The Zero Draft: How to Start Writing a Novel
A course by Shaunta Grimes , Writer and Teacher
Learn how to transform an initial book idea into a physical plot board filled with scenes and different versions of the entire story
There’s no better feeling than letting a story effortlessly flow onto the page from start to finish. But as every writer knows, this inspiration isn’t always easy to sustain. Luckily, as author and teacher Shaunta Grimes has discovered, writing is often more about consistency than talent or imagination. Through experience, she has come up with a series of techniques to structure her writing practice successfully, creating novels such as Center of Gravity and Rebel Nation.
In this online course, learn Shaunta’s writing method to turn your ideas into a complete novel. Discover practical exercises to overcome creative blocks, organize your ideas with key story structures, and stay persistent as you tap into the writer within.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 28 downloads
- 98% positive reviews (125)
- 4,952 students
- 14 lessons (1h 57m)
- 28 additional resources (14 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish (Latam), French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Develop your own novel by assembling a book binder with a three-act plot outline and a zero draft of your story.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Any aspiring authors who dream of writing their own novel.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is required—all you need is motivation and imagination.
As for materials, you need a notebook and pen or pencil (or a computer if you prefer to work digitally), sticky notes, a three-ring binder with paper, and access to a printer.
Reviews
Shaunta Grimes
A course by Shaunta Grimes
Writer and teacher Shaunta Grimes is a bestselling, indie-published author who firmly believes that a good story can change the world, and she is passionate about helping others turn their ideas into novels. Through an eclectic series of jobs, Shaunta has explored all types of writing, including journalism, blogging, legal writing, and copywriting. She unexpectedly got her start as an independent author in 2004 when she penned her first novel during NaNoWriMo, discovering that persistence and strategic thinking are the secrets to structuring a successful writing practice.
Since then, she has written a number of young-adult novels, some of which have been published by leading companies like Penguin and Macmillan. In 2015, she started an online writing school called Ninja Writers, where she shares her technique and inspiration with young writers who are as enthusiastic about stories as she is.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
The Story Structure
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The Inspiration
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The Book Binder
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The Story Structure
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The Story Elements
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Developing and Testing the Idea
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U3
Building the Idea Into a Novel
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The Eight Sequences
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Developing the Scenes
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About Flexible Plotting
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Writing the Zero Draft
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U4
What Do You Do Now?
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Persistence Beats Talent, Every Time
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Dealing with Self-Doubt and Other Creativity Killers
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Accountability
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FP
Final project
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The Zero Draft: How to Start Writing a Novel
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
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Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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FAQs
What are Domestika's online courses?
Domestika courses are online classes that allow you to learn new skills and create incredible projects. All our courses include the opportunity to share your work with other students and/or teachers, creating an active learning community. We offer different formats:
Original Courses: Complete classes that combine videos, texts, and educational materials to complete a specific project from start to finish.
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When do the courses start and when do they finish?
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What do Domestika's courses include?
The courses are divided into different units. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with the teacher and with other students, as well as share your work and your course project, creating a community around the course.
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Ho trovato l'insegnante molto empatica. Il corso è semplice, ma ho trovato molte indicazioni utili
Very good course, highly recommended! The teacher is contagious with her passion and enthusiasm for writing. Also, I should blame her for my amazon bill as I have ordered lots of books after listening to her inspirations part :D
Haven’t finished the course, but I definitely believe this is going to a great learning adventure! Seems like it’s gonna give a great starting point to outlining your story.
I am totally loving this course and appreciate Shaunta's warm, friendly and savvy style. She knows exactly what she is talking about and offers such a fresh approach to learning how to start writing your novel. I love the concept of the Zero Draft - gosh, it takes so much of the stress and anxiety away from thinking we have to start from the first draft .... The Zero Draft is such a creative 'outline' approach - with more of a visual impact. Thanks so much Shaunta. 💟📚
Ótimo curso. Claro, direto ao ponto e com informações valiosas sobre o processo de escrita de um livro, do planejamento à execução do texto. O método apresentado auxilia bastante na organização de ideias. Recomento este curso.