What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Students should continue working on their novels and writing projects outside of class.Assessment
Learners writing is assessed through in class participation and in class sharing of stories. More extended tutoring, brainstorming, or editing maybe available on request in a 1:1 session.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate - Advanced Level
***Each class will be taught as a stand-alone so students can jump right in and receive value from the lesson.*** Whether you're writing a novel for your English class this year or writing a story just for fun, this on-going course will foster your creativity and teach you new techniques so you can finish your novel! Each class will start with optional story sharing, then after a 15 minute lesson on the designated subject (see below,) students will work on their stories or creative writing exercises through prompts. Learners will then be given the opportunity for one-on-one help in breakout rooms on the subject presented during that day's class. Then we will come back to the class to share what we were inspired to write. Topics will rotate through various elements of story that focus on strong writing, characterization, setting, theme, plot, and more. LESSONS to be covered by week: Each lesson will focus on a different element of writing based on the most common mistakes I see in teen authors, plus advanced techniques that are usually missing in young writers' novels. My goal is to challenge and push young authors to be the best novelists and writers they can be! I don't believe age is a determining factor in talent and ability, nor do I believe you need "talent" to be a good writer. It helps, but writing is a skill that is learned over time and practice. Class focus will rotate and are subject to change based on the needs of the writers. Rotation of subjects to be discussed: 4 ELEMENTS OF STORY with an emphasis on theme CHARACTERIZATION: The three essential things you need to know about your character CHARACTERIZATION: What is POV head hopping and how can you stop it? PLOT & CHARACTERIZATION: Conflict: How, when & why? 4 ELEMENTS OF STORY with an emphasis on setting SETTING & STRONG WRITING: How to get the setting into your novel without listing everything in the room. SETTING: How to breathe life into your setting and make it come alive PLOT: Hooking your reader with these essential elements in the first chapter THEME: How to hint to your theme in the first chapter? 4 ELEMENTS OF STORY with an emphasis on plotting PLOT: Why structure matters! STRONG WRITING on Backstory: How and When to Add it to your novel. PLOT: Action/Reaction Sequencing STRONG WRITING: Scene and Sequel: Writing a page-turner STRONG WRITING & CHARACTERIZATION: Writing Effective Emotions STRONG WRITING: Self-editing techniques ***Please let me know if you have a suggested subject and I will try to accommodate!*** ***For the best results in completing a novel during this session, I recommend taking my "Release the Novel in You" https://outschool.com/classes/creative-writing-release-the-novel-in-you-4o8RSXNY?usid=usvfOz63&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link and/or get my "Release the Novel in You" workbook on amazon. To comply with Outschool's full disclosure policy, I do receive commissions from the purchase of this novel writing workbook, however it's NOT necessary for this class. ***
Learning Goals
Students will be introduced to various subjects on novel writing on a rotating schedule as describe above.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Students should have basic knowledge of novel writing to get the most at of this writing club.
Supply List
Something to write and take notes with. Their novel WIP (work in progress) Google docs for feedback
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Oral Roberts University
My love of writing started when I was 8 years old and hasn't stopped.
I'm a published author, writing teacher, and tutor who developed these creative writing techniques when I started teaching an elective course at my kids' school over 10 years ago. I found that the novel writing books on the market held too much information for teens who just wanted to write their book, so I created one that is fun and easy to follow. What I offer my students is more content and advance techniques that other teachers may shy away from due to the complexity of the material. Over the years, I've found a way to simplify these teachings and make them fun!
“If you are thinking about publishing a book, she’s amazing. If you just want to write a story, she’s amazing. I highly recommend her classes.”– Katherine, 11 yrs old
"All writers, regardless of their age or level, need to understand the nuances of story, the layers of a character, how to put a scene together as well as how to wordsmith their stories. Enter Gina Conroy's terrifically fun and creative course for teens-Release the Novel in You! From its engaging and fun presentation, delightful acronyms, playful look at analyzing a story and application sections, it takes the rules out writing and turns it back into what it should be—fun! Practical and specific, it covers everything from story structure to characterization, to the hero's journey to writing fixes—everything an intermediate writer needs to take their story from an idea on the page to a novel." - Susan May Warren, Award-winning novelist and writing coach
Reviews
Live Group Class
$24
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
3-12 learners per class