By the end of the course you'll:
- Clarify your novel’s vision and create a step-by-step roadmap to guide your writing journey.
- Develop unforgettable characters and a gripping plot—with expert guidance every step of the way.
- Build a sustainable writing habit and leave with the momentum to finish your novel.
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Get personalized feedback from a professional editor and join a supportive community of writers.
"She helped me find my voice as a writer."
"I took three of Lissa’s online novel writing courses as part of the Creative Writing Certificate at the University of Calgary, and she was instrumental in helping me find my voice as a writer. Through her insightful feedback and encouragement, she highlighted my strengths, pushed me to take risks, and gave me the confidence to grow. Thanks in no small part to her teaching, I went on to complete an MFA in Fiction, publish work in literary magazines, and receive provincial recognition for my writing."
—Antoinette Bekker, Psychiatrist, Writer (MFA)
Course structure
at a glance
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Duration and course schedule: 6 weeks
Cost: $449 CAD
Week 1: Preparation
Week 2: Find the Story
Week 3: Create an Outline
Week 4: Habits & Tools
Week 5: Group Work & Peer Feedback
Week 6: Building Confidence as a Writer
Format:
- Self-paced lessons
- Live group sessions
- 1-on-1 mentoring session with Lissa
Time commitment:
5-6 hours per week including lessons, writing, mentoring and group sessions
What's included:
- 6 weeks of structured lessons with video content
- Weekly writing exercises and activities
- Live group workshops in a supportive, inclusive environment
- Private mentoring session with personalized feedback
- Lifetime access to all course materials
- Novel-writing toolkit and resources
Platform: All course materials delivered through this site; live sessions via [Zoom/other platform]
"A beacon of excellence for writers."
"Lissa Cowan is a beacon of excellence for writers. I am now a more effective writer with a completed manuscript. Lissa helped me refine my ideas without supplanting them with her own. She helped me accurately communicate my message—in my own voice. By asking probing questions to enrich my text and by providing organizational suggestions to enhance my readers’ engagement, Lissa’s expertise helped me “cut the fat.” The result is a clear, and I believe more compelling read."
—Kim West, Instructor, Writer, Playwright, Marketing Manager, Fashion Consultant and Community Organizer
What you'll learn
I designed this course to be like having a writing coach by your side—someone to demystify the novel-writing process and guide you every step of the way.
Imagine embarking on an adventure where each step is clearly laid out, with resources, tips, and encouragement tailored just for you. This course is structured to be organized yet flexible, so you can build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Each week, you’ll gain actionable skills you can apply immediately to your writing. You’ll get:
- Hands-on practice to bring your ideas to life.
- Personalized feedback in a one-on-one mentoring session.
- A supportive community space to share your work and grow alongside fellow writers.
- Writer’s tools with everything you need to turn your ideas into the beginnings of a fully realized story.
By the end, you’ll not only have a clearer vision for your novel but also the tools and confidence to keep writing long after the course ends.
"A transformative experience."
"Working with Lissa Cowan was a transformative experience in bringing The Power of Fear to life. Her keen editorial insight, guidance on character development, and unwavering support helped sharpen the story’s impact while staying true to its bold vision. I’m deeply grateful for her role in helping me shape a powerful, thought-provoking novel."
—P.W. Brown, Author, Veteran, MBA
Curriculum
Your teacher: Lissa M. Cowan
Lissa M. Cowan is a writer, editor, and educator with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. She is the author of Milk Fever, a historical fiction novel published by Demeter Press (Toronto), which Publishers Weekly praised for its “powerful metaphors about devouring ideas, reading people, and cherishing books as if they were human.” British-Canadian writer Kathy Page called it “a sensuous and subversive novel, set at a time when printed books were beginning to change the world.”
As a co-translator of Words That Walk in the Night (Vehicule Press, Montreal), Lissa brings a deep appreciation for language and narrative craft to her teaching. She has developed and taught creative writing courses at the university level, including novel writing in the University of Calgary’s Writing Certificate program. Her approach is rooted in compassion, creativity, and community as she helps students build confidence and uncover their unique voices.
With a background in copywriting—crafting digital campaigns and marketing materials for global brands—Lissa knows how to make every word count. She combines this clarity with her love for uncovering the layers of a story. She creates a learning environment that is both supportive, refreshing, and inspiring.
Lissa holds an MA in English Studies from the Université de Montréal and a post-graduate diploma in writing and editing from the University of Victoria. She is committed to fostering emerging writers, encouraging them to explore their stories with empathy, curiosity, and wonder.
What other writers are saying
On feedback
Detailed, specific
"Lissa is approachable and supportive while providing detailed, specific feedback on student writing. She offers guidance that respects and applauds student voice. I felt seen and heard by this fantastic coach in the course I took with her."
—Angela Mason
Thoughtful, considerate
"I began working with Lissa when I decided to realize my dream of writing my first novel. I had the idea, a beginning, and an end, but everything in the middle seemed like an overwhelming tangle. Lissa was able to provide me with useful tools for outlining, scheduling, and editing my project. These tools made the entire process seem easier and far less daunting. She also took the time to meet with me one on one to discuss my ideas and concerns. She provided me with thoughtful and considerate feedback that enriched my writing without compromising my vision. I also appreciate being able to discuss the writer's mindset with her as she is a published novelist, herself. Her guidance has been a game changer for me."
—Naomi J. van Haaften
Useful, encouraging
"Lissa cares deeply about developing writers. Her three novel writing courses provided me with useful and encouraging feedback. As writing can be lonely, connecting with fellow writers of all ages and at all stages of writing was important. The outlining, workshops, writing tools and resources were game changing and covered all aspects of writing and publishing.
I wish I had taken courses like these 30 years ago. With Lissa’s guidance and instruction, I feel that my dream of publishing a novel can become a reality."
—Brent Henry, Public Servant Executive, Retired Military Veteran
Constructive
"Lissa was my instructor for a few novel-writing classes in the Creative Writing Certificate Program at the University of Calgary. All of her constructive feedback enhanced my prose, my characterizations, and my plotlines. With her experience, guidance, and knowledge, Lissa gave me the confidence I needed and encouraged me to keep writing. I’m very grateful to have had her as an instructor!”
—Nicole Munro, Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Writer
On progress
"Helpful in guiding me...to develop realistic dialogue for my characters."
"In mentoring me with my writing project, Lissa was always patient and insightful. By working with her, I was able to bring to life the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere and evoke the historic setting that I wanted to portray. Lissa was especially helpful in guiding me as I worked to develop realistic dialogue for my characters. Her questions always made me dig deeper into the characters I had created. I’m so glad that Lissa was along with on my writing journey!”
—John Buhler, Medical Laboratory Technologist and Science Writer
"Helpful tips, resources and excellent feedback throughout...."
"I took Lissa’s writing class because I had an idea for a book from my dog’s point of view and wasn’t sure how to get started. Lissa provided helpful tips, resources and excellent feedback throughout the writing assignments, making the process much less daunting. By putting us into groups, we also got the benefit of feedback and ideas from our fellow burgeoning writers and that was invaluable. I think my book turned out quite well thanks to Lissa’s tutelage and the encouragement of the others in the group. If you have always wanted to write but have been nervous or fearful, I highly recommend Lissa’s class. You won’t be sorry you made the leap and your pen will be that much richer for the experience."
—Valerie Pruegger (Ph.D.)
"Lissa’s ability to break down such an overwhelming task into smaller, more manageable parts was precisely what I needed."
"I took three novel-writing courses with Lissa as part of the Creative Writing Certificate at the University of Calgary. With a lifelong dream of writing a novel, I had no clear picture of how to begin. Lissa’s ability to break down such an overwhelming task into smaller, more manageable parts was precisely what I needed. The insights she shared, ranging from writing habits to strategies for organizing research to what makes for an engaging novel, were invaluable. I found Lissa to be an ideal instructor."
—Tamara Kramer, BA (History), MFA (Fiction)
"Her guidance led to my first English book...."
"I took Lissa’s online novel writing course for my creative writing certificate at the University of Calgary. I still have quotes from her classes on my wall. As a recent immigrant with limited English, I appreciated how Lisa encouraged me to develop my ideas beyond language barriers. Her guidance led to my first English book, The Ostjuden Matrix, set for publication in November 2025."
—Shely Moustaki, (Former) journalist, Translator, and Writer
On community & support
"Workshopping with others under her guidance built my confidence and helped me improve substantially."
"Lissa’s class was by far the most beneficial writing course I’ve taken. She challenged me to grow as a writer and provided thoughtful feedback that I continue to use in my work. Before her class, I had never shared my novel ideas with anyone—not even my husband! Workshopping with others under her guidance built my confidence and helped me improve substantially. Lissa’s teaching not only strengthened my writing but also gave me the courage to pursue my novel.”
—Doretta Richardson, Writer
"Generous."
"It was awesome working with Lissa! She was so generous and understood my philosophy from the beginning."
—Yuly Rodríguez Navarro, Founder of Studio Conundrum Creative Counseling
"Lissa's interactive writing course...helped me grow as a writer in a safe and supportive environment."
"Lissa's interactive writing course at UCalgary helped me grow as a writer in a safe and supportive environment. I learned, shared and took risks that I would never have been able to on my own. I recommend any chance you get to learn with Lissa!"
—Paula Kupchak Hall
FAQ
Q: Will I finish my novel in 6 weeks?
A: While you won’t have a completed draft, you’ll make significant progress. Whether that’s a detailed outline, several chapters written, or a clear plan to finish. The goal is to build momentum and confidence to keep going after the course.
Q: What if I’m still working on my first draft?
A: This course is perfect for you! We focus on structuring your story, developing characters, and writing scenes, so you’ll leave with a stronger draft and a clear path forward.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes! I offer flexible payment plans to make the course accessible. You can choose to pay in two installments, rather than all at once.
Q: How will I communicate with you and other students?
A: You’ll have access to a private writers’ forum where you can share work, ask questions, and connect with peers. We’ll also meet weekly via Zoom for live sessions, feedback, and discussions.
Q: How much time will this take?
A: Plan for 5-7 hours per week to engage with lessons, schedule writing time, and participate in discussions. The course is designed to fit into a busy schedule while keeping you accountable. Of course, more time is better, but if you can’t manage that, less is absolutely fine. Just work with what you’re able to do. The goal is progress, not perfection!