Build a daily writing habit that sticks!
Are you…
- Looking to kickstart a new long-form writing project?
- Feeling stuck in your current creative process?
- Looking for ways to establish a sustainable writing routine?
- Interested in a course where you can learn at your own pace, online, anytime?
Then this course is for you!
Our new Writing Boot Camp will set you on the path towards stronger writing in 30 days. You’ll learn to:
- Kickstart a new long-form writing project
- Gain insights into your own unique creative process
- Problem-solve when you feel stuck
- Build out character, plot and setting in your story
- Establish a realistic writing routine
-
Develop strategies to help you continue writing beyond the course
Welcome to KYD's 30 Day Writing Boot Camp
A few words from your teacher, Rebecca Starford.
How does this Boot Camp work?
Each week, you’ll gain access to daily lessons and exercises to help you press down on the creative accelerator. The course is designed to be completed daily, and we recommend dedicating 30 minutes each day to the daily exercises, but you may wish to cover a few at once on a day that’s more convenient for you.
What will you get out of it?
This Boot Camp will make you feel energised and ready to dive into a new writing project, alongside having substantial material to now use as a foundation for future writing. You’ll have a more comprehensive understanding of how you operate creatively, and can readily problem-solve if you’re feeling stuck, or blocked in your process. You’ll also have the motivation to continue on with your writing long after this course!
Member Exclusive: For a limited time, KYD members receive $50 off this course. (Check your email for the code.) Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.
Meet Your Teacher: Rebecca Starford
KYD publishing director and CEO Rebecca Starford is the author of the novels The Visitor and The Imitator and the memoir Bad Behaviour, which was recently adapted into a Stan Original series. She is a former editor at Text Publishing and Affirm Press, and has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Queensland.
Meet Your School: Kill Your Darlings
Founded in 2010, Kill Your Darlings (KYD) is one of Australia’s most trusted independent literary organisations. As well as writing courses, KYD also runs several writing awards and provides professional editorial services such as mentorships and manuscript assessments. To take full advantage of all KYD's opportunities, services and generous discounts, please consider becoming a member today.
Visit killyourdarlings.com.au to find out more.
Example Curriculum
- 1. Meet Your Writing Guide (2:50)
- 2. Why Do You Write?
- Exercise: Find Your Motivation
- 3. What’s Stopping You From Writing?
- Exercises: Identify the Obstacles
- 4. Finding Inspiration in the Every Day
- Exercises: Out and About
- 5. Why Encouraging Creativity is So Important
- Exercise: Music
- 6. How to Avoid Procrastination
- Exercise: Self-reflection
- 7. Take the Pressure Off
- Exercise: The Worst Thing
- 8. End of Part 1 (1:29)
- 9. Memorable Characters (3:05)
- Exercise: Identification
- 10. Building a Character from Scratch
- Exercise: Reading
- 11. Why Well-Rounded Characters Are Important
- Exercise: Portraits
- 12. Backstory
- Exercise: Crafting a Backstory
- 13. Giving Your Character Physicality
- Exercise: Describe Your Character
- 14. Dialogue—It’s Often Overlooked (1:09)
- Exercise: Literary Conversations
- 15. Dialogue—How to Draw Inspiration
- Exercise: Overheard
- 16. Internal Thoughts and How They Can Be Expressed
- Exercise: Confrontations
- 17. End of Part 2 (1:24)
- 18. Driving Forces of Character and Plot (1:09)
- Exercise: Motivation
- 19. What Does Your Character Want?
- 20. Conflict and Tension
- Exercise: Gazebo
- 21. Merging Conflict, Your Character’s Nature and Plot (1:56)
- Exercise: Plot
- 22. Creating Place
- Exercise: Literary Places
- 23. Bringing Place to Life—IRL
- Exercise: Reflections
- 24. Bring Place to Life—from the Imagination
- Exercise: Visual Prompt
- 25. Reviewing Your Work So Far—Techniques
- End of Part 3: Revision (2:01)
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these courses start and finish?
The courses start now and never end! These are completely self-paced online courses—you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the courses?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to these courses—across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service.
https://www.killyourdarlings.com.au/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my courses?
All our online workshops are hosted at kill-your-darlings.teachable.com, via the Teachable platform. You can access your course by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my $50 discount?
Click on 'Enrol now for $99'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you before the offer expires on Sunday 26 October. If you can't find your code, please email us and we'll be happy to remind you!
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!