***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. ***