The course
Dive into the world of storytelling with this engaging and immersive course designed to unravel the complexities of writing your very own novel. You'll explore character development, plot structuring, and crafting compelling dialogue that breathes life into your pages.
Not only will we cover narrative tension and pacing, but you'll also learn how to writing sense-based descriptions that help the reader become part of your story.
Whether you're an emerging author dreaming of your first book launch or a seasoned writer looking to hone your skills, this course will equip you with the tools and insights you need.
By the end of our journey, you'll have a toolkit with techniques to overcome writer's block, craft memorable stories, share your writing in a group, and polish your manuscript.
Plus, the skills you gain won't just sit on a shelf—they'll prep you for the writing life, helping to transform your creative passion into a regular practice.
If you're ready to explore the stories that keep surfacing for you, the characters that visit you more than once, let's work together to make them come alive—with both lightness and depth.
What you'll learn
When I began developing this course, I wanted to ensure it was like having a writing coach by your side, someone who could demystify the novel-writing process for you. Picture this: you're embarking on an adventure where each step is laid out, resources, tips, and encouragement tailored specifically for emerging writers just like you.
I've put together a structure that's organized, yet breezy enough not to be overwhelming. Each week, you'll gain confidence with actionable skills that you can use straight away.
You’ll get hands-on practice, feedback in a one-on-one mentoring session and in groups. Think of it as a carefully assembled writer’s toolkit, with everything you need to turn your ideas into the beginnings of a fully realized story.
Your teacher
Lissa M. Cowan brings a wealth of experience in writing, having honed her craft through years of dedication to the written word. Her background includes writing Milk Fever, a historical fiction novel (Demeter Press, Toronto) and as co-translator from French of a book of poetic prose called Words That Walk in the Night (Vehicule Press, Montreal), to name but two. Publishers Weekly said of her novel: "Cowan's ...novel invokes powerful metaphors about devouring ideas, reading people, and cherishing books as if they were human….” While Kathy Page, British-Canadian writer and author of Giller-nominated Paradise & Elsewhere said: "Milk Fever is a sensuous and subversive novel, set at a time when printed books were beginning to change the world.”
She has developed university writing courses and taught at the university level. With a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in creating dynamic plots, settings, and characters, Lissa's expertise is characterized by her ability to present information in a unique way and foster an environment where students feel supported to explore and refine their stories.
Passionate about the written word and storytelling, Lissa infuses the course with her own energy for discovering the layers of a story. Her commitment to fostering emerging writers is evident in her teaching style, which encourages collaborative learning and builds confidence.
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.
Course Schedule
Week 1:Preparation (Oct 6-10)
Week 2: Find the Story (Oct 13-17)
Week 3: Create an Outline (Oct 20-24)
Week 4: Habits & Tools (Oct 27-31)
Week 5: Group Work & Peer Feedback (Nov 3-7)
Week 6: Building Confidence as a Writer (Nov 8-12)
Transformative
"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
Insightful
"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)
Approachable & Supportive
"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
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
Dug Deeper
"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
Richer Experience
"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.)
Insightful
"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)
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
Game Changing
"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
Encouraging
"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
Beacon of Excellence
"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
Thoughtful
"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