Writing a novel has been compared to months of pregnancy, running a marathon, climbing a mountain, or even going to war. And it can feel like all those things in one. This is why it’s worth thinking about the novels you’ve abandoned and ask if you gave up because the novel wasn’t good enough or because you lacked the stamina to see it through. Many a novelist has hit a wall and abandoned their creative dreams not because of a lack of talent, but because of their creative mindset. Your main task as a novelist is to train for endurance and develop the creative mindset necessary to be vulnerable, overcome imposter syndrome, release perfectionism, manage envy, develop grit, be accountable—and commit to finishing your novel!
This class is suitable for writers of all levels.
Grant Faulkner is the co-founder of 100 Word Story, the co-host of the Write-minded podcast, an executive producer on America’s Next Great Author, and the former Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). He has published three books on writing: The Art of Brevity: Crafting the Very Short Story; Pep Talks for Writers: 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo; and Brave the Page, a teen writing guide. He’s also published All the Comfort Sin Can Provide, a collection of short stories; Fissures, a collection of 100-word stories; and Nothing Short of 100: Selected Tales from 100 Word Story. His “flash novel,” something out there in the distance, a collaboration with the photographer Gail Butensky, is coming out in September 2025 with the University of New Mexico Press.
Cancellation Policy:
The Carnegie Center reserves the right to cancel a class if minimum enrollment is not met. It is best to register early to help our instructors prepare and to ensure the class does not get cancelled. We evaluate registration numbers 6–2 business days before a class starts to decide whether we can hold the class. Classes that do not meet minimum enrollment will be cancelled 6 –2 business days prior to the first class meeting. All participants will be notified by email and will receive full refunds.
