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Aspiring Writers Workshop
July – August 2026 | Ages 16+
Turn your summer into a story with Tutor Labs Canada's Aspiring Writers Workshop!

Designed for future authors aged sixteen and older, our first program for adults, this workshop is a deep dive into the art and craft of professional writing. Over eight weeks, aspiring writers will explore key storytelling techniques, character development, and world-building, all while working their way through their very own novel. With expert guidance, peer feedback, and insights into the publishing industry, students will not only improve their writing skills but also experience what it takes to bring a book from idea to completion.

Goal of The Aspiring Writers Workshop
  • Strengthen your writing skills with expert guidance.
  • Discover the essential techniques that transform good writers into great ones.
  • Gain insider knowledge on how professional authors structure and develop their books.
  • Write a novel from start to finish!
    • Aspiring writers will have the opportunity to complete a full 150+ page novel while receiving professional support.
  • Explore the different paths to publishing—traditional publishing, self-publishing, and more.
  • Benefit from free peer review and early reader feedback from fellow aspiring writers.

Essential Information: Dates, Cost, and Location
  • Duration: 8-week course starting July 6, 2026 
      • 1 hour lesson, 1 hour tutorial each week
      • Lesson days will be Tuesdays at 7PM EST
      • Tutorial days will be Saturdays at 12PM EST
  • Cost: $350.00 (plus tax) per student for the whole workshop
      • Include all classes, tutorials, and materials.
  • Location: Online over Zoom. If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, before the start of the workshop, we will book a time to walk you through how to use Zoom one-on-one over the phone.
      • Can’t make a lesson or tutorial? That’s okay! All classes will be recorded and available to watch for the duration of the workshop.

Aspiring Writers Workshop Weekly Highlights
WEEK 1 – Getting Started with Your Novel | July 6 - July 11

Topics:

    • Understanding genres and target audiences
    • Finding your unique writing voice
    • Developing a compelling idea for your novel

Activities:


    • Brainstorming session to generate story ideas
    • Create a brief novel pitch or concept summary
WEEK 2 – Plot and Structure | July 13 - July 18

Topics:

    • Exploring the three-act structure
    • Understanding story beats and pacing
    • Plotting techniques

Activities:

    • Draft an outline for your novel using our Aspiring Writers Guide
    • Analyze popular novels for pacing and structure
WEEK 3 – Crafting Memorable Characters | July 20 - July 25

Topics:

    • Creating multidimensional characters
    • Building and keeping track of character arcs
    • Writing a strong protagonists and believable antagonists

Activities:

    • Develop character profiles for the main cast
    • Role-playing exercises to deepen character understanding
WEEK 4 – World-Building and Setting | July 27 - August 1

Topics:

    • Designing immersive settings and world-building
    • Balancing description with action
    • Incorporating cultural, historical, or speculative elements

Activities:

    • Create a detailed map or visual of your story’s setting
        • Vision board creation
    • Write a vivid description of a key location in your novel
    • Research essential cultural, historical, and other elements to bring your story to life
WEEK 5 – Dialogue and Voice | August 3 - August 8

Topics:

    • Writing realistic and engaging dialogue
    • Establishing tone and narrative voice
    • Using dialogue to reveal character and advance the plot
        • ‘Other Words Than Said’ Handout

Activities:

    • Write a dialogue-heavy scene
    • Refine your dialogue scene based on feedback
WEEK 6 – Nuances and Mystery | August 10 - August 15

Topics:

    • Understand the subtle art of using nuances to elevate the intrigue of your plot and keep readers engaged

Activities:

    • The main focus for this week is to use everything discussed thus far to continue working on and writing your novel
    • Submit as many chapters by the end of the week as you have written for revision and peer review
WEEK 7 – Revising and Editing and The Writer's Toolkit | August 17 - August 22

Topics:

    • Self-editing techniques and spotting common errors
    • How to receive and use feedback constructively
    • Tools for editing and revising your work
    • Understanding the publishing process
        • Traditional vs self-publishing
    • Marketing yourself as a writer
    • Time management and productivity tips

Activities:

    • Draft query letters or back cover blurbs
    • Create a mini marketing plan for your book
WEEK 8 – Completing Your First Book | August 24 - August 29

Topics:

    • Setting realistic writing goals beyond the workshop
    • Celebrating progress and milestones
    • For those who have not completed their novel yet, students will organize an accountability journal with the teach to ensure completion of their first draft

Activities:

    • Personalized feedback and next-step advice will be provided
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