Imagination Ink: Unleashing the Writer Within (Middle School)

Welcome to "Imagination Ink: Unleashing the Writer Within," an exciting and interactive novel writing class designed exclusively for middle school students! In this ongoing class, we embark on a creative journey that nurtures young minds and cultivates their passion for storytelling. Each class concentrates on a different aspect of novel writing. It does not require that a student is writing a novel and they can jump into the classes at any time as they don't build on one another. 


Discovering the Power of Words

Introduction to the magic of storytelling and the importance of imagination.
Exploration of different literary genres and their key characteristics.
Engaging writing exercises to stimulate creativity and expand vocabulary.

Times Offered:
June 1
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST
June 3
Sat 3:00PM CST

Building Memorable Characters

Techniques for creating well-rounded and relatable characters.
Character development exercises, including creating backstories and exploring motivations.
Analyzing famous literary characters to understand their depth and impact.

Times Offered: 
June 8
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST
June 10
Sat 3:00PM CST

Constructing Dynamic Settings

Understanding the significance of settings in storytelling.
Techniques for vividly describing locations and creating immersive environments.
Collaborative exercises to build fictional worlds and bring them to life.

Times Offered:
June 15
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST
June 17
Sat 3:00PM CST

Plotting Gripping Narratives

Exploring the elements of a compelling plot: conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution.
Introduction to different narrative structures, such as the three-act structure.
Developing plot outlines for original stories and refining story arcs.

Times Offered:
June 22
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST

June 24
Sat 3:00PM CST

Crafting Engaging Dialogue

Understanding the role of dialogue in conveying character traits and advancing the plot.
Practicing writing authentic and meaningful dialogue through various exercises.
Analyzing examples from literature and movies to learn effective dialogue techniques.

Times Offered:
June 29
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST
July 8
Sat 3:00PM CST

Mastering the Art of Descriptive Writing

Techniques for creating vivid descriptions that engage readers' senses.
Enhancing the atmosphere and mood through descriptive language.
Workshop-style sessions where students share and refine their descriptive writing pieces.

Times Offered:
July 13
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST
July 15
Sat 3:00PM CST

Editing and Revising

Introduction to the editing process and its importance in refining writing.
Techniques for self-editing and peer feedback.
Focusing on grammar, punctuation, clarity, and coherence in written work.

Times Offered:
July 20
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST
July 22
Sat 3:00PM CST

Publishing and Sharing

Overview of different publishing options, including traditional and self-publishing.
Discussion on the importance of sharing stories with others.

Times Offered:
July 27
Thurs 9:00AM CST
Thurs 6:00PM CST
July 29
Sat 3:00PM CST