illusions and obsessions are, as preliminary steps for an authentic writing.

### In Search of Creativity

It is time to define the theme of your novel. It will be the heart that beats under fiction. We will also work to bring your characters to life and they will do so especially through conflicts. In addition, we will explore the figure of the narrator, who tells the story is essential to decide the form and tone of the novel. Finally, we will work on the object as a narrative and aesthetic link.

### In Search of Another Dimension

In this unit I will address two fundamental themes for the construction of any story: narrative space and time. When starting a novel it is necessary to ask yourself a series of questions: When does the story happen? How long will it last? What fragment of the lives of the characters am I going to tell? As well as deciding the place where the action will take place.

### In Search of the Narrative Voice

After having seen the fundamental elements of a novel, the time has come to write the first lines and find the narrative voice of our story. It is the magic of the beginning!

## Audio and subtitles

**Audio:** Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish

**Subtitles:** Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, ro, id

[Writing a Novel Step by Step](https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/2264-writing-a-novel-step-by-step)