Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Teen Creative Writing Camp

For writers eager to take their craft to the next level! Each day we'll deep dive into a different component of creative writing-- like structure, effective language, and exciting dialogue. On the final day, we talk all things publishing!
Jackson Pearce Classes: Love Writing
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(1,836)
Popular
Class

What's included

5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hours
Assignments
1 hour per week. Students are invited to complete optional writing assignments during this camp, and to submit a twenty page writing sample at the end of camp. Teachers will provide helpful feedback so students can continue to develop and grow as authors! While the homework in this class is entirely optional 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧. All homework is due within one week of class ending, though can be turned in at any time throughout the class. The teacher will provide written feedback on each assignment within one week of receiving it, though typically will provide this feedback much sooner.

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
📚 𝗧𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿! 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 📚

In this week long camp, we'll tackle five elements of creative writing. Students will have the opportunity to complete optional homework assignments for feedback from the teacher!

✏️ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲: 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁
We'll recap the basics of story structure, then delve beyond "beginning/middle/end" to discuss the concept of story structure as a whole and the value of being aware of it while writing. There's optional homework for this evening is outlining the structure of your story to receive feedback from the teacher on the overall structure, as well as point out areas that might get a little tricky once you begin writing-- like those infamous "then they travel from point A to point B!" sections!

✏️ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝘄𝗼: 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
We'll discuss effective writing-- writing that makes the reader FEEL something. We'll go over how to use word choice, sentence/paragraph structure, and camera angle to make this happen! The optional homework for this evening is to submit a sample scene from your writing, so you and the teacher can discuss where the piece shines and where it could perhaps be more effective!

✏️ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲: 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
We'll discuss writing dialogue that feels realistic and organic, rather than puppet-y. The optional homework for this evening is to submit a sample of your writing that contains dialogue for written feedback from the teacher.

✏️ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿: 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
We'll discuss our writing process and dealing with writer's block without becoming frustrated. This is a crucial skill for young creatives! The optional homework for this evening is to write down what is working in your writing process, and what isn't working (if anything isn't working, that is)-- and to come up with a strategy to overcome it! Again, the teacher will provide feedback, support, and suggestions.

✏️ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲: 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀
We'll do a brief overview of publishing-- the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and how to know which is the best option for you! The optional homework is to submit up to twenty double-spaced typed pages of your writing to receive written feedback from the teacher.

Please note that students will not write during this class-- we only have so much in-class time, and we want to make sure there's plenty of instruction and discussion time!

The homework in this class is, again, entirely optional, but 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧. All homework is due within one week of class ending, though can be turned in at any time throughout the class. The teacher will provide written feedback on each assignment within one week of receiving it, though typically will provide this feedback much sooner.
Learning Goals
Students will receive feedback on writing samples from a published author.
Students will learn in a low-stakes, supportive environment with like-minded creative peers!
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
***Class Policies (for live classes):*** 1) Students are required to have working cameras and microphones in class, positioned such that we can both see and hear them clearly for the entirety of class. Classes are a much more engaging, social, and safe experience this way. Please make sure your learners are prepared to have their camera on for our live sessions! 2) Classes with fewer than the minimum number of students required may be cancelled. I do my best to let parents know the day prior that this is a possibility! Because last minute signups are common, I try not to "officially" cancel until an hour before the class begins. 3) If no students have arrived in the classroom after ten minutes, I will exit the classroom. In some courses, rescheduling is possible, but in others I may need to offer a video or handout to catch students up on the class. Refunds are generally not offered for missed classes if a video is available. 4) I absolutely understand the need to wiggle, move, and get energy out-- but if that energy becomes disruptive, rude, or combative-- like spamming the chat, making threatening or rude gestures, holding things up to the camera repeatedly, etc-- students will generally be given a warning. If the behavior continues, they will be moved back to the waiting room. If the behavior still continues, they will be removed from class and will need to watch the video for the remainder of the information. All students deserve a supportive, focused, and pleasant learning environment! 5) Many of my classes involve writing homework that should be turned in 24 hours before the next class. If students do not turn in this homework, we will not be able to discuss their work during class, simply because no one will have had a chance to read it! Please help me encourage your students to post their work within the required time frame so they can get the most from our time together.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2018
4.9
1836reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Nelson Dean M.Ed.
Master's Degree in Education from Lehigh University
Tiffany Schmidt M.Ed.
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Davidson College
Tracy Banghart
Bachelor's Degree in English from The University of Georgia
Jackson Pearce
Bachelor's Degree in English from Agnes Scott College
Anna Dodds
Hello! My name is Jackson Pearce, and I'm the owner of Love Writing-- an organization dedicated to inspiring kids to love writing, reading, and all things language arts.

After teaching on Outschool by myself for three years, I decided to bring in some amazing teachers to teach alongside me! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀-- 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀. Information about each teacher is below; when you go to sign up for a class, you’ll see the teacher clearly labeled on the schedule so you know just who your learner will be with!

At a glance info:
-All classes are taught by award-winning published authors.
-We do not use AI to generate lessons or content-- ever!
-We offer classes for reluctant writers, casual writers, pre-professional writers, and everything in-between!
-We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment.
-We pride ourselves on classroom management and ensuring all voices are heard.
-Between us, our teachers have over 55 published books, 9 advanced degrees, and 10,000 students taught!


𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲:
I'm the author of sixteen books for tweens and teens, including the 𝘗𝘪𝘱 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵'𝘴 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 series (Scholastic), the 𝘌𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦, 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘳 series (Bloomsbury), and the 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 series (Bloomsbury). My books are published in twenty-three languages around the world, and have won multiple state and national awards. I have taught creative writing classes across the country at schools, libraries, colleges, and camps, and have taught over 7000 students here on Outschool! I also have a bachelor's in English from the University of Georgia.
I have taught creative writing classes, camps, and seminars for kids for over ten years. My approach is to teach creative writing as play— something that is to be enjoyed, experimented with, and shared. Too often I find that students are their own worst critics; I aim to remind them that there’s value and fun to be had in everything you write, whether it’s good, bad, or in-between. 
My classes are fun, informative, and engaging, and I genuinely love helping students uncover or hone their writing talents. Students are encouraged to speak and ask questions during class, and I do my best to relate the material to their likes, dislikes, and interests so they connect better with the coursework. I love teaching Wings of Fire classes, as well as book club classes!

𝗧𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘁:
In addition to spending seven years as a sixth grade teacher, I’ve taught kindergarten, preschool, and worked extensively with middle and high school writers as a tutor. I have a Master’s in Elementary Education and a B.A. in English, both from Lehigh University. 
Oh yeah, and I’m the author of nine novels for teens and tweens, as well as the momma of three impish Schmidtlets. I’m looking forward to connecting with young writers and readers on Outschool. My goal for my students is always for them to Grow and Glow—knowing it’s safe to try hard and take risks, while feeling good about what they accomplish. My teaching style is dynamic optimism and I can’t wait to write together! 

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁:
Hi! I'm the author of several young adult books, including the Grace and Fury series (Little, Brown), and the forthcoming Perfect Girl (Feiwel & Friends). I also write picture books, including the forthcoming Love Like Chocolate (Little, Brown). 
I have a BA in English from Davidson College and an MA in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University. I love creative writing and can't wait to share with you all that I've learned over the years. 
I'm also an avid journal writer, traveler, Girl Scout leader, Army wife, knitter, stained glass artist, and mom to two kiddos and three pets. I'm looking forward to writing with you!

𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹:
Saundra Mitchell is an award-winning and critically-acclaimed author of twelve novels and two non-fiction history books, and an editor of four anthologies—all for young people. She primarily writes for tweens and teens, and has spent the last fifteen years of her career fighting for the reading rights of young people, especially those from marginalized groups and backgrounds. For almost twenty years, Mitchell was also the head screenwriter and an executive producer for Fresh Films, the largest filmmaking program for teens in the world. During her tenure, she wrote more than four hundred short films, half of which competed at film festivals all around the world. Ten earned Academy Award eligibility. Mitchell also teaches creative writing and screenwriting to students of all ages, and enjoys reading, studying history, playing ttrpgs and video games, and spending time with her wife and daughters. After a lifetime in the midwest, she now resides in Maryland. Her pronouns are she/they.

𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗞. 𝗢𝗵𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
Emma K. Ohland has been telling stories since before she knew how to write them down. She grew up in the middle of a cornfield in Indiana, but her imagination often carried her away to other worlds. When she’s not writing, reading, or smelling books, she enjoys traveling, crocheting, D&D, and snuggling with her rescue greyhound. She is the award-winning author of FUNERAL GIRL as well as her upcoming novel HERE GOES NOTHING, and her work is featured in the short story anthology OUT THERE. Before publishing, she was an admissions officer of a top 50 university where she read and made decisions on over 5,000 student applications. Along with writing, she is also a private college counselor where she helps students gain admission by crafting strong personal narratives utilizing storytelling techniques. Her students have been accepted into top schools such as the UCs, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, University of Michigan, UT Austin, Northeastern, and more.

𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗱𝗱𝘀:
Anna Dodds is a published media scholar and award-winning creative writer with a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Film Studies. She has spent her whole life telling stories, and has experience with a variety of storytelling mediums, including but not limited to: prose, screenplays, Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, YouTube Videos, essays, and stop-motion animation.

𝗡𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻:
I have been a high school music teacher for fifteen years, and a high school history and English teacher for the last eleven years. In that time, I have taught a wide variety of classes including Percussion Methods, Geography, U.S. History, AP World History, AP European History, AP Art History, and AP English Language. I also serve as a College Board reader in AP European History, so the arts and humanities are a passion as well as my professional field of expertise. During the last decade, I have been my school's teacher of the year and a semi-finalist for county teacher of the year as well. I hold a B.A. in History with a minor in French and a Master of Education degree, all from the University of Georgia.
As an educator, I love to cultivate curiosity, and focus on educating in a way that is both entertaining and connective to other learning and life experiences we have - learning does us much more good when it is something that we can use and share with others! For that reason, I really believe in making learning a dialogue, and something that is shared. 
In addition to teaching language arts classes in Jackson’s organization, I also teach a variety of history classes on Outschool! Find more information on those here: https://outschool.com/teachers/Nelson-Dean

Reviews

Live Group Course
Share

$137

for 5 classes
5x per week, 1 week
50 min

Completed by 130 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
8-12 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool