The Basics of Novel Structure

In a world where information about craft proliferates, sometimes writers are just looking for the basics. Using an easily repeatable model (like, back of a napkin simple), Sandra McIntyre will explain the one sentence and seven basic points of structure to consider when framing a novel. This session is suitable for both emerging and experienced fiction writers. After the session, participants will understand not only how structure supports story, but also how it can be used as a tool for outlining or revising. Hosted by Kirti Bhadresa, this webinar runs approximately 60 minutes, including a Q&A period. TWUC members will have access to a recording of the webinar for a limited time. Non-members will only have access to the live event.

This webinar will be hosted on Zoom. Live captions available. Once you have registered with an Eventbrite ticket, you will receive a second confirmation email from Zoom with your link to join the webinar.

Registration: $20 +HST / Free for TWUC members

Sandra McIntyre is a writer, book editor, and writing instructor. Her short fiction has been published in Freq and Prairie Fire. With twenty-five years of experience both in-house and freelance, she’s edited two anthologies of fiction and hundreds of books — Canadian bestsellers and award winners among them. Through Parlay Manuscript Services, Sandra offers fiction editing and publishing support for writers. Most recently, she attended the inaugural Cavendish Literary Festival (PEI), where she ran a writing workshop, an information session on publishing, and blue pencil meetings. Sandra holds a master’s degree in English from Dalhousie University. She lives in Nova Scotia.

Kirti Bhadresa lives in Calgary, Alberta on Treaty 7 territory. Kirti has fiction and nonfiction writing in many publications including The Fiddlehead, Prairie Fire, and Room Magazine. Her first book, a short story collection entitled An Astonishment of Stars was published in October 2024 by ECW Press. The book was on several most anticipated lists pre-publication and went on to become an indie bestseller. It was a 2025 Writers’ Guild of Alberta Fiction Finalist and was longlisted for the 2025 Giller Prize. Kirti's writing engages with themes of visibility, belonging and love, with protagonists who are quietly determined but rarely nostalgic.