First Draft Fast Track: Novel-Writing Intensive

Have you dreamt of writing a novel but aren't sure where to start? Have you started a novel but hit a roadblock? Finished a draft but struggling to shape it into a finished manuscript? Whether you have a detailed plot in mind or just the seed of an idea, this workshop is for you. Bring your novel to life one chapter at a time.

IN-PERSON AT THOUGHT FOX DEN

2 -HOUR SESSIONS ONCE A MONTH

FINAL SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM NOVEMBER - APRIL

• November 30
• December 28
• January 25
• February 22
• March 29
• April 26

Throughout 6 transformative months, we'll meet once a month to guide, support, and inspire each other as we transform our novel ideas into reality. This workshop is tailor-made for aspiring novelists and is led by Thought Fox director Lara Ehrlich, an editor with 20+ years of experience guiding writers at all levels and author of the award-winning story collection Animal Wife (Red Hen Press, 2020) and the novel Bind Me Tighter Still (Red Hen Press, 2025).

📝 WHAT TO EXPECT 📝

* Expert Guidance: Embarking on this literary adventure can be both exhilarating and daunting, which is why this workshop places a premium on expert guidance. Lara Ehrlich and guest instructors will share invaluable tools and strategies for kickstarting your novel-writing journey and staying motivated.

* Take a Deep-Dive Into Craft: This workshop will empower you to tackle everything from character development and plot intricacies to pacing and storytelling techniques.

* Create Community: Forge meaningful connections with kindred spirits who share your passion for storytelling. Workshop participants will be as dedicated to their craft as you are, creating an instant sense of connection and belonging. Together, we'll foster a supportive and collaborative writing environment. This is a space where your ideas are celebrated and nurtured. You'll share your work, your challenges, and your triumphs, and your community will be there to offer constructive feedback, support, and applause for your achievements. The bonds forged in our workshop often extend beyond the program's duration. Many participants find lifelong writing partners, critique groups, or even friends who share their creative journey.

* Collaborate: Writing is often seen as a solitary pursuit, but our community thrives on collaboration. Engage in discussions, brainstorming sessions, and co-writing endeavors. The collective creativity of the group can spark fresh ideas and novel perspectives (pun intended).

* Meet Your Milestones: Deconstruct your novel into bite-sized portions, setting attainable milestones that ensure consistent progress.

* Constructive Input and Revision: Every novel is as unique as its author. Peers and instructors will provide personalized feedback to help you fine-tune your work as it unfolds, addressing your specific challenges and aspirations. Whether you're grappling with writer's block, character depth, or plot twists, your community will be there to help.

* Stay Accountable: Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes, all you need is a friendly nudge to keep you on track. Our community provides motivation and accountability, ensuring you stay committed to your writing goals. Regular check-ins and shared milestones keep the momentum going.

With each check-in, each deadline met, and each chapter written, you'll be one step closer to holding your completed novel in your hands. Remember: You're not just writing a book; you're realizing a lifelong ambition. Don't let your dream stay a dream—make it a reality with us.

Your writing family awaits!

Lara Ehrlich is the founder & director of Thought Fox Writers Den. She is the author of the novel Bind Me Tighter Still (Red Hen Press, 2025) and Animal Wife, a collection of stories about women’s transformations from girls into wives, mothers, and monsters. Animal Wife won Red Hen Press’s Fiction Award judged by Ann Hood and was published by the press in 2020. Lara is the host of Writer Mother Monster, a conversation series devoted to dismantling the myth of “having it all” and offering writer-moms solidarity, support, and advice. She has also taught workshops and participated in panels at Bread Loaf Writers Workshop, Yale Writers Workshop, AWP, and the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, among others, and teaches at the University of Connecticut.

Learn more at www.LaraEhrlich.com

Thought Fox Writers Den is a creative writing center and artisan writing-related shop located online and at the historic Velvet Mill in Stonington, Connecticut. Thought Fox builds community and supports writers of all levels with in-person and virtual classes, coaching, events, and more.

Thought Fox is a robust online community, as well as a physical space for writers to work, learn, and write in fellowship. The studio is located in a refurbished velvet mill in Stonington, CT.

A bohemian mall housing local creative businesses, boutiques, and services, the boasts intimate studios and large event spaces ideal for book launch parties, author readings, collaborative events like beer & book clubs, and countless more opportunities for writers to learn, connect, promote their work, and find community.

The vibe of Thought Fox Writers Den is old-world academia with an edge. Designed to inspire creativity, the Den features a huge oak table, lush rugs, lots of plants, a coffee corner, a puppy, a featured artist wall, writing-related artisan retail, and much more.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Velvet Mill, 22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington, United States