Available Now: The Heart of Design Book

REHAN KHAN

The Heart of Novel Writing

Learn how to design your novel to make an emotional connection with readers

Memorable novels and stories move hearts. Yet not enough writers design books which are virtue based
and aligned with traditional belief systems.

To do this, understand how to design the setting, characters and plot, as well as learning what it takes to
become a writer of fiction who is consistent in their craft.

Pre-enroll Now

Program cohort will start on November 23 2025

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Embark on a 5-week journey with storytellers from around the world

If you are an aspiring writer or novelist, or storyteller looking to add depth and design to your existing body of writing, or hoping to complete your first novel, this 5-week writers’ journey will offer you valuable insights to construct your story for the young-adult or adult marketplace.

WEEK 1

Becoming a Writer + Setting Design

What is virtue-based storytelling and why is it important?
How to build the right habits to become a writer and artist?
How to create a writing environment and build in periods of solitude?
How to overcome writers’ blocks (technical and non-technical)?
How to undertake research without becoming lost in it?
How to use research to identify the right sources of conflict within the setting?
How to pinpoint the types of human struggle taking place within the setting?

WEEK 2

Setting Design

How to pinpoint the types of human struggle taking place within the setting? (Continued)
How to select the right type of duration?
How to select memorable locations to really set the novel apart?
How to set and recreate the emotional scene?
The role of virtue in setting design

WEEK 3

Character Design

How to build characterization?
How to ensure characters connect with the reader, evoking empathy and sympathy?
How to identify true character?
How to design concentric circles of conflict around characters?

WEEK 4

Character Design + Plot Design

How to build-in character motivations?
How to formulate balanced characters which work with each other?
The role of virtue in character design?
How the plot is a writer’s master metaphor?
How to design the arc of the plot?
What are the types of plot design?

WEEK 5

Plot Design

What are the types of plot design? (continued)
How to build the inciting incident or the trigger?
How to create conflict in the plot?
How to convey symbolism within the plot?
The role of virtue in plot design

READY TO GET STARTED?

Join the Program.

Enrol Now

Live Sessions

All registered learners will receive an email detailing weekly interactive sessions.

The weekly interactive sessions will be run on a private link for live discussion at a set time. The first session starts at the times listed below. (Note: This is one weekly two-hour session, as listed in the various time zones below. The date will vary based on your specific time zone).

*Please find more time conversions here.

The Heart of Novel writing Community

Who is it for?

Join a global community of learners on a 5-week journey of transformation. Allow Rehan Khan to guide you through this online program aimed at empowering the heart of novel writing, which enables writers and novelists to construct virtue-based stories that inspire hearts and minds as well as address our communities’ challenges.

Novelists

The art of virtue-based storytelling is ripe for revival, as the world is full of nihilistic and pop-culture stories that have little meaning to the human soul. Learn specific aspects of the craft that will allow you to complete your master metaphor, your novel.

Writers

Whether you are a fiction or non-fiction writer, learning how to become a writer, as well as how to apply the key tools of setting, character and plot will deepen your skill in the craft of writing.

Artists

Every artist tells a story through their art, whatever that may be. However, understanding
the craft of storytelling allows artists to layer their own art with deeper meaning, and connect with their audiences at a spiritual level.

Educators and Teachers

Bring your material to life, by learning how master storytellers communicate complex ideas in simple memorable ways. Distil the essence of your educational
message in a manner that will connect with your students.

Creative Professionals

Imbuing story into design is a masterful skill, which requires an understanding of the techniques of storytelling. By learning the subtle nuances of storytelling, designers will be able to create more memorable and impactful design.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Join the Program.

Enrol Now

Rehan’s writing course testimonials

Testimonials

As somebody with a yearning to write meaningful stories, but little sense of how to structure the process, Rehan’s course has been a huge blessing. Guiding us through the key building blocks of storytelling, and equipping us with the tools we need to craft and develop our ideas, Rehan has systematically shown us how to design sound foundations and frameworks for our novels. I’ve enjoyed his clear, engaging and encouraging style of teaching, and have gained a lot of creative confidence for my writing journey ahead.

Neil King

Freelance Writer, Editor & Content Creator

I have always aspired to be a writer, but I never knew 'of what kind'. This course not only helped me find my style and purpose, but it also took me through the many important components of a good piece of writing, especially a novel, that we often take for granted. While writing itself is an art that allows us to express ourselves through the beauty of language, it can also be an exacting science that I learnt from this course which helped me approach the different aspects of constructing characters, scenarios, and all other important parts of a great story that set it above a mediocre one. Thank you Rehan, I can't wait to finish writing what I have started - inspired by what I learnt!

Suhaib Jalis Ahmed

Product & Innovation Strategy

Rehan was made to teach this course. He imparts years of wisdom with the patience and experience of a great teacher. Warm and approachable, I benefited immensely from his classes, especially the important primers on building good habits to become a better writer. I think one of his unique qualities is the way Rehan combines sound scientific and sociological research to help writers better understand themselves, with a real appreciation for the fast-paced world we live in that causes endless distractions for the aspiring writer. His courses are a gem, and shouldn’t be missed.

Dr Faris Abdelhadi

Scholar

I have always felt a yearning to write. Like a skill that felt instinctive… and yet somehow forgotten. Not just writing, or more specifically drafting contracts... as I do on a daily basis as a lawyer… but the sort of writing that could convey meaningful ideas and tell uplifting stories. Up to the point of taking Rehan’s course, this yearning kept me on a constant merry-go-round of procrastination and inexperience. I desired to write, to be a writer, but I did not understand how to do so. There are two things I found most powerful about the course.

Khatija Sacranie

Finance Lawyer & Business Owner

I felt completely stuck, overwhelmed by the lack of structure or a clear plan to kickstart my writing journey. Taking Rehan’s course transformed this experience for me. It provided a practical framework that broke everything down, enabling me to view the writing process from both a macro and micro perspective. The sessions were dynamic, engaging, and thoughtfully designed. Rehan addressed our concerns with care, all while keeping us grounded in the purpose and intentions behind our writing goals. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking more than just a guide to writing a novel. It’s a series of enriching sessions packed with depth and meaning, offering valuable insights that extend far beyond writing—lessons you can carry into other areas of life.

Ruh Al-Alam

Artist, Calligrapher, Designer & Educator

This course offers an excellent breakdown of the pillars on which a novel is designed and built. Rehan's ideas are well explained with concrete evidence and examples, and a friendly, supportive tone. I particularly liked the clarity in the approach to writing character and developing plot. Rehan's approach is direct and confident, while allowing you to discover and develop your own preferred systems. The course notes are also a very helpful reference.

Flora Rees

Head of Programming at Emirates Literature Foundation

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Rehan Khan

A keen observer of history and techno-science, Rehan has always been intrigued in how ideas and inventions move from one civilisation to the next, and how they change as they shift across different cultures.

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He is the author of a Tomb of Empires (2024) a historical fiction set in 90BC in the Middle East, the Carnegie nominated A Tudor Turk trilogy (2019-2022) set in the Ottoman Empire and Tudor England, and the fantasy sci-fi series, Tales of Khayaal (2025) set on the Earth like planet of Ikleel. These gripping stories also ask readers to consider the role of virtue within the human story.

Visit rehankhan.com