Workshop 1. Who Owns the Novel?
This workshop probes the living nature of the novel by illustrating how each reader makes a novel his or her own. It shows how the interpretation of a novel can change, depending on the reader's culture, class, generation, gender, and personality. Go to this unit.

Workshop 2. What's the Story?
This workshop explores how an author spins a story and why it is the most important aspect of the novel. In the program, participants examine the importance of the hook, and the "why" behind the events. They also consider various ways into difficult novels. Go to this unit.

Workshop 3. Are Novels Real?
Must a novel's setting and characters — and the characters' motivations and stories — bear some likeness to reality? This program explores how novels connect with readers. Teachers, students, and novelists probe the origins of stories. Go to this unit.

Workshop 4. Where Do Novels Come From?
This program explores the genesis of characters, plot, themes, and interpretation from the novelist's point of view. Participants examine the relationship between the novel and the objective reality from which it may spring. Go to this unit.

Workshop 5. Why Do I Have To Read This Book?
The workshop's 10 novels are examined to see why they appear on recommended reading lists and why they have earned numerous awards. The program looks at the essential elements of good writing and storytelling and explores positive reasons for reading. It also examines ways in which novels are challenged by students and communities. Go to this unit.

Workshop 6. What's in It for Me?
A novel can transport readers to other places and times, real or imaginary, allowing the readers to meet people and experience life in many different ways. In this program, teachers explore ways to help students respond to novels on deeply personal levels. Go to this unit.

Workshop 7. Who Am I in This Story?
A reader can take on a number of roles in a novel: the protagonist, the narrator, the author, or another character. In this program, students and novelists examine the complex ways readers may identify with characters in a novel. Go to this unit.

Workshop 8. Am I Getting Through?
In this summary, teachers examine their effectiveness in helping students comprehend and appreciate novels and become lifelong readers. Teachers also discuss and demonstrate strategies for evaluation. Go to this unit.

Authors' Notes: Part I
Writers recall the genesis of the idea for their novel. Includes: Daniel Keyes, Orson Scott Card, Ernest Gaines, J. K. Rowling, Arthur Golden, Katherine Paterson, and others.

Authors' Notes: Part II
Writers share their thoughts on the qualities of a good story, character development, and writing dialog. Includes: Arthur Golden, Nora Roberts, Horton Foote, Ernest Gaines, Katherine Paterson, and others.

Authors' Notes: Part III
Writers talk about the writing that influenced them, how they learned to write, and the importance of a point of view. Includes: Katherine Paterson, Daniel Keyes, Leslie Marmon Silko, Ernest Gaines, Arthur Golden, J. K. Rowling, and others.

Authors' Notes: Part IV
Writers discuss the importance of research and of having an editor. They dispense advice for teachers on getting students to love literature. Includes: Orson Scott Card, Nora Roberts, Katherine Paterson, Arthur Golden, Daniel Keyes and others.