"I went into Gina's novel writing class knowing nothing about writing a novel. Truly, zilch! I came out the other side of the seven weeks with a solid outline, a first chapter, and an indispensable toolbox of novel-writing techniques and practices. Gina gives excellent feedback on the writing but the real gift of the class is how Gina trains and supports the writer."
-- Emmy Award-Winning Producer/Writer Bryan Korn
“I'd been stewing on an idea for a novel for years, but never thought I had it in me to get it out of my head and onto the page. Gina changed all of that with Novel Writing 101. Their class is a chef-kiss-perfect balance between teaching you how to plan a book like a novelist, how to read other writers' books like a novelist, and how to see yourself as a novelist, which for me was the hardest part. I've been a teacher; I know how hard it is to meet students where they are, and Gina makes it look effortless. They've got years of experience, as well as a near-bottomless well of compassionate (and extremely actionable) craft feedback and brilliant advice; they're exactly the mentor a new-to-prose writer wants in their corner. I've come out of their class with a first chapter I'm really proud of, and tools and structures in place to help me move forward…. Gina built a classroom dynamic free from competition, genre-swaggering, or insecurity, which is super rare in a vulnerable environment like this. Every writer would be lucky to learn from Gina!”
— Charlotte Lang-Bush, playwright
“Gina is such an excellent teacher! I learned so much in a few short weeks, and came away with new tools I will use in my writing practice for years to come. I can't recommend this class enough to anyone with even the slightest interest in writing a novel! Gina really demystifies the process and provides a safe space to be curious and vulnerable as you learn.”
— Amy Berryman, playwright
“If you've ever thought of writing a novel, I can't recommend Gina's class enough. I left feeling like I had more than enough tools to begin tackling my work on my own, and Gina's love for teaching and enthusiasm for everyone's projects has me feeling very motivated to keep going. They kept class feeling grounded in reality while also inspiring—a difficult task for the enormous undertaking of writing a novel. And Gina made the vulnerable business of sharing work easy, partially due to the environment they fostered in class but also through their thoughtfulness in lesson planning and weekend inspiration, which was tailored toward all of our projects. I can't wait to read the novels that all of my new friends are writing!”
-- Jen Jarnagin, playwright/actor
“Gina is an incredibly gifted and supportive teacher! They really understandsthe mechanics of novel structure and provides smart insights on how to hone your own voice through your prose. The exercises were fun, easy to follow, and directly related to the work I was wanting to create. Through Gina's positive and uplifting instruction, I was profoundly encouraged by this class and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try their hand at writing a book!”
— Karissa Murrell Myers, Playwright & Artistic Director of Bramble Theater
“If you've been daydreaming of a novel (even if you're not sure about publishing!), take this class with Gina. I felt nervous and overwhelmed before this class but from day one Gina built a welcoming space full of actionable and accessible content. As a teacher, Gina is generous, clear, and constructive, and their experience as a writer and instructor shines. My classmates were lovely, and their support and perspectives also enriched my experience. During the weeks I took this class, my creativity and focus soared -- I even conceived new premises for other stories and plays! I came away from this class with a toolbox of techniques, a first chapter strengthened by Gina's feedback, and, most importantly, a new-found confidence that will bolster me as I move forward. I cannot recommend this class enough!”
-- Tristan B. Willis, writer & theater practitioner
“I was unsure if I wanted to take Gina's novel writing class, finding all the excuses we tell ourselves when starting something new. Now, I wonder where I would be without it. Gina has the knowledge, skill, and compassion all writers hope for. I found them to be patient, transparent, and firmly encouraging. They made me accountable and challenged me in the way I needed to start writing again. The class has a diverse background of writers with different experiences, and Gina was able to meet everyone where they were at. I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering taking a class with Gina to ‘Just do it!’ you won't regret it.”
— Bleu BB, Artist/Writer
"Gina’s Writing Your First Novel Class was amazing. Gina said you will have your first chapter by the end of class. I did not believe it, but I was intrigued. I have not written a word in decades. I had a first chapter by the end of class. Gina teaches you the tools and gives you guidance throughout. I am excited to keep writing. My old passion for writing has been rekindled by Gina’s class….My kids are Gina’s age, and they can tell you I am a harsh critic of everything. I am telling you I am a believer in Gina’s Class. Don’t miss out! Enroll and find your voice and passion.”
—Roxanne Graves, RET, RN
I had the pleasure of taking Gina’s novel writing course, and I have never met a more kind and encouraging teacher that really made students feel so comfortable and safe in what is such a vulnerable part of the creative process. If you want to know if novel writing is right for you and learn more about the field, I highly, highly recommend Gina’s class.
— Huda Razzak, writer/director
”I loved this class! You come in thinking you're going to at least get a chapter but the class has more texture than that! Gina is fully available outside of class….You get a judgement free zone which is great since being a writer can feel so fragile. And you get a deeper understanding of what the whole writing a novel thing is about by someone who is a successful novel writer! But this class is work! We have writing homework and reading homework so it's best to come in committed. Then again it is a a judgement free zone. Play!”
-- Kendra Augustin, Playwright
“Gina facilitates a lovely, fun, and supportive space that is great for writers of all experience levels. I felt like I was back in my BFA program. Not only do you get great feedback on your work, but Gina sends thoughtful and personalized inspirations every week that you can use in the moment or come back to when you feel stuck. I came in with a loose idea for a memoir and left after 7 weeks (that went by far too quickly) with a complete outline for my book, a first chapter that I’m incredibly proud of, several more chapters in progress, and new friends whose work I can’t wait to see in print.”
-Kylie Justine, essayist
Gina creates a class environment that’s both the safe harbor to nurture your first-time-in-a-new-medium scaries and the push out into open water (with lifeguards nearby!) to expand your bounds of possibility. They are a cheerleader and supportive challenger.
--Dani Martinek, writer & Audie Award-winning audiobook narrator
“If you’re looking to gain confidence as a writer, Gina Femia’s Novel Writing 101 class is the place to find it! Through group discussions, informative lessons and your own personal writing sessions, you’ll gain that sought after confidence and so much more!”
-Michael Lynch, screenwriter
“Gina’s teaching tone is constructive and encouraging. Gina’s method of story assembly and tool creation continues to help me write my novel even after class has ended. I heartily recommend.”
— Caleb R.
How to get started: Writing a novel
Registration is now open!
Do you want to stretch your creative muscles? Learn how to write in a new medium? Or have you always had the dream to write a novel but aren’t sure how to get started - or how to keep going? Then this class is for you.
I know there are many folks who want to write a novel but have trouble figuring out how to start and how to keep going (I was one of them!) - and that’s why I designed this class.
Over the course of 7 weeks, you'll create a toolkit full of writing tools and will walk away from class with a synopsis, an outline (including character descriptions) and the first chapter of your novel written. In order to keep the momentum going, we’ll have an 8th one-on-one session a few months after class has ended where I’ll read and give feedback on all the work you’ve done.
Lessons are a combination of lectures and craft exercises designed to help you develop your narrative voice and structure your novel. Students will have weekly writing assignments, as well as short intentional reading assignments which will go hand in hand with their writing.
Classes are capped at 7 students. This class is designed for those writing fiction novels/novellas/novelletes or creative non-fiction like memoirs, personal essay collections or autofiction across any age group and genre. This class is not suitable for those looking to write graphic novels, short story collections, picture books or journalism. If you have any questions about the suitability of your project or about class, please reach out!
E-mail ginafemiasecondemail@gmail.com to register.
Registration is currently closed and will open in June for the Fall
Fall Session Dates:
September: 8, 15, 22, 29
October: 6, 13, 20
6-8:30pm ET
On Zoom.
$400 ($50 deposit due upon registration)
Reach out to create a payment plan!
The use of generative AI is strictly prohibited. Generative AI uses work from other artists in order to create art and is not writing. If students use generative AI during the course of class, they will be released from class and the full amount of tuition will still be owed.