Creative Writing - Become a Novelist With the NaNoWriMo Young Writer's Program (Ages 8 to 12)

Welcome Writers! 
National Novel Writer's Month (or NaNoWriMo) takes place in November. In this 6-week course, you will plan, write, and edit your own novel. Many NaNoWriMo writers start on November 1, but it's never too late to start writing!

We will learn about the structure of a novel. Students will create characters and outline the story arc. Students will use planning materials from the NaNoWriMo Young Writer's Program. Exciting heroes and villains will take shape. Students will analyze different types of literary conflict. Learners will also share novels and authors that inspire their own writing. Students will discuss genre and what they love about different styles of writing.

In November, we'll write, write, write. Students will share their writing progress, explore plot twists and turns, and brainstorm together. Students will have the opportunity to share excerpts of their novels and cheer each other on. Students will explore writing challenges and plot ninjas from the NaNoWriMo program.

We'll use the December sessions to learn about editing, design book covers, and write summaries. Students will discuss what to consider before finishing and publishing our novels. Students will learn how to self-publish through NaNoWriMo's partners, an optional last step.

Experience three steps of the writing process: planning, writing, and revising/editing. Grow as a writer and become a novelist with this encouraging class. 

Session Breakdown:
Day 1 - What is NaNoWriMo? Good Book Bad Book - what makes a book great? Getting Rid of Our "Inner Editors." - What the Heck Should I write About? Creating Awesome Characters and Exploring Conflict.

Day 2 - Elements of Plot. Creating Detailed Settings and Setting the Mood for Your Writing. - Getting Started With Writing! Setting Goals. Writing Really Good Dialogue.

Day 3 - Writer's Pep Talks, Plot Ninjas, and Adding Specific Sensory Details (Choose words and phrases, including similes and metaphors, that convey sensory details). 

Day 4 - Writer's Pep Talks, Plot Ninjas, and Zooming in and Slowing Down (Choosing words and phrases that develop plot and character). - Sub-plotting to move the story forward.

Day 5 - Celebrate the end of NaNoWriMo. Release the "Inner Editor!" Learn about Editing and Revising.

Day 6 - Choosing an "Exceptional Excerpt." Publishing Information and Writing a Query Letter.